Date The CEO.com

Chapter 161: Here for Business or for Pleasure?

"I-I-That's wonderful! Your health is always important!"

"Don't beat around the bush," Ambryan frowned. "I already heard what you said. What else about the product placement are you having trouble with?"

Eve hid her laugh with a cough. She took a step back and let Ambryan handle the rest. Although it was interesting to see the director's change of attitude, she had business to attend to. 

The group had taken a break since Sam became preoccupied. She walked around, inspecting the area. Equipment had been regularly cleaned. The snack table was free of molds and insects. No dangerous wires lay on the ground for anyone to trip over. 

The environment seemed to pass.

A red ball hit the side of her shoe.

"Ah! I'm sorry, miss!" A member of the crew wailed. She held a box of props in her arms. Eve noticed the young woman. She looked to be younger than most of the people around. Her clothes were all in shades of black, easily blending to the background.

Eve bent her legs and picked up the ball. "Let me help you with that."

"Oh! Thank you!" The young woman sighed. She moved the ball in a much better position so it wouldn't fall again. Her head whirled towards the director. "You're with the CEO, huh?"

"Ah," Eve replied, following her line of sight. "I'm his secretary, yes."

The young woman bit her bottom lip. She lifted the box higher to hide her face and leaned closer to Eve. She spoke in a whisper. "Is it really hard working for him?"

Eve couldn't help but chuckle. "Anything can be hard when a person has no experience. I'd consider myself lucky to be given this job even when I had just graduated."

"Getting a job after graduation is hard, yes!" 

She peeled her eyes off the two men and focused on the young woman. She let her go first, accompanying her to a different table. "Have you worked here long?"

"A couple of months. I joined when they needed a new crew team for the series."

"Everyone is treating you well?"

"There are good days and there are bad days," the young woman explained. She set the box down and checked the items once more. "When things aren't going well, it's normal for someone to be upset or angry. We just gotta learn not to take it personally."

Eve nodded at her words. The crew member had a good head on her shoulders. She hoped that the young woman would have a blossoming career. They talked more about their work, Eve learning more about the studio this way.

It alerted her of any problems faced by the crew. 

Then, her phone vibrated in her pocket.

Still distracted by the conversation, Eve took it out casually. Her fingertip touched the sensor and unlocked the phone. She laughed at a joke made by the young woman but when she saw the screen, her eyes widened. 

The top bar had turned into purple. 

"Who is it?" The young woman asked, slightly concerned. 

"Uh, no one." Eve hid the phone behind her back. She almost turned her head in Ambryan's direction. Last time she checked, he was talking to the director. Perhaps he made a mistake and accidentally dialed the call feature in the DTC app.

The young woman wasn't fooled. 

She nudged the secretary's side. "Is it your boyfriend?"

"What? No."

"But you're all red!" She giggled. Her hand rummaged through the box and raised a round object up to Eve's face. "You're as red as this ball you picked up."

"I am not." The secretary scoffed, feeling the phone vibrate again. She picked it up a second time. The same screen greeted her sight. How was Ambryan calling Evangeline at a time like this? Was it to update her on their talk? 

But why now?

"Aw, come on. There's a private bathroom right over there. You can take it while your boss is distracted." The young woman pointed her thumb over her shoulder. "I'm sure your boyfriend misses you if he's still calling."

"It could be an emergency," Eve pointed out despite knowing it wasn't true.

"Only one way to find out...."

Eve opened her mouth, ready to reject the offer. 

But her phone vibrated for the third time.

Blood rushed into her cheeks. Maybe she was overthinking it but the young woman really had a way with words. There was no hiding it now. She bowed her head and tucked a stray strand behind her ear. "Um, please don't tell anyone."

"Scout's honor!" The young woman saluted, winking at the same time. She stepped aside and let Eve pass by. "He's not looking this way so you're good."

Without a second's hesitation, Eve beelined for the restroom. If Ambryan had the chance to call Evangeline, he wouldn't be looking for his secretary any time soon. She gave herself five minutes just to be sure. The restroom only had one toilet.

Eve took a deep breath. Her heart pounded against her sternum. She lost count how many moments it had done that for the past weeks. Her hand checked the door knob one more time. 

'Here goes nothing.' She pressed the phone against her ear. "You're calling way more than usual worried about something?"

Outside, Sam snapped his fingers. He found a scene where they could put the product placement in the pilot episode. He glanced over his shoulder only to find Ambryan a few paces away. He hit his forehead.

If this was a serious call, who knew how long he'd have to wait.

Ambryan found a secluded spot among the crowded set. He had one hand in his pant pocket as he faced a wall. "There's going to be a party at a month's time."

Eve blinked, her eyebrows shooting up. She had an inkling on what this party was going to be. The invitations hadn't been out yet though. The event was still at the beginning stages of preparation. 

"You called just for that? Aren't you busy?"

"Not at the moment."

Liar!' Eve wanted to scream. They couldn't stay in the studios for long. Work waited for them back in the office. These were things Evangeline shouldn't know about though. It would be weird to call him out.

What would be her response then? 

Eve blew at her bangs, deciding to wing it. "Should I be flattered that you chose to spend your free time with me?"

Ambryan shuffled his feet. "Are you?"

She shook her head. He was doing it again. This was the same as their conversation about kissing in public. She wasn't having any of it. At least, not at the moment while at work. 

"I have to go."

"Why? Worried about something?"

"Why should I be?" Eve shot back, her jaw dropping in disbelief. What was the right reaction in this scenario? "Aren't you around to protect me?"

She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. Evangeline had always portrayed an image of independence. The model had never relied on Ambryan for something specific. This relationship was for his benefit after all. 

Eve bit her tongue and swallowed a groan. What was Ambryan thinking of her now?

Director Sam rubbed his eyes. 

Did he just see the CEO smile?

Ambryan turned his face towards the wall, his body remaining in the same direction. "I did tell you that I'd be there to catch you, didn't I? It wouldn't be good to turn back on my promise."

Eve stared at the door and tried to imagine his figure outside. This was the same man here on a business trip. He was also the same man who placed work first. His words were always straight to the point and concise. He disliked being disturbed by other parties during office hours.

Now, he was more than okay to flirt over the phone!

"Are you sure you don't have a twin?" Eve asked. 

"Positive."

"This is actually coming from you?"

"Yes."

"Wow" Eve breathed out. This was was great progress! Yeah, that had to be it. Who knew this whole thing was actually working? "I bet your mother would be happy to hear you're slowly being open to a relationship."

"Hm," Ambryan scowled. 

Director Sam flinched. The talk didn't seem to be going well. That meant the CEO would come back in a bad mood. Depending on how serious it was, their conversation could either go well or go terribly. 

He prayed that the call would end on a good note.

Eve stayed inside the bathroom. Had she said something wrong? She just stated the reason why they were even talking in the first place. Avery's scheme was serving its purpose. Eve was just as surprised to see it had worked.

But why did her words taste like poison in her mouth?

She clenched her free hand. 

"About the party, just tell me the date and time. I will be there," Eve said, breaking the silence. "Should I wear violet like the other day? Or do you have another color in mind?"

Ambryan smoothed out the frown lines between his brows. "I'll send you the details of a dressmaker. She'll take your measurements and customize coordinated outfits for the both of us."

"Oh, um"

"Don't worry about the cost," he cut in as if he could read her mind. "It's the company's anniversary. We have to look our best in my own party."