Chapter 8 The Cunning Hayley
- Felicia cleared her throat with delicate precision, her voice slicing through the murmurs of the meeting room. "Alright, today's agenda revolves around our upcoming competition. Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Alice and Anastasia, our two esteemed designers selected for this prestigious event."
- Anastasia raised her eyes, locking them with Alice's challenging gaze. The stakes were high—triumph in this competition promised not just personal acclaim but a significant financial boon for the company. The room hummed with unspoken tension and competitive fervor.
- Felicia, exuding confidence and authority as a seasoned director, assessed the situation with a practiced eye. Her gaze swept over the room, settling momentarily on Anastasia. Yet, Anastasia's thoughts were elsewhere, drifting to Elliot, her focus slipping away.
- Her mother had made innumerable sacrifices for him. Though Elliot was but a child of five, Anastasia felt a deep-seated resentment that clouded her thoughts. She wished to keep her distance, but the lingering bitterness refused to be forgotten.
- "Anastasia, please share your insights," Felicia's voice pierced the reverie, pulling Anastasia back to the present.
- Startled, Anastasia blinked, her mind scrambling to catch up. "Um... Director Evans, could you clarify which aspect you're referring to?"
- "Anastasia, were you daydreaming just now?" Elliot's brow furrowed slightly, his tone edged with disapproval.
- The chuckles from the other designers echoed around her, making Anastasia's face flush with a heat of embarrassment. She struggled to regain her composure.
- Felicia, her voice a soothing balm to Anastasia's discomfort, gently reminded her, "Please discuss the key selling points of your competition entry."
- With a deep breath, Anastasia drew upon her expertise, her confidence blooming like a well-tended flower. She passionately detailed the distinctive materials and collectible value embedded in her design, her words painting a vivid picture of her vision. Yet, her gaze couldn't help but drift back to Elliot's piercing stare, compelling her to avert her eyes once more.
- As the meeting drew to a close, Elliot remained an enigmatic figure, his silence a stark contrast to the room's animated discussions.
- "Anastasia, stay behind for a review. The rest may leave," Elliot's voice cut through the din, his tone resolute.
- Anastasia, who had just raised her water bottle to her lips, nearly choked upon hearing his directive. The room's gaze turned amused, adding to her discomfort.
- As the others exited, Anastasia rolled her eyes in exasperation and spoke first, "Mr. Presgrave, I acknowledge my lapse. It won't happen again."
- Elliot, unfazed by her apology, shifted the topic. "Why didn't you accept the house I sent you yesterday?" His tone was calm but carried an undertone of curiosity.
- Anastasia's response was swift and firm. "I've said it before, I won't accept favors from your family."
- Elliot's expression remained inscrutable as he continued, "You should consider your son. The neighborhood I selected offers superb facilities, including a prestigious kindergarten and top-notch security, ideal for raising a child."
- The offer was undeniably alluring. For Anastasia, ensuring her son had access to exceptional education and a safe environment was of paramount importance. Yet, she remained resolute.
- "No, thank you. I can ensure my son receives the best," she responded firmly. To her, emotional support and companionship were far more valuable than material wealth. Even in modest circumstances, she believed in finding happiness as long as her son was by her side.
- Elliot's brow creased in contemplation, his gaze lingering on this determined woman. He felt a pang of conflict, torn between his professional demeanor and personal feelings.
- "In the future, unless it's work-related, please refrain from contacting me," Anastasia stated, gathering her files with a determined air and making her exit.
- Elliot watched her leave, a sigh escaping his lips. Her departure left him with a complex blend of longing and resignation.
- Later that afternoon, Anastasia received a call from her father, inviting her to dinner the next day. He wished to see her. After a moment of indecision, she agreed, realizing it was time to return home.
- In his opulent executive office, Elliot sat in a state of focused intent, listening to his assistant's detailed report. "Find me information about Anastasia's son's father," he instructed with a decisive tone. Material gifts had failed to sway her; he needed a different approach.
- "Understood," Rey responded immediately, setting off to gather the necessary information.
- Just then, Elliot's phone rang. Seeing Hayley's name on the screen, he answered, his voice softening with warmth. "Hello," he greeted.
- "Elliot, are you busy with work? Would you be free for dinner tonight?" Hayley's voice was eager, laced with anticipation.
- "Of course, I'll book a restaurant," Elliot agreed.
- "I'll wait for you to pick me up," Hayley replied, her excitement palpable.
- "Alright," Elliot hung up, a faint smile touching his lips as thoughts of Hayley flitted through his mind. He couldn't replicate the intensity of their past encounters, but her image lingered in his thoughts.
- He recalled the woman's soft lips, the lingering scent of her perfume, and the way every sigh and moan had stirred him. Yet, her voice now felt discordant. Five years had passed; perhaps people had changed. Elliot was determined to make amends for that night, which had irrevocably altered her life.
- At a lavish restaurant, Hayley appeared resplendent in a new Chanel dress. Her appearance was further enhanced by luxurious cosmetics and a talented makeup artist, transforming her from merely attractive to a vision of elegance. The restaurant's opulent ambiance seemed to accentuate her allure, drawing admiring glances from every corner.
- "Elliot, cheers," Hayley raised her glass, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him with admiration. Their acquaintance had spanned nearly three weeks, and Elliot had consistently treated her with exceptional kindness.
- Yet, Hayley desired more. She yearned for marriage, to be his wife. The wealth she had tasted was intoxicating; she was terrified of losing it. The luxury of her new Chanel dress, the ease of having designer handbags and diamond jewelry at her fingertips—she had grown accustomed to this life and was unwilling to return to poverty.
- With Anastasia's return to the country, Hayley feared that if the truth of their past were to emerge, her world would crumble. She was determined to prevent that from happening.
- After a sumptuous dinner, Elliot personally escorted Hayley back to her opulent villa. As she alighted from the car, Hayley, her voice tinged with playful charm, invited him, "Elliot, would you like to come in for some tea?"
- "No, I have other commitments," Elliot declined with polite firmness.
- "But I feel uneasy alone. I'd prefer your company," Hayley's voice took on a note of vulnerability, her charm in full display.
- "I'll arrange for Natasha to come over and keep you company," Elliot suggested, reaching for his phone.
- "No need. I only want you to stay with me," Hayley persisted, her eyes pleading.
- "I have pressing work to attend to. Perhaps another time," Elliot responded gently, his gaze warm but resolute. "Rest well. Goodnight."
- Disappointed, Hayley could not muster any more flirtation. She reluctantly nodded, "Alright then."
- Watching Elliot's car drive away, Hayley bit her lip, a shiver of longing coursing through her. She yearned to be held, cherished, and enveloped in his embrace. Determined, she resolved to find a way to win him over, no matter the cost.