His Contractual Mistress

"Oh. Were you there? I'm sorry I didn't recognize everyone who was at the party."

"Nah. I was only forced to attend." Fraine laughs nervously. She doesn't want to remember that night! 

Hailey smiled faintly and didn't return a comment. Fraine took this opportunity to ask her opinion. 

"Do you believe that I am also someone's mistress?" 

"It is your own story as I have mine. You must have your reason as I have mine as well. It's not my habit to put my nose on other's private lives. I am more concerned in mine." Hailey paused; she offered Fraine a cup of tea. "Please have some tea, Fraine."

"Thank you." 

"As your boss is my business partner now, and she entrusts you to manage the DV Gem Store branch, I want your loyalty not to reveal my real identity to anyone, even to Vincent Shen." 

"Ah, I understood! You don't need to explain it to me. I know how to keep secrets!" My existence has become this way, anyway. It seems like I live in this world to witness people living in secrets! Fraine sighs inwardly. 

"I'm glad to hear that from you, Fraine. I think we will become good friends." 

"Really? Am I allowed to be your friend?" 

Fraine's bubbliness amused Hailey. She had a new crazy friend from P Country. 

"It will be my pleasure to be your friend at the same time, your co-worker." Hailey winks at Fraine. 

"That's right! Since you own DV Gem! You are my boss now." 

"Well, technically, yes. But this is my request to you, Fraine. Since I am hiding my identity, no one should know I am the owner of DV Gem Company. I will be visiting the branch store weekly and hold a meeting twice a month with the executives. And so I need your help to watch everyone not to leak my identity." 

"Leave it to me! You can count on me!" It's my expertise! I already accept that my existence is keeping everyone's secret! Even now, I wanted to live a peaceful life, but I am always entangled with other lives!

"Thank you, Fraine. Now, are you ready with your presentation?" 

"Yes! I hope you will like it?" 

"I believe in you." 

Fraine smiled. Her admiration for this boss has increased. 

Hailey and Fraine had a further chat while they were waiting for the scheduled time of their meeting. 

Hailey took this opportunity to reveal more information to Fraine. 

"Remember, Fraine, don't mention Vincent Shen in front of my best friend. She didn't know my status in Metro City. What Kelly knew is I am only taking a course in N University.' 

"Your life is more complicated than mine. I'm only an ordinary person, so I only have a little problem. But you know what? It's the right decision that you won't reunite with your ex-fiancé. The cheater should burn to hell!" 

Hailey laughs out loud. She likes Fraine. She felt comfortable opening up to her why she came by Metro City and the rest of the story. Furthermore, she had nothing to hide anyway; Fraine is familiar with Vincent and Eva. How ironic and a beautiful coincidence. 

Later, it was Fraine's presentation. Fraine discusses the branch office for DV Inc. in P Country. 

Fraine gives two options. One is to rent an office to one of Shen Group Towers. The second option is to buy a building that was located in central Metro City. 

Fraine's presentation was both approved. They have decided. At first, the DV INC. will rent a lease in the Shen Group building while negotiating an old building to purchase. 

According to Fraine, she did some research, and most of the buildings are giving a high price. And so, they have to negotiate very carefully. 

So in the time being, they will better rent an office until they could build the DV Inc. Asia Branch Office. 

They targeted Asian customers, not travel to Dubai, but they can purchase personalized jewelry designed by visiting Asian Branch. 

This means it will be good tourism for P Country. And Hailey was happy because it will be a good impact on Vincent and a good business for Metro City. 

"Fraine, that was a very wonderful presentation. I like your ideas." Hailey clapped her hands after Fraine delivered her presentation. 

"Thank you, Miss Hailey. Once we purchased the desired location, I suggest hiring the Shen Group to design your building. But I heard Shen Group can make a good deal with these buildings. They are good at convincing the owners! No one could refuse them. They are good at negotiating those owners who think their crappy old buildings are made of gold." 

Everyone laughs at Fraine's jest. They give her around applause. Now that the meeting is over, Hailey and Kelly treat everyone to dinner. 

Fraine was mesmerized at the private room Hailey rented for them. Wealthy people know how to waste money. Not to mention that this person is Vincent Shen's girlfriend, whose identity is secret. 

"Everyone would be shocked and dropped their jaw once they knew that you are the owner of DV INC.," she mumbled. 

Hailey chuckled nervously. "Why don't you drink?" 

"Ah. I have to avoid it. Doctor advice." Or just an annoying person. Fraine mumbled inwardly. And, speaking of the devil, he is texting at her at the moment. 

"It's time for you to take your medicine." 

Fraine frowned. Even she was across the desert; this guy could still stir her blood to boil. 

'What he thinks of me? A five years old has to be reminded from time to time?' 

Fraine took out her notes and checked out the medical records she's writing on her notes. She counted the hours of the last time she took her medicine. After relying on her fingers, the schedule she has to retake is half an hour from now. 

As she didn't reply to the first text, and now another one arrives. 

"I just wanted to remind you since you are in a different timezone." 

Fraine pursed her lips. It annoys her how tenacious this guy but at times like this, she has no reason to get angry. However, she doesn't feel like replying. 

* 

Metro City, P Country 

He was tapping his fingers on the table as he's growing impatient. It has been fifteen minutes that passed, but the woman didn't reply to him even once. 

He furrowed his eyebrows staring at his phone for fifteen minutes. 

'Should I call her?' He's debating whether to do it now or later. 

"Ahem! Director Lopez, everyone had arrived. Shall we begin the meeting?" Whispered by his assistant. 

Director Lopez glared at his assistant before he swept his gaze to the faces in front of him who was waiting for him patiently. 

"Alright. Let's begin with the upcoming car show and then follow with the progress of the preparation for the concert next week." 

'Whatever!' He conceals his irritation before he could vent his anger to his innocent employees. 

He places down his phone on the table but frequently checks the screen if a new message has arrived. 

*

EXTRA SCENE: 

"So, how long would you stay here?" asked Hailey. She and Fraine are now having tea after the girl avoids drinking any liquor. 

"Well, my flight back is tomorrow evening." 

"Why don't you come with me? Vince is going home next week, so I must go back to P Country soon." 

"Oh! Are we going to take your plane?" 

Hailey nodded at the bubbly girl. 

"Okay! I'll tell my boss that I will spend more days here!" 

"Says, I invited you to stay for a few days." 

"Okay!" Fraine had a broad smile across her face while her eyes twinkled with silliness. She took out her phone and typed on it. 

Meanwhile, Director Lopez immediately picks up his phone when it vibrates, indicating a new message has arrived. 

"I will stay here for a whole week." 

It is what the text says that made him furious. 

"What the f...ck!" 

Everyone in that Meeting Room turned their heads and gaped at him with curiosity. 

'And what is his problem this time?' Everyone murmured inwardly.