In that moment, Linda and the team felt they'd followed the right person. Regardless of the young mistress's actual abilities, she was willing to stand up for them and fiercely protective of her own.
"Alright, meeting starts." Janelle wasted no more time, launching into the day's agenda. Project team members began presenting their plans and feasibility assessments.
The five new recruits were fresh graduates. They were undoubtedly talented but lacked experience. Seeing Janelle's impassive expression during their reports made them nervous.
Linda also spotted the issues. Though she hadn't graduated long ago, she'd participated in numerous projects during university. "Miss Rovella, they're just out of school. It's normal to have problems."
Young people needed opportunities to grow; no one was born knowing everything. But they had to secure this project, or the young mistress's position would become extremely difficult. Linda was also stressed; leading a team of novices carried the risk of failure.
Janelle nodded. "Each of you has issues to varying degrees. That's why Blue Whale rejected you before. But regardless, since I brought you in, I'll guide you through this project together. I hope this experience will mature you."
Janelle pinpointed the flaws in each presentation and provided direct solutions for efficient resolution.
Linda was stunned. She'd assumed the young mistress wouldn't be much help with the project. Now, it seemed Miss Rovella was the team's true backbone.
The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed to revise their plans. Linda lingered.
"What is it, Linda? Something on your mind?"
"Miss Rovella… you remind me so much of your mother. Madam was a truly formidable businesswoman."
A woman that capable, yet she trusted Westin, trusted love… and ended up with such a fate. Love was such a fucking curse.
With Janelle steering, the project progressed rapidly. Janelle ate lunch in her office since the team was working overtime; it felt wrong to leave alone. Linda had ordered her takeout.
Just as she was about to open the container, Erik's call came through. Janelle answered and placed the phone on her desk.
"What?"
"Can't I call you without a reason? Have you eaten? I'm downstairs at your company."
Janelle frowned. This man really had too much free time.
"Come down for lunch."
Glancing at the takeout, Janelle put it aside and went downstairs.
Erik's car was conspicuous. She spotted it immediately, walked over, and got into the passenger seat.
Erik opened a food container revealing several dishes, nutritionally balanced and visually appealing – color, aroma, and flavor all present.
Janelle was surprised. "You made these?"
Erik held out his hand. The man's distinctly knuckled fingers bore several small cuts.
"…"
"It hurts, Janelle. Don't worry! I'll learn to cook properly. I tried today, but it really didn't turn out well." The wounds were clear proof the man was no natural in the kitchen.
"Then who made these?"
"I hired a nutritionist. Since you don't eat much, I figured you'd just grab something from the cafeteria or takeout at the office, barely eating anything. So I brought this over."
"Eat up. Have more." Watching her eat so little every time made him ache.
Erik handed her chopsticks.
Seeing the cuts on his hand, Janelle felt a tiny flutter in her chest.
Instead of taking the chopsticks, she gently blew on his injured fingers.
Erik's fingers twitched involuntarily, and his heart clenched.
"Feeling sorry for me?" The little minx's heart was softer than she let on.
"No." Janelle took the chopsticks and started eating.
The nutritionist's meal was balanced, but her appetite remained poor. Erik ladled her a bowl of ginseng soup. She drank a few sips and barely touched the dishes.
"Don't like it? I'll find a different nutritionist." Eating so little meant this one wasn't working.
Seeing her stop, Erik took the chopsticks and bowl from her and finished the remaining food himself.
After packing the containers away, he noticed she looked tired. He adjusted her seat back.
"Sleep. Half an hour. I'll wake you."
"Mm." Janelle didn't resist. She closed her eyes, her sleep quality often poor. She intended just to rest; the afternoon held much work.
She hadn't expected to actually fall asleep. She knew this man was dangerous, yet beside him, she could lower all her defenses.
Erik spread a small blanket over her. Watching her sleeping face, he couldn't resist pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Erik didn't nap. For thirty minutes, he didn't play games or smoke. He simply sat quietly beside her.
Janelle woke up still dazed. Seeing her like this for the first time, Erik pulled her into his arms.
Not fully awake, she didn't struggle against his embrace.
"You're adorable when you just wake up," Erik's voice was warm with amusement.
"Erik, let go." Their position was dangerously prone to ignite sparks – she sat on his lap, facing him.
"Won't. Janelle, does your project team need more people? How about I join?"
Janelle gave him a look that said, Figure it out yourself.
The formidable Mr. Lorenz joining her project team? Absurd.
"What? Think I'm not good enough?" Was he actually being looked down on?
"Erik, I will take back Blue Whale myself. I don't want anyone else involved." She refused any outside help. It was her mother's legacy; she would reclaim it honorably.
"You…" Faced with this stubborn girl, he truly felt helpless. The longer he spent with her, the more he was drawn in.
"It's time. I need to go back." Janelle tried to get off his lap. The man was dangerous. And he kept tempting her.
"Kiss me and I'll let you go." Erik's large hands stayed firmly locked around her waist, refusing to release her.
The man could be such a rogue sometimes. A ridiculously handsome rogue.
Janelle pressed a quick kiss to his chin.
"Satisfied?"
Yet, in the next instant, he drew her close and captured her lips in a fiery kiss.