Maria's heart swelled as applause rang through the audience, where she stood on the stage of Minchstone High School's arena.
The huge space was filled this time with her colleagues, students arranged in three neat rows, and members of the board seated at the prestigious high table—including Miles and Daniel.
As the host took over, she moved to her seat beside Jenny in the staff-only front row. The stares of admiration from the audience and the constant flashes of cameras made her heart nearly burst with pride.
Her blush pink dress, accented with black lace, hugged the delicate curves of her body perfectly.
Her hair fell in soft waves that framed her beautiful face and slanted eyes.
A smile of pure fulfillment rested on her red, plump lips.
"You looked so pretty out there," Jenny whispered into her ear as the host addressed the audience.
"Oh my God, thank you!" Maria laughed lightly.
This was one of the best days in her life—the obvious awe in people's faces as they watched her speak made it even better.
Some couldn't even stop themselves from clapping beforehand.
The way the high table had stared—Mrs. Genova included—trying not to appear impressed.
And Miles…his eyes and that smirk, as if he knew how much further she was sinking into his orbit.
Maria's heart skipped.
The downside of all of this hung over her like a dark cloud.
Most of the people in this room would immediately see her as undeserving the minute her involvement with Miles became known.
Still, he looked so good in the silk-blend dark gray suit he wore.
This time, she couldn't enjoy a glimpse of his chest beneath his shirt, thanks to his neatly arranged tie.
Crystal was right—she had been lying about her lack of attraction to him.
It was overwhelming to be wanted by a man like Miles…let alone baited as was her case.
All except the students stood as they proceeded after the host toward the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The members of the high table halted, followed by the rest of the staff.
Maria guided herself carefully into position between Miles and Daniel.
The green ribbon stretched boldly before them as she kept her gaze fixed on the cameras, maintaining a professional smile despite being acutely aware of their presence.
A fancy white pair of scissors was handed to Miles. She turned as the handler gestured for her to join him.
They were to cut the ribbon together.
She swallowed, meeting his amused eyes briefly before slipping her fingers over his to hold the scissors.
It was as if she'd forgotten he was the CEO.
"We will now proceed with the ribbon cutting in three…two…one," the host announced.
The snap of the scissors came instantly, followed by a flurry of camera clicks capturing Miles and Maria together—CEO and Project Lead.
Applause followed as members of the board stepped forward to take pictures with Maria. Daniel deliberately refused to take his picture second after Miles, choosing instead to wait until last.
Maria smiled politely and extended her hand for a handshake to him, as she had done with the others.
Daniel ignored it.
Instead, he pulled her firmly into himself with one arm around her waist, wearing an infuriatingly charming smile.
Maria immediately tried to hide her discomfort as he bent to press his cheek against hers.
"I'm so proud of you," he murmured, rubbing gently as his grip tightened—a warning.
She forced a smile and relaxed into his hold as the cameras clicked.
The crowd reacted instantly.
"Oooh, what an adorable couple."
Then he pecked her lightly on the cheek before finally releasing her.
Maria subtly hid her face, ashamed. Daniel had to be her worst nightmare come true.
The host announced for the staff to come forward for pictures.
As she turned, her eyes met Miles'.
It looked as though he had already been watching her.
And he looked pissed.
She quickly looked away, swallowing her nerves as her colleagues gathered around her.
Jenny slipped beside her, hooking her arm playfully through Maria's as staff began dispersing slowly, some lingering for individual pictures with Miles and getting more acquainted with some of the board members after their group photo with Maria.
"It is the season of hotness in our company, Maria," Jenny whispered, eyes fixed ahead.
"What are you talking about?" Maria asked as she followed Jenny's gaze to a member of the board—a good-looking man in a black suit, grey eyes behind transparent glasses, and brown hair.
He flashed a kind smile at two staff members greeting him.
"Mr. Mark," Maria said, recognizing him, then smiled at Jenny. "You could go say hi."
Jenny scoffed. "That'll kill my mystery. I was skeptical about attending the after-party, but I think I might be a little interested now."
"There's an after party?" Maria asked, surprised.
"Oops," Jenny covered her mouth playfully, still side-eying Mark. "That was supposed to be the host's line. But yes—there is. A sort of compensation for shareholders, rich well-wishers, and friends of GOATASTE."
"So no work tomorrow?" Maria asked.
"Nope," Jenny replied, waving subtly at Mark who returned it with a smirk. "We're cheering to the weekend at the party."
**
"Sir," Rhea called urgently as she hurried behind Miles into the garage where his sleek black Mercedes was parked.
The car beeped in response to the press of his key just as she caught up with him almost, slightly out of breath.
"Your mom, sir," she said quickly. "She's asking to see you."
Miles paused. He considered it—but he didn't want to go back in there. He was too angry.
"Tell her I have an emergency. We can speak in the evening."
"Sir," Rhea said softly. "Is everything okay?"
Miles exhaled. The event had already gone far enough—but that wasn't the real reason he was leaving.
He couldn't stand the way Daniel had touched Maria.
The way Daniel had held her waist.
Gripping the car handle, he turned to Rhea with a composed expression.
"Make sure everything is in order," he said. "If there's any need for top-ups for the event planners before the after-party, let me know before funds are disbursed."
"Yes, sir,"
Just then Miles caught movement in his peripheral vision.
Daniel was approaching—with Maria. Their arms were hooked together.
Daniel waved.
Miles resisted the urge to roll his eyes as they neared, Maria subtly avoided his gaze.
"We were just leaving too, big bro," Daniel said as they reached.
"Hello Mr Daniel," Rhea greeted warmly, deliberately ignoring Maria.
Maria swallowed under Miles' gaze. "Good afternoon, sir."
He didn't respond.
His eyes dropped instead to where her arm was linked with Daniel's. The curve of her hips brushing against him.
Miles didn't care.
He wanted her to see just how much it infuriated him.
Even if Daniel was her so-called boyfriend.
"The launch was a success," Miles said, tearing his gaze away as he opened the car door.
"We look forward to seeing you tonight at the party," Daniel said after him.
"Mmmhmm," Miles replied, sliding into the driver's seat.
"You all, enjoy the rest of your day."
He shut the door before anyone could respond.
The car reversed smoothly out of the garage but not before Miles caught Maria's gaze in the side mirror, still following him.
**
Maria smiled as she stared at herself in the mirror.
The dress she had picked at the boutique with Daniel draped elegantly over her body, at least he had let her choose this time.
It was made of smooth satin in a metallic gray, with a cowl neckline, gathered at the side by a bold silver ring before falling gracefully to her legs.
Silver heels completed the look.
Her hair was styled differently now, her makeup bolder, her lips a mix of crimson and gloss.
Daniel had been unusually nice today—promising to return her car over the weekend as a reward for her dedication so far to the project.
She scoffed as she crossed to pick up her clutch, retrieving her phone.
Daniel had said he would send a driver.
The event was set for 8:30 pm.
It was almost 8.
Maria sat on the bed to wait, she didn't want to go out and give Crystal another chance to pry—especially after Daniel's stunt earlier, captured by cameras…including their filming team.
She sighed, leaning back, eyes closing as she stretched slightly from the earlier activities of the day.
Her memory replayed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Miles' fingers brushing hers.
His cologne lingered like a soft sea breeze as they stood close.
Her lips parted slightly, remembering the sensation those fingers had sent rushing through her body.
Miles was too much for her—he knew it.
And he didn't care.
The pressure of his control was the same, even in public, like he wasn't hiding the way she was.
Somehow, she prayed he would forfeit the after-party; it would be easier to get through the night if he weren't there, acting the way he had earlier.
Her fingers tightened around the sheets beneath her as another memory surfaced of the impressive proof of his desire pressed into her curves.
The strain in his voice as he struggled to maintain control.
Her phone vibrated, snatching her aggressively from her lewd thoughts.
She sat up and reached for it.
A missed call.
Then a message: Outside for Miss Maria.
She grabbed her purse and hurried downstairs.
Crystal was already seated in the living room.
"Oh?" Crystal said, raising a brow as she monitored Maria moving to the door. "An after party and I didn't get an invite?"
She pouted.
Maria gave a polite smile as she opened the door. "It's staff only."
And before Crystal could respond, she stepped outside.
A white Range Rover waited. The chauffeur stood by the open passenger's door.
Maria entered, her eyes immediately catching a bouquet of red roses resting beside her. The chauffeur closed the door and took his place in the driver's seat, beginning to drive out of the estate.
She picked the bouquet, inhaling its fragrance before noticing a small white-and-gold embroidered note tucked within.
Congratulations on our project,
Baby.
—Daniel.
Maria's jaw tightened.
She hated it.
His pretentious affection.
If he hadn't been pressing her so hard, she could have gone through this stage much earlier.
She dropped the flowers and note aside.
Infuriated by Daniel's audacity.