C13 Meet Me!

I accompanied Mateo to view some properties.

Recalling his unsavory antics with Riley in the model home earlier, I decided to take him to the most sought-after housing districts, bustling with potential buyers.

We toured three homes in succession, and Mateo was pleased with each one.

While I stepped away to retrieve some paperwork, he received a phone call that left him visibly distressed. Once he hung up, he turned to me and said, "Aveline, something urgent has come up. Could you do me a favor? Rest assured, once I handle this, I'll be right back to sign for all three properties."

A wave of apprehension washed over me, but I inquired, "What do you need? I'm not sure if I'll be of assistance."

Mateo earnestly replied, "Today's my mother's birthday, and it completely slipped my mind. My sister just gave me an earful over the phone, saying my mom is at home calling me heartless. She insisted I bring a nice gift. I'm clueless about these things. You're a woman; could you help me pick out something suitable at the mall?"

It seemed like a minor request, and helping him meant he'd purchase the three houses—a win for me.

Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the grand entrance of Loxford's largest shopping center, the National Mall. Together, we ventured inside to select a present for his mother.

I led him straight to a jade boutique.

Gifting jade might be conventional, but it's auspicious and always appropriate.

Mateo chose a fine jade Ruyi, a symbol of good fortune.

The sales associate was about to wrap it when a sultry voice at the entrance called out, "Hello, Director Haineville!"

The name "Director Haineville" sent a shiver down my spine.

I resisted the urge to turn around, reassuring myself that there were plenty of people with that surname—it couldn't possibly be him.

But then, the familiar, rich baritone behind me shattered my illusion of comfort.

"Carry on, I'm just browsing," he said casually. Without missing a beat, Mateo approached him with warm eagerness, "Mr. Haineville? What a surprise to encounter someone of your stature here. Are you inspecting the mall?"

Mateo's remark jogged my memory about the National Buildings Commercial Building being owned by the Haineville family. No wonder I ran into him while picking out a gift.

I kept my head down, feigning interest in the jade ornaments, allowing them to exchange pleasantries as if I were just another bystander.

Wesley's voice carried a hint of nonchalance, "Just stopping by for a look? This isn't an official inspection, is it, Mr. Matthew? Are you shopping for a girlfriend?"

Despite the distance, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if there were needles pricking my skin.

No sooner had Wesley spoken than I felt an arm drape over my shoulder. Mateo pulled me close, teasing, "Mr. Haineville, you jest. She's not a girlfriend, just a little sister I've known from before. I might be interested, but whether the sentiment is reciprocated by the 'flowing waters' remains to be seen."

There was no escaping now.

I straightened up, nodded respectfully to Wesley, and murmured, "Director Haineville."

Though Wesley's face was graced with a smile, it inexplicably sent a chill down my spine. "Taking a stroll during work hours, Aveline? Do you think my company is a playground?"

Before I could respond, Mateo clapped his forehead, chuckling, "Silly me, I forgot. Aveline is now part of Mr. Haineville's Real Estate Company. She's technically on duty, but I coerced her into helping me with some shopping during a property viewing. I'll be investing in a few of your properties shortly, so I hope you'll overlook this on behalf of a modest client like myself."

With Mateo speaking up for me, I decided to stay silent and keep my head down.

Wesley let out a bemused laugh, "Customer is king. My employee here has said she'd do anything for a sale. As long as she's bringing in revenue, I'm more than happy to reap the benefits."

"As long as it's all right with you, Mr. Haineville. Heh, heh."

Right on cue, the sales associate finished packaging the jade scepter. Mateo accepted it, gestured for me to follow, and we prepared to take our leave from Wesley.

To my surprise, Wesley suddenly extended an invitation: "Mr. Mateo, it's not often we get together, and I've heard you're quite the player on the court. I'm feeling a bit restless myself; how about we head upstairs to the ballroom for a few games?"

It was a rarity for Wesley to extend such a personal invitation.

"Absolutely, Mr. Haineville. I'd be thrilled to learn from you," Mateo replied, visibly flattered and his face flushed with excitement. His trembling lips betrayed just how moved he was, nearly to the point of tears.

Wesley took the lead, his elegantly dressed companion by his side.

Mateo beckoned me to follow them.

As Wesley turned, his glance swept over me, piercing and deliberate, sending an uncomfortable shiver down my spine.

Yet, with the prospect of the lucrative deal for the three properties firmly in my mind, I steeled myself and kept close behind Mateo.