A few days after the dramatic confrontation with Five Star Softwares, a sense of cautious optimism, layered over a lingering tension, hung in the VH Group headquarters. The immediate crisis was over, and the company was now positioned for growth, thanks to the massive validation from their legal victory.
In the spacious, modern conference room, Nick, Ethan, Tony, Ellie, Freya, Maria, Joy, and James were assembled for a crucial strategy meeting. Nick, looking sharp and incredibly focused, stood at the head of the long mahogany table, detailing the new direction.
“Our recent legal success has not only cleared our name but has also impressed the market,” Nick explained, gesturing toward a complex financial projection on the screen. “As a result, we have finalized several new, large-scale clients, which will exponentially increase our revenue streams and necessitate immediate expansion. Ethan, Tony, and I will be traveling to West Town shortly to finalize a major long-term contract, which is why this briefing is so critical. We need to maintain the same level of excellence that Elara showed during the crisis.”
He spent the next fifteen minutes meticulously breaking down the requirements for each new client, focusing on the specific support needed from Finance, HR, and Operations. He made sure to address every manager by name, giving them specific responsibilities. When he finished, he scanned the room.
“Any questions or doubts regarding the projects, deliverables, or deadlines?”
Everyone confirmed that the instructions were perfectly clear.
Ellie, however, slowly raised her hand.
“Yes, Elara,” Nick said, his eyes locking onto hers, the use of her full name a formality that belied the electric undercurrent that always existed between them now.
“It’s not about work, sir, strictly speaking,” Ellie began, meeting his gaze confidently. “But considering the significant influx of new, large clients, and the incredible performance of the team during the recent turmoil, I think the company deserves a significant morale boost. Why don’t we arrange a party? This would not only celebrate the success but also greatly help in motivating our employees and fostering greater departmental synergy.”
Maria and Freya instantly chimed in with approval. "That's a fantastic idea! It will definitely help with employee engagement," Maria said.
Nick stroked his chin, considering the logistics. “A party… yes, I agree. We need to acknowledge the hard work and recent stress. Let’s make it a formal couple’s party—employees can bring their plus one. I want this done professionally. Ellie, I want you to talk to HR and the Facilities department immediately to make the necessary arrangements. We can aim for next Friday.”
He held her gaze for a beat longer. "Ellie, I want you to personally oversee the entire event to ensure everything goes off without a hitch."
Ellie nodded, a small, excited smile playing on her lips. "Understood, Sir."
The meeting was adjourned. Everyone began packing up their papers and filing out, discussing the party plans eagerly. Nick returned to his seat, seemingly focusing on his laptop. Ellie, meanwhile, lingered, pretending to shuffle through a stack of loose papers near the table's edge, strategically waiting for the last person to exit.
As the door clicked shut behind James and Joy, Nick looked up and saw Ellie still there. He closed his laptop screen, an amused, expectant look in his eyes, and walked over to her.
“What is it, ma’am?” he asked, standing close enough for her to feel the warmth radiating from his body.
Ellie met his playful gaze. “Just wanted to ask who exactly your plus one will be for this grand event, Sir.”
Nick thought for a deliberate, agonizingly slow moment, a faint, mischievous smirk playing on his lips. “My plus one…” He pretended to consider the possibilities. “I think… I’ll take Joy.”
Ellie's playful expression instantly dropped, replaced by a flash of genuine irritation. She gave him a sharp, light pat on his arm with the thick file she was holding.
“Ow!” Nick exclaimed, exaggerating the pain dramatically, rubbing his arm.
“I thought you had class, Mr. Vance,” Ellie muttered, slightly wounded despite herself.
Nick chuckled, the sound deep and rich. “Yes, I do have class, Elara. It’s not Joy, but I certainly have someone else in mind.”
He stepped closer, closing the last bit of distance between them. His eyes were intense, fixed solely on hers as he began to describe his intended date. “She’s absolutely stunning, first of all. Incredibly sharp, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. She’s strong enough to go toe-to-toe with me professionally, but she has this unique, delicate vulnerability when she thinks no one is looking. She wears ambition beautifully, but her true beauty is in the courage she shows when faced with genuine danger, like digging through twenty-year-old corporate conspiracies. And when she’s happy, her eyes light up like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
Ellie, utterly captivated, realized the description was a perfect portrait of herself. She was looking into his eyes, lost in the intensity of his gaze, her breath catching in her throat. Nick’s head lowered slightly, his eyes fluttering shut, mirroring her own anticipation. The air crackled with unspoken desire, the distance between their lips negligible.
Ring! Ring!
The sudden, piercing sound of Nick’s phone on the table shattered the moment like thin glass. They both jumped back, eyes wide, hearts hammering. Nick instantly spun around, grabbing his phone, his hand trembling slightly as he answered.
Ellie didn’t wait. She gathered her papers, her cheeks burning crimson, and fled the room, leaving Nick to speak into the phone, his voice sounding suspiciously strained.
Out at her desk, Ellie was completely zoned out, staring blankly at her monitor, the memory of the near-kiss replaying endlessly.
“Hello, Ellie!”
Joy’s voice and a sharp pat on the shoulder jolted Ellie back to reality.
“Oh, hi Joy,” Ellie managed, trying to steady her nerves.
“It was good you gave this party idea,” Joy said, her tone suspiciously amicable. “It gives everyone a chance to see their relationships, for me particularly with the CEO. So, who is your plus one?”
“Oh, mine?” Ellie feigned nonchalance. “I’ve already asked Mr.Nicholas, and he said yes.”
Joy stopped dead, her face freezing in shock. “What? How? When?!”
Ellie gave a little, airy laugh, a gesture of pure, teasing confidence. “Well, what do you think I was doing when you all left the conference room? He didn't have a partner, and he even thanked me because he didn’t know who he was going to take. Maybe, Joy, if you had asked him first, he would have told you yes. Hmm, so sad, you missed it.”
Joy sputtered, utterly aghast. “But… what about your married boyfriend? The one everyone knows about?”
“Oh, him?” Ellie dismissed the fabricated scandal with a wave of her hand. “We broke up. But we can patch up if we want. But not now, sorry. It’s time for a dance with the CEO.” With a triumphant smile, Ellie stood up and sashayed away to make a call to the HR department.
Joy, fuming, immediately marched straight into Nick’s cabin, where he was finally off the phone.
“Sir, you shouldn’t have done this!” Joy exclaimed, her voice tight with indignation.
Nick, with no context, looked up, genuinely perplexed. “Done what, Joy? What happened?”
“Ellie! She’s telling everyone she’s going to be your plus one, and she claims you said yes!” Joy accused.
Nick’s face softened slightly at the mention of Ellie, a flicker of that earlier tenderness returning, but he maintained a professional distance. He stammered slightly. “Yes… she asked me, and I confirmed. I am going with her.” He knew he couldn’t miss the chance after the tension they shared.
“Sir, I have already told you that she is seeing a married man! She is only asking you because you are the CEO, and she doesn’t want to miss the opportunity to elevate herself socially!” Joy warned, her voice laced with desperation and jealousy.
“Joy, I am aware of the allegations,” Nick said, his voice instantly cold and authoritative. “I don’t know about that. What I do know is that she is overseeing the entire event. I confirmed her request and I am going with her. That’s final.”
When Joy opened her mouth to argue further, Nick cut her off with an icy professionalism. “You work with the team now to make sure the event arrangements run smoothly. I need to focus on this West Town contract.” He deliberately turned back to his laptop, effectively dismissing her.
Joy sighed in complete frustration and defeat, leaving the cabin.
That evening, back at the NE home, Ellie received a phone call. It was Nick.
“Hey, Ellie,” Nick said, his voice slightly muffled by airport noise. “I’m heading out now. I'm travelling to West Town for the client meeting. I should be back sometime next week, likely late Wednesday.”
Ellie found herself biting back a smile. “Is Joy coming with you?” she asked, a playful note of manufactured jealousy in her voice.
Nick caught the tone immediately. “Do you want me to take Joy with me, Elara?” he asked playfully.
“Strictly no,” she replied, the playful tone gone, replaced by sudden seriousness.
“Then, whatever you say, ma’am,” Nick teased, and Ellie laughed softly.
“Okay, what did you tell Joy at the office?” Nick asked, his voice full of curiosity. “She looked like she was about to explode when she stormed into my office.”
“The truth, mostly,” Ellie replied.
“What truth?”
“That you are going with the girl who has those incredible descriptions, and that I asked you first,” she admitted.
Nick laughed, a full, genuine laugh that warmed her through the phone. “And what was her reaction to your ‘truth’?”, Ellie asked.
“Well, she also advised not to go with the ‘homewrecker’ because she’s trouble,” Nick reported, joining in laughter. Ellie laughed, “Poor Joy.”
“Why are you teasing her like this? You’ve certainly given her something to think about,” Nick commented, though he sounded more amused than disapproving.
“She started it,” Ellie defended. She suddenly grew quiet. "Where are you now?"
"In the Airport lounge with Ethan and Tony," Nick said. "We're boarding in twenty minutes. It's a long flight."
"Take care of yourself," Ellie said, a sincere warmth in her tone. "Don't stress too much about the deal."
"You too," Nick replied. "Freya will come over shortly to stay with you while I'm gone. Keep an eye on things, but also focus on the party."
"Okay," Ellie confirmed.
"Bye, Ellie."
"Bye, Nick."
He paused, the background airport noise seeming to fade. "Hey, Ellie."
"Yes?"
There was a moment of silence. Then, Nick’s voice came back, lower and deeper. "Miss you."
Ellie’s stomach flipped. She blushed fiercely, staring out the window at the darkening sky. “Miss you, too,” she whispered, and before she could say anything else, she hung up the phone, her heart hammering against her ribs.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Freya came in, hauling a small suitcase and a large shopping bag.
“So, my beautiful roommate,” Freya declared, dumping her bag. “We have a party coming up, and your CEO is going to be your date. That means we have a serious, non-negotiable shopping trip to plan.”
“Yeah, we absolutely do,” Ellie agreed, still giddy from Nick’s call. The party was suddenly the only thing that mattered.
