MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"Goodness, why did I miss such a show?" Ashley exclaimed, her eyes dancing with amusement.

She was in my office with Rebecca, as we recounted the encounter with Sofia earlier.

"You needed to see the look on her face when she discovered Arielle was the owner of the restaurant. I was even worse than when Arielle walked in with Jared. Worst of all, Jared broke their engagement right there," Rebecca said, her voice dramatic and a little exaggerated. Being her usual chatty self, she did most of the narration.

After the encounter with Sofia, I returned to my office feeling satisfied and fulfilled. The look on her face was priceless, and I'd do anything to see that look over and over again.

Gone were the days when I was scared of her, and avoided her troubles. Now was a new era, and I'd mete out to people the same treatment they meted out to me, either in the past or now, the present.

Also, I had sent for Rebecca and Ashley because I was expecting someone -a Mr Stone's nephew, the one he recommended for the position of manager in my restaurant. I needed their help with accessing the young man to ascertain if he was good for the position and job.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

It was while we waited that Rebecca brought up Sofia's matter and what went down. She and Ashley joked and made fun of Sofia while I listened in amusement until a knock sounded on the door. "Come in," I called out.

My secretary, Laurene, entered. "Your visitor is here, Ma."

I nodded. "Send him in."

Laurene walked out and returned almost immediately with a young man. He was handsome, with a boyish charm that made him look even younger than he probably was.

His eyes were bright blue that sparkled, and he had a well-chiseled and proportioned face that was framed by a brown messy hair.

I was taken aback. Mr Stone had mentioned his nephew was experienced and mature, but the person standing before me looked like he'd just graduated from college.

"Hi, I'm Stephen Stone," he said, extending his hand.

I took it, still trying to mask my surprise. "Arielle Meyers. Welcome."

"I'm sure you know your reason for being here," I began.

"Sure, to be interviewed by a pretty lady for the role of a manager in her prestigious restaurant," he said, flashing me a boyish flash.

I cringed at his outspokenness, turning to Ashley and Rebecca, and they had laughter in their eyes, nudging me to go on.

"Alright. Can you introduce yourself further?"

"Sure."

As he introduced himself, I noticed the awe look in his eyes. His gaze lingered a bit too long, and I suddenly felt conscious of myself and flustered, too. But I tried to ignore it, focusing on the business at hand. "So your uncle said you studied management?" I asked, trying to sound as unreceptive and professional as possible.

"Yes, I did. I graduated with honors.'

"Impressive. So tell me, what are your thoughts on management?"

It seemed he had been waiting for

that question, because he

.n

immediately began a fluent speech that was obviously targeted at impressing me, and I was indeed impressed despite my initial reservations.

After his speech, I turned to Ashley and Rebecca, silently seeking their opinions. They exchanged glances, and I saw the same impressed expression on their faces. They backed it up with nods.

"I'm impressed, you seem really passionate about management," Ashley chipped in.

"I am," Stephen responded, nodding. "I believe it's the key to the success of every thriving organization."

"Umm," Rebecca mumbled, leaning forward, a thoughtful look on her face. "Can you tell us about your experience so far in the management sector?'

"Sure. I interned at my maternal uncle's company during college and he mentored me well.'

Rebecca nodded and leaned backward, and then we exchanged glances, and she gave me a nod. Same as Ashley.

"Alright, Stephen. Thank you for coming, you'll get feedback from me. Be rest assured that it is a positive one," I quickly added.

"Sure, thank you," he said and gave a slight bow.

"I'll take my leave now," he said and made for the door.

"Alright, enjoy the rest of your day."

But he suddenly stopped and faced me again, and his next words were completely unexpected.

"Um, I have something to say to you real quick before I leave."

"Oh, alright. Go ahead," I said, curious about what he had to say.

"I know this might sound absurd, but

I fell in love with you the moment walked into this room, and I do hope

you'd give me an opportunity, you know, not only work for you.

What the hell?

OUMS

My mouth went open and I clamped it shut again, with color draining from my face. Did I hear correctly?

"What?" I stuttered and turned to Ashley and Rebecca to ensure they heard him too, but they exchanged amused glances, trying to suppress their laughter.

Oh, no.