Chapter 3 - Dinner

**Paris's POV**

I got out of the car, feeling a sense of familiarity sweep over me. I held the lower part of my skirt firmly as my heart beat loudly in my chest.

"This way, Miss Elorod," James pointed to the VIP section of the walkway.

Feeling honored but awkward, I followed James through the area usually reserved for George.

"Miss Elorod, are you okay?" James asked, noticing me standing still for too long.

"Huh?" I was confused at first, but then I smiled and walked up to him.

"James, we're still friends, right?" I asked, my pupils shaking slightly as I awaited his answer.

"Yes, dear, we are," James replied, patting my hair. This action made my smile widen.

"Stop smiling and walk quickly. I don't want to keep the President waiting," he said, stretching his hand towards me.

I nodded and accepted his hand. He held it firmly and led me to the VIP elevator.

---

After a few hours, George walked out of the meeting room and entered his office. He noticed I was seated, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window.

He cleared his throat, and I turned to him, standing up with my head bowed. "Good evening, President George."

George walked to me and stood before me. "Look me in the eyes," he commanded.

I raised my eyes to meet his. His gray eyes reminded me of that night. I could hear the rustling of clothes, feel the heat of his body, and remember his size. I looked down, afraid he could see through me.

"You... You sent for me," I said, holding my clothes.

George noticed my gesture and was confused. Where was the bold girl from before? Did she have some personality disorder?

"You're having dinner with me," he ordered, and I nodded.

"James!" James opened the door and walked in.

"Get her ready." James nodded and beckoned for me to follow him.

I walked out of the room, and George buried his head in his work.

After a while, he raised his head and grabbed his phone. "Have you found out who is behind this?"

"What about her?" As George spoke, his eyes softened.

"Okay, continue with the research." He dropped his phone and glanced at the time.

He rubbed his head and carried his laptop as he left the office. He sat down in his car and started working again.

After a while, the door opened, and I entered.

"Drive!" he commanded, raising his head.

I felt bored, so I looked out the window.

---

In another part of the state, a lady sat in an office with a smirk on her face. "How did the prank go?" she asked, tapping the table, which made a clicking sound.

"Madam, it went well, but he was able to handle everything," the man explained while tapping his phone.

The girl clenched her fists on the table, and veins throbbed in her hand. "I knew he was capable, but..."

She stood up and grabbed the phone from the man's hand. "Fix this mess and make sure he doesn't find out who did it."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied.

"I will make him pay," her lips widened as she imagined him bowing to her.

---

I sat at the table, staring at the delicacies in front of me.

"My dear, what's your name?" I looked up at the woman who was eating elegantly.

My face turned red when I heard my stomach growl. "Pardon my manners, dear. Eat up. We'll talk after dinner," the woman advised with a smile.

I picked up my fork and knife and glanced at George. He was focused on his phone, placing small pieces of beef into his mouth.

After a few moments of silence, with just the sounds of cutlery, the woman dropped her fork and drank a glass of water.

"Follow me, dear." She got up, and I drank some water before following her.

We sat down in the living area. I could feel the woman's gaze on me. I held the tip of my skirt and bowed my head.

"Feel free around me," the woman said, getting up and sitting beside me.

"What's your name?" she asked. I looked at her with gentle eyes.

"I'm Paris Elorod." The woman felt the need to protect me, so she raised her hands and patted my hair.

"You are beautiful." I smiled, and the woman's eyes widened.

"Do you know the current situation at hand? My son is being accused of having a one-night stand with you. He has been able to reduce the buzz around it, but our competitors won't let this slide and would use it to harm us further," the woman explained, leaning forward with furrowed brows.

Mrs. Katz smiled, noticing how attentive I was. She straightened her back. "I need you to be the perfect wife for him. He is at the age of marriage but has refused due to some reasons–" she paused, watching my face, but I was calm, "–I need a girl who is calm, kind, and also powerful and knowledgeable enough to guide this business."

I sat upright, an image of 'London' appearing in my head.

"Okay, enough talking. I would love to see your parents tomorrow," the woman said excitedly. I wondered how long she had waited for this moment.

"Bruce! Bruce!! Bruce!!"

"Ma'am," a man dressed in casual corporate walked in, taking short strides.

"I need you to send this young lady home. Please take care of her. She is the new madam of the Katz empire," Mrs. Katz announced, while rubbing my shoulders.

Bruce stared at me, who looked timid. He wondered if the rumors were true and, if they were……..

"Let's go, Miss." He stretched out his hand to me, and I received it.

As we walked out, Mrs. Katz sat down on the couch with a grin on her face and closed her eyes.

"Mother, I won't marry her," George spoke, standing away from her.

"You have no choice," Mrs. Katz stood up and smiled at him.

"She is the best candidate for a wife, soft and easy to mold," she commended.

"What do you mean?" George asked, confused, but Mrs. Katz ignored him and walked up the stairs.

---

Shortly after Mrs. Katz left Bruce pointed at the door kindly and said “We may go now”. As I stood Bruce ushered outside where the car was parked and asked me to get in as he was to take me home.

I sat in the back of the car, playing with my nails. I looked up at the front mirror and noticed Bruce was staring at me. I looked down, feeling my heart race, as Bruce drove away from the normal route to my home.