Accompanied by four bodyguards, Maggie arrived at the Barrett Group as per Thomas’s arrangement.
As Maggie stepped into the grand building, the receptionist recognized her and quickly approached. “Miss Nelson, please come this way.”
“I’m here to see Aldrich. I’m not sure if he has time today…”
“Of course, Miss Nelson. You don’t need any appointments or notifications to see the CEO. Manager Charlie has made special arrangements for you.”
Maggie felt nervous about this special treatment. Aldrich always silently made arrangements for her in certain details, and she was indeed well protected.
The receptionist kindly led Maggie to a dedicated elevator. “This is the CEO’s private elevator, directly to the top floor and his office.”
“Thank you for your guidance.”
As Maggie entered the elevator, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The elevator swiftly ascended, bringing her one step closer to meeting Aldrich. Her mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming dinner, hoping this gesture would bridge the gap between them.
Meanwhile, at the front desk, two receptionists were chatting, their gaze fixed on the elevator. They couldn’t help but envy Maggie’s sudden rise in status and attention. They whispered with awe and curiosity, speculating about the changes in her life.
When the elevator doors opened on Aldrich’s floor, Maggie was met with a bustling scene. The once quiet corridor had now come alive, with employees moving about, fully engrossed in their work. However, upon seeing Maggie’s arrival, everyone abruptly halted their work, and all eyes turned to her.
Maggie was taken aback by the sudden attention and stood there awkwardly, her bodyguards reminding her of the recent attack. Although their presence attracted undue attention, it was a necessary precaution as Aldrich had ordered them to stay by her side when she was out.
Employees exchanged hushed conversations filled with curiosity and speculation. They discreetly glanced at Maggie, their expressions a mixture of admiration and curiosity. Some even quietly encouraged her, acknowledging the strength she had displayed in adversity.
A blush of embarrassment tinged Maggie’s cheeks as she felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny of Aldrich’s employees. She adjusted her posture, trying to regain composure under their expectant gazes. She understood that she was no longer just Aldrich’s wife here; she was someone who had captured their attention and interest.
Maggie took a deep breath and reaffirmed her determination, resolved to face the challenges ahead. With the protection of her bodyguards and newfound confidence, she made her way to Aldrich’s office, each step filled with purpose.
Charlie, the attentive assistant, appeared promptly, witnessing the scene before him.
“Miss Nelson, why are you here…”
A hint of shyness crossed Maggie’s face. “I came to see Aldrich. Isn’t it a good time now?”
“How could it not be? Your presence is a pleasant surprise! Let me lead the way!”
With Charlie by her side, Maggie entered Aldrich’s office, her heart racing with anticipation.
“Aldrich, I have something I’d like to discuss with you.” As her gaze met Aldrich’s, complex emotions surged within her. Despite the turmoil inside, she maintained a calm exterior, reflecting Aldrich’s stoic demeanor. After all, he had his pride, and her treatment of him that morning had left him questioning his position.
Seeing Maggie, Aldrich slightly widened his eyes, a glint of joy betraying his carefully controlled demeanor. Although he remained expressionless, her sudden appearance filled his heart with delight. He couldn’t deny her impact on him; her presence stirred a series of emotions he had been struggling to suppress.
“Maggie, have a seat on the couch for a moment while I finish reading this document,” Aldrich called out to Charlie, who was about to leave. “Charlie, have someone bring dessert for Maggie.”
Charlie, though excited internally, maintained a composed demeanor, his face flashing a mischievous smile. “Boss, just a reminder, you had the document upside down.”
Maggie’s gaze immediately shifted to the document in Aldrich’s hands. In an instant, Aldrich’s body tensed, and he shot Charlie a quick glare before swiftly flipping the document.
This time, Maggie couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Now the document is right side up.”
Aldrich looked down and indeed found the document was now facing the correct way. Realizing Charlie’s playful prank, he could no longer maintain his composure. “Charlie, it seems I haven’t given you enough work!”
“Sure thing, boss! I’ll be working hard!” Charlie chuckled and closed the door behind him, leaving behind a suggestive remark, “Don’t worry, everyone will be working hard, and no one will disturb you two. Just enjoy your time together.”
With the office cleared, only Maggie and Aldrich remained. Maggie stood before Aldrich, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of her earlier actions, the remorse, and regret tugging at her conscience. Determined to make amends, she took a deep breath, her voice tinged with both embarrassment and resolve.
“Aldrich, I… I want to apologize,” Maggie began, her gaze sincere as she looked at him. “My behavior this morning was impulsive, and now I realize it was inappropriate. I’m truly sorry for my bad temper.”
Aldrich scrutinized her for a moment, his expression guarded. He understood the genuine remorse in her voice and her desire to make things right. Deep inside, he had already forgiven her, but he couldn’t let her off too easily. He needed to maintain his composure, protecting his pride.
He arched an eyebrow in a reluctant manner. “Maggie, an apology is a good start, but it’s not enough to heal the wounds your actions caused. You can’t simply erase the impact of your behavior with words.”
Upon hearing his response, Maggie’s heart sank further, her hope hanging in the balance. But she refused to give up. She looked into his eyes with a determined glint, taking a courageous step forward, laying herself bare in the hope of redemption.
“I understand, Aldrich,” she replied, her voice calm despite the lingering disappointment. “That’s why I want to make it up to you. I’ve made a reservation at La Belleza, that beautiful restaurant. Tonight. I thought… maybe we could have dinner together and talk things over.”
Aldrich’s reluctant facade cracked, and his eyes sparkled with joy. He struggled to maintain his outward appearance, suppressing the bubbling excitement within.
“Dinner, you say?” He seemed contemplative, his tone tinged with a hint of hesitation. “I do have plans tonight, but…”
Maggie’s heart sank further, her anticipation hanging in the balance. She took a bold step, putting herself out there, hoping for a chance at redemption.
Aldrich paused for a moment, savoring the tension in the air. Then, he could resist no longer, breaking into a genuine smile, revealing his true emotions.
“I suppose I can rearrange my plans,” he said, his voice laced with reluctance and genuine enthusiasm. “Having dinner together, seeing what the evening holds, there’s no harm in that, is there?”
Maggie’s face lit up with surprise and joy. She could hardly believe her ears. Aldrich was accepting her invitation. A new hope and anticipation surged within her.
“Thank you, Aldrich,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude and contentment. “I truly appreciate this opportunity. Shall we go together, then?”
Aldrich nodded in agreement and slightly gestured for her to follow. As they walked out of his office, a new sense of anticipation coursed through his veins. The spark between them had ignited a powerful force, and he couldn’t wait to explore the connection that had formed.
As they walked together, Maggie felt Aldrich’s eagerness and couldn’t help but feel nervous and excited. She stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye, noticing the subtle shifts in his demeanor. She felt reassured, realizing that her invitation had indeed struck a chord with him.
Little did they know that Charlie, as an onlooker, couldn’t help but roll his eyes internally. He knew all too well that Aldrich’s supposed prior arrangements were nothing but a carefully planned ruse. In fact, Aldrich had hastily rescheduled a global video conference, conveniently pushing it aside to accept Maggie’s dinner invitation. Charlie knew he would have to explain to other executives why the meeting had been abruptly canceled because they had been waiting.
However, in that moment, as Aldrich eagerly led Maggie out of the office, Charlie couldn’t help but smile. Aldrich was going to great lengths to have dinner with her, clearly demonstrating the depth of his feelings for Maggie. For the sake of a romantic love, it was a small sacrifice, and Charlie couldn’t help but wholeheartedly support it.
The office corridors remained bustling with activity, oblivious to the budding romance between the CEO and his wife.