“Mr. Edward, how much longer do I have to wait for you? If you’re busy, I can go to the office by myself,” Chloe pouted. Her patience, which she had been trying to nurture, vanished in an instant, replaced by annoyance as she waited for her husband to finish his tasks.
Today, Chloe purposely accompanied her husband to the Quantum building. She was asked to accompany Edward to a meeting with some shareholders. After the event, she planned to return to her own office. However, until this moment, Edward showed no intention of letting her leave.
“Just wait a little longer, Darling,” Edward replied, still focused on examining some documents on his desk.
“Ah!” Chloe retorted. “Can’t you just call me by my name? Besides, we’re in the office. Your behavior is very unprofessional, Ed.”
Edward raised his head and then burst into laughter. Nicholas, who happened to be in the CEO’s office as well, smiled in response.
“What’s wrong with using the term ‘Darling’? Am I committing a crime by calling my own wife ‘Darling’?” he asked, squinting one eye. He deliberately folded his hands in front of his chest. “This is my office. No one dares to protest, let alone scold me.”
Chloe let out a long sigh. What she wanted right now was to go back to the hotel and continue her work. Not to engage in arguments like this. Didn’t her husband realize that she didn’t feel comfortable staying in the Quantum building for too long?
“Up to you then!” Chloe replied irritably. “I’ll give you another 30 minutes. If you’re still busy after that time, I’ll go back to the hotel by myself.”
It wouldn’t be Chloe if she didn’t protest or contradict. Even after just a few days of being married, Edward seemed to already know her behavior very well.
“Okay, I promise to check just one more file. After that, I’ll take you back to the hotel right away.”
Edward then shifted his gaze to Nicholas, who had been standing in front of him.
“Nic, can you explain next week’s schedule for me?”
Nicholas nodded, checking the tablet in his hand for Edward’s agenda for the upcoming week.
“On Monday and Tuesday, you have project inspections in Liverpool. As for Wednesday to Sunday, you have scheduled visits outside the city.”
Edward nodded in response. Still looking at the files on his desk, he asked, “Where am I heading this time?”
“To Turkey, Mister,” Nicholas replied. “Emaar Properties invited all developers for a meeting there.”
“Interesting,” Edward commented. His gaze shifted to the woman sitting on the sofa in his office. “Next week, you have to come with me to Turkey.” This statement sounded more like an order than an invitation.
“You think I want to go with you?”
“Of course.” Edward nodded confidently, his eyes changing, as if teasing. “Even if you refuse, I will still force you to come along. Consider it our honeymoon.”
Chloe sighed lazily. Why did he have to bring up a honeymoon? She was already thrilled after the wedding, but her husband had to keep himself busy with so much work.
“You know very well that my work—”
“Sorry, Mister,” a knock on the door followed by Ariana’s entrance interrupted Chloe’s sentence.
“What’s the matter, Ariana?” Edward shifted his gaze to the young woman who had just entered his office.
“Mr. Damian Dimitri is outside and wishes to meet you.”
“Damian?” Edward repeated, sounding disbelieving of what his secretary had just said. “What does he want to see me for?”
Ariana shook her head weakly. “I don’t know. He insisted on meeting you. But if you prefer not to meet him, I can find a suitable excuse for you to avoid him.”
“Tch!” Edward sighed softly. “No need. Just tell him to come in.”
Hastily, Ariana left to welcome the guest who had been persistently asking to meet her boss.
“Edward Martin, why do you have to overthink about meeting with me, huh?” The protest echoed throughout the room as a man who might be around Edward’s age walked in and immediately sat down on the sofa without being invited.
“Get straight to the point, Damian. What’s your purpose in meeting me? No need for small talk,” Edward said, putting down the pen he had been holding. He stood up and moved from his desk to approach Chloe and Damian on the sofa.
“Oh, come on, Cousin, you’re too suspicious of me. I came here just to drop by,” Damian replied firmly. He then glanced at Chloe. “And to give my congratulations on your wedding. Sorry I couldn’t attend yesterday.”
Edward let out a rough breath. Chloe could even see her husband’s obvious displeasure. In the Martin family, Damian and Edward were cousins who often clashed.
“Oh, please. In terms of lineage, we might be from the same family, but I’ve never considered you my cousin.”
Damian laughed loudly. “Why? Because my father is not a nobleman like Uncle Alex?” he asked, making sure. “But I’m still a direct descendant of George William Martin. I have the right to be the successor of the Martin family business empire.”
“So, you mean you’re more entitled than I am?” Edward’s expression looked mocking, underestimating his interlocutor. “Can you tell me what your achievements are so far? That makes you think you’re worthy of leading Quantum or any other subsidiaries?”
That remark instantly made Damian’s face turn red. Angrily, a grin full of rage appeared on the white-skinned man’s face.
“You underestimate my abilities, Ed. If you’ve forgotten, I’m older than you. Naturally, I have more business experience.”
“Don’t exaggerate, Damian Dimitri. Age is not a guarantee of someone’s success,” Edward retorted. A smile never faded from his face. “Proof of that is Uncle Thomas, who is, by the way, your father. Until now, he hasn’t been able to surpass my father’s position. Aren’t their ages very far apart?”
The once-conducive atmosphere suddenly turned cold. An aura of hostility was clearly present as the two Martin descendants engaged in a serious conversation. Chloe, as a listener, could conclude that Edward and Damian were two individuals in conflict.
It was evident how aggressive and emotionally charged Damian’s statements were, full of intimidation. In stark contrast, Edward responded casually, even seeming to mock.
“That’s enough, Damian. No need to be disappointed that I was chosen to be the successor of Quantum. Isn’t it obvious that I deserve it?”
Damian stood up from his seat. Emotions were still clearly visible on his face.
“No need to be proud. Enjoy your temporary position for now. I assure you, this won’t last long.”
“Go ahead. I want to see how you’ll snatch what’s already mine.”
Damian remained silent and left the room without further response. Leaving Edward who smiled meaningfully, not caring about the threats he had just received.
****