Monday, long awaited. A general meeting was to be held, and Andreas spent the remaining two hours relaxing in Lucas’ office. A cup of black coffee accompanied Andreas. It tasted just right, and ah! Lucas’ look made him laugh-almost choking.
“You want to say something?” Lucas grumbled. “You looked so relaxed.”
“That’s life. It should be enjoyed in peace,” Andreas said before taking another sip of coffee. Eyes closed, he sighed with pleasure. “Especially when accompanied by a cup of coffee.”
This time Lucas couldn’t resist. He left his work for a moment and looked at Andreas, who was sitting on the sofa with a furrowed brow.
“Don’t tell me you came to see me just to tell Vlora to make you coffee.”
Lucas’ accusation made Andreas quickly put the coffee cup back on the coaster. His stomach tickled and his body shook with laughter.
“Why? Did you not have any coffee?”
Andreas laughed until his eyes watered. “Oh, dear. You didn’t have to mock me like that.”
“As you wish.”
Lucas decided to get back to work. But not long after, Andreas’ voice could be heard again.
“By the way…”
Lucas’ gaze was diverted. Reflexively, he turned to Andreas, who looked at him with uncertainty.
“… I’ve never seen that man before.”
Andreas mentioned the stranger he had seen sitting not far from Vlora’s desk. He was sure that they didn’t know each other and that their meeting earlier had been the first.
“No need to be flattered. Lately, I felt like I needed a second secretary.”
“Flattered?” Andreas repeated, rolling his eyes. “I knew you didn’t do it to ease Vlora’s workload, but did it have to be a man?”
This time Lucas laughed. “Really, Reas? Did it bother you?”
Bothered? Andreas swore he didn’t feel bothered at all. Not out of false confidence, but he knew Vlora’s character. Sitting next to each other wouldn’t tempt Vlora.
“Not at all, but it was a little strange to see another man sitting next to Vlora.”
“Did your eye itch?” Lucas teased again. “You didn’t think of moving his desk, did you?”
Lucas’ teasing made Andreas grumble. “Damn you.”
Surely Andreas wouldn’t do that. Even if he thought about it, the presence of Lucas’ second secretary was appropriate. At least he didn’t have to feel guilty about kidnapping Vlora for a few hours.
“At least you could look on the bright side, Reas,” Lucas said a moment later. Amusement still wrinkled the corners of his mouth. “His presence allowed me to give Vlora the day off. You know? I had an important presentation this afternoon.”
“Just as I thought.”
Agreeing with Lucas’ opinion, something caught Andreas’ attention. So, it wasn’t surprising that he changed the subject a moment later.
“Speaking of important presentations, was that the one I was thinking of?”
Lucas nodded once and decided to leave the map he had opened for a moment. Leaning back, he answered briefly.
“Seemed like it.”
“So, when was it supposed to be released?”
Lucas’ expression changed slightly, a mixture of enthusiasm and a desire to control himself. One hand rose to land on the arm of the chair, he took a breath and played with his fingers before clenching his fist.
“The final test is necessary before the product can be released. After all, this is an important project. I cannot be too hasty. Although the two previous trials showed good results, I want to see the outcome of the third. So maybe next month? Uh, two months at the latest.
Andreas nodded. “That’s quite a long time.”
“There are several things I have to do for this third test. The team is preparing a more powerful virus. The data damage must be severe. That way, the effectiveness of the repairs can really be seen.”
“I understand, but what do you think about me doing the third test myself?”
Lucas frowned. He looked at Andreas and realized something.
“I should understand,” Lucas said without answering Andreas’ question. He grunted and shook his head. “Of course, you have coffee at home and Vlora can make it anytime.”
Andreas burst out laughing.
*
At exactly one in the afternoon, Andreas and Vlora arrived at Progun. Their presence raised the alertness of some people, which didn’t surprise Andreas. But when a security guard stopped them at the entrance, Andreas was stunned.
“Are you serious?”
The guard blinked with a conflicted expression. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m just following orders.”
“Orders?” Andreas repeated, emphasizing the word as he looked around. Some people who had been looking at them suddenly turned away, and that made him sigh. “Can Jonas really stoop so low? Has he forgotten that I also have the right to attend the meeting today?”
The guard remained silent, instead offering another apology.
“Let it go, Reas.”
A gentle touch on his hand made Andreas turn around. With a poker face and an ordinary look, Vlora said, “The sooner we do this, the sooner this will all be over.”
Andreas took a deep breath and looked at the guard with a clearly annoyed expression. The guard winced and lowered his face, perhaps feeling a little guilty about the order he had to follow.
“Fine. I’ll play along with Jonas. I’ll consider this his latest way of greeting guests.”
While the guard became more and more uncomfortable, Vlora reacted differently. Andreas’ complaint made her smile a little. She seemed to understand that the tension between her husband and brother-in-law was not to be taken lightly.
“I apologize, sir,” the guard said, ushering Andreas and Vlora. “Please follow me.”
Like criminal suspects, two guards escorted Andreas and Vlora. They walked through the lobby, which was filled with a group of people curious about what was happening.
A few murmurs could be heard. Whispers accompanied their footsteps.
Andreas smiled mischievously and suppressed the urge to laugh. Being the center of attention was his priority, but certainly not the kind of attention he had hoped for. But that didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy it.
“So…”
They entered an elevator. As the doors closed and the elevator began to rise, Andreas’ voice broke the silence.
“Where are you taking us?”
“We are taking you to Mr. Jonas.”
*