He already confirmed that Rina was headed towards her parents’ home, but it did nothing to dispel Zayn’s anger. It wasn’t even directed at Rina, because Zayn couldn’t bear to be upset at her. Instead, he wanted to look Joel in the eyes and ask him what he was thinking when he conceived the notion that he had a chance with Rina. It didn’t matter if their relationship was fake. No one took what belonged to Zayn. The whole country knew that. The only reason Zayn wasn’t doing anything to Joel yet was because the poor lad had no way of knowing Zayn was going to get married to Rina.
But once it was out there if Zayn noticed that Joel or any man as much as batted an eyelid in Rina’s direction, he would have to answer to him. Still, Zayn couldn’t let it go just like that. He asked Mia to set up a meeting with Joel about the international fashion show. He was going to do that anyway since Joel had to meet him with the reports of the other fashion brands he’d sent him to visit outside the country.
So, on Monday morning, Joel walked into the building of Graham Conglomerate with a light spring in his steps. His flight had gotten in the previous night, and he had a lot of gratitude to express to Zayn for setting up those meetings with icons in the fashion world those he’d only heard about before but never had a reason to see. They had all seemed quite friendly with Zayn, as the instant Joel mentioned his name, they got warmer towards him, accepting to be a part of his show and bring their models all the way into the country. It was going to be a full house, with international guests to witness the official launch of the O. S. N fashion house.
But while Joel thought Zayn was doing this as a part of the sponsorship program, Zayn was only doing it because he wanted the best for Rina. That, and the fact that he needed a larger audience for what he had planned.
Joel got to Mia’s desk first and asked to see Zayn since he was expecting him. She led him to his door, knocking once before pushing the door open.
“Your appointment with Mr. Joel Osteen,” Mia announced, before stepping aside for Joel to walk in. Zayn nodded in acknowledgment and waited for Mia to close the door behind her before ushering him further into the room.
“Mr. Graham,” Joel beamed as he stood before Zayn. “Thank you for seeing me this morning amidst your busy schedule. It is always an honor to be in the same space as you.”
“I hope you had a peaceful flight back.” Zayn had asked Joel to be picked in the company’s private jet just for the sake of it.
“It was the best,” Joel gushed. “Thank you for making this one of my best trips abroad. It surpasses my education experience.”
“Let’s get to business, shall we?” Zayn requested, even if that wasn’t exactly what he had in mind. Still, he bid his time right, paying rapt attention as Joel went on and on about his experience with the fashion icons and the conclusions they’d arrived at. They were going to offer O. S. N publicity as well, because the minute the world knew they were going to be at the fashion show, everyone would be interested, and that meant more ticket sales for Joel. He was reeling with the success he knew was bound to happen.
“Do you mind?” Zayn asked. He had gone to his refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of vodka. It was still morning, but the French people didn’t think it was ever too early to take a dash of alcohol, and Zayn was in the mood for just that.
Joel shook his head and Zayn smiled as he brought the bottle to the desk, along with two glasses. He watched Joel’s face as he poured, wondering what went on behind those eyes. He was interested in one thing in particular Rina and what his plans were towards her. Joel didn’t strike him as the type of man that did things the small way, or let things go easily. He was certain that with the impending success, Joel must have thought of something.
“The fashion show is going to be the best thing the country has ever seen,” Zayn said as he settled back into his seat, setting the ball rolling. “I’m so glad to be a part of this. But tell me, is there anyone you are going to be celebrating with at the end of the show? My team and I always put together an event after shows like that, and I was wondering if you would love to attend.”
Zayn raised his glass to his lips, and lowered his eyes, watching Joel from the rim. He saw the second thoughts in his eyes and chose that moment to strike.
“Oh,” he muttered suddenly. “My bad. I should have realized there would be someone you would want to share the news with. She’s going to be at the show, right? It would be an intriguing thing to meet the person who is in love with the tenacious and creative Joel.”
He chuckled, taking the bait. “Actually, she has no idea.”
“Really?” Zayn angled his head.
“I’m going to be telling her later that night when the team wraps up. I hope she doesn’t tell me she isn’t interested, but on the bright side, if that happens, I always have your invitation to fall back to. It’s still open, right?”
“Of course,” Zayn laughed. “You can just talk to my secretary if you need the details. But I doubt you will because, from the way you sound, you kind of think she likes you too.”
Zayn got the exact opposite, but Joel didn’t have to know, did he?
Joel shrugged. “I hope you’re right.” Then suddenly, he caught himself. “Oh my God! I can’t believe I just burdened you with my personal problems when you are already doing so much.”
Zayn waved it away. “It’s no big deal. We need people to talk to all the time.”
But in his head, he was already plotting.