FULL NOVELXO Chapter Dad By Oma 12
Chapter 12: Suprise Invitation
I stared at the screen, numb, as a rollercoaster of emotions ran through me. A weekend trip with Gabriel Storm-the man who had warned me never to speak of our night of passion if I valued my job. It was clear he didn't want a personal relationship with me, yet it was surprising that he wanted me on a business trip with him.
I read the message again, just to be sure I wasn't imagining things. Did this mean my app had been selected? Would other members of the team be joining us, or would it be just him and me? My head raced with questions as I checked the time-it was 10 AM. Thankfully, I had enough time to pack.
I couldn't let myself dwell on the questions for too long. I jumped up from the bed, suddenly aware of the time ticking away. I needed to pack, and fast. I hurried to my closet, pulling out outfits, shoes, and anything else I might need.
"Jess!" I called out, my voice shaky with nerves.
She appeared at my door, her expression shifting to concern when she saw the state I was in. "What's going on?" she asked.
"I'm leaving," I said, low and inaudible.
“I just got an email-I'm supposed to go on a trip with Gabriel Storm. A car's coming at 3 PM."
Jess's eyes widened, but she quickly moved to my side, helping me sort through my clothes. “Are you excited?" she asked, her tone cautious.
I hesitated, folding a dress and placing it in my suitcase. "I don't know. I mean, yes, but I'm also scared. What if he fires me because of how I reacted at his office the other day?"
Jess paused, looking at me with a soft, understanding gaze. "Claire, calm down. I don't think he's going to fire you. If anything, this is your chance to prove to him that Hartapp is the best initiative to go along with."
I nodded, appreciating her words more than I could express. Together, we finished packing, and by the time the clock read 2:45 PM, I was ready-at least as ready as I could be.
An SUV pulled up at Raves Luxurious Hotel, the car that had picked me up from my house earlier. I was still in disbelief at how quickly the day had changed. The hotel was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen– grand, elegant, and exuding a level of luxury that left me speechless. I had never been anywhere so expensive, and for a moment, I felt out of place.
As I stepped out of the car, I took a deep breath before looking around. I took in the towering structure, the gleaming marble, and the ornate chandeliers that hung from the ceiling in the grand entrance.
“Clairessa,” a familiar, dark voice called behind me, firm and commanding.
I turned, drawing my breath in sharply as I saw Gabriel standing there. His presence was overpowering, his tall, handsome frame exuding an undeniable authority. For a moment, I was at a loss for words, completely taken by the sight of him.
"Hi... Mr. Storm," I finally managed to say, my voice soft and low as I took in the intensity of his gaze.
"I hope the drive here wasn't too stressful,” he asked, his tone surprisingly soft.
“It was rather nice,” I replied, still caught off guard by him. For the first time, I noticed a tenderness in his eyes, a hint of a softer side that existed beneath the hard exterior he always projected, but it faded as quickly as it appeared. I wanted to know if the rest of the team was already here, but i was almost afraid to ad
“Is the rest of the team already here?” I summoned the courage to ask as I glanced around, trying to hide my nervousness,
"It's just you and me," his voice was firm, almost as if he was challenging me with that staternare "Why assistant Tems will show you to your room. We'll be having dinner with some important people at 7pm. Be ready."
His tone left no room for argument, and I felt a wave of nerves wash over me, especially considering how things had been left between us the last time we met.
"I'll be ready. Thank you, Mr. Storm," I said, trying to keep my composure.
"This way, Miss Hartwood," Tems, his assistant, said, leading me to the elevator. When we arrived at my room, she handed me the key card,
“Here you go. I hope you enjoy your stay," she gave me a warm smile before leaving.
I scanned the key card and pushed open the door. As I stepped into the room, I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty. It was exquisite, with plush furnishings, rich fabrics, and a pool view that took my breath away. This was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
As I walked around the room, my eyes fell on a vase of red roses placed elegantly on a table. They smelled fresh, their fragrance filling the air. I pulled out the small card that was tucked inside the bouquet.
"Be ready at 7 p.m. - Storm Innovations."
My fingers traced the words, and my heart almost jumped out of my chest. I couldn't believe I was here, on a personal trip with Gabriel Storm. He seemed somewhat nicer today, but I couldn't let myself be fooled.
I tossed the card aside and fell onto the bed, my mind racing with possibilities. Had my app finally been selected? That would be the best news of my entire year. To see my “baby” get funded was a dream come true. A surge of excitement coursed through me as I lay there, now thinking about what I would wear for dinner. I wanted to look breathtaking, to make sure that Gabriel noticed me in a way that made it impossible for him to resist me. This was my chance to take advantage of the time we had together.