Blinking, Zoe didn’t know if that sudden burst was directed at her or not, but she didn’t really want to focus on that. He regretted what happened, she should be the one frowning, not him!
She turned to Lance, wishing him a nice day, ignored Blackwood, and went to her office.
Ellen got to her feet and followed her, closing the door. “Have you heard about poor Cynthia? It was all over the news this morning.”
Zoe nodded somberly. “Yes, it’s Lance, Mr. Sorenson, who told me on our way here.”
“Oh yes! Archer arranged for transportation for all the company personnel. Must have cost a fortune. Poor Archer must be out of his mind with worry.”
“It’s awful. I hope they get the criminals who did it.”
“Oh well... I know that security will be increased for the event. And speaking of which, the three main buyers will arrive soon to visit the office and make first direct contact with Archer.”
Now that was interesting information. “Do you know who they are?”
Ellen smiled. “One Saudi Arabian prince, one Russian magnate, and one American representing an investment group, but also from Saudi Arabia from what I could gather. I don’t know exactly how many there will be, but Archer told me that you and I were to attend the initial meeting. It’s only a general presentation, so it shouldn’t be too complicated.”
The executive assistant blinked. “You look different today, Zoe. No glasses! And that dress on you, it’s your perfect color. You look very pretty.”
“Thank you. I didn’t know we had a formal meeting this morning. I would have chosen a suit for the occasion.”
“No, no. You look perfect. Very polished and professional. And maybe less... severe. You make quite a statement with your glasses, my dear. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that you’re not a very attractive girl regardless.”
Zoe shook her head. “I dress for myself, and myself only. Let’s leave it at that, shall we?”
Ellen didn’t seem offended and simply smiled. “Are you? I know for a fact that Archer went to your apartment last evening. And this morning, you look ravishing. Is it because you were ravished?”
The turn of the conversation twisted something in her. “Who told you that?”
Ellen gave her an innocent look, but her eyes were full of mischief. “Well, a little mouse told me... or I was just leaving when Archer was yelling at yummy Mr. Sorenson to bring the car around, giving him an address... I couldn’t help but check it out... sue me.”
Zoe winced and was about to lash back when the door burst open to Archer Blackwood, who was still as angry as before. Zoe swore she could feel a cold wind over her skin. “There you are. I don’t pay you two to gossip. Ellen, our guests will arrive any minute now. And you, I want you with me. Now.”
He stormed out and Zoe let her head fall back. This morning was going down the toilet at epic speed. Ellen made her way to the door. “I’ve sent you a summary of each participant by email. Archer is in a foul mood... what did you do?”
“Nothing! Would you stop? He didn’t touch me, I didn’t touch him. I signed a contract for goodness' sake!”
Ellen leaned on her doorjamb, offering her a pitiful smile... or close to it. “Sorry... well, not sorry, in fact. I was curious.”
Zoe didn’t know if she should laugh or growl at the woman. But vengeance was even better. “No problem Ellen. And by the way I’ve told Mr. Sorenson about your whipped cream fantasy...”
And before the executive assistant could scrape her jaw off the floor, Zoe winked, grabbed her tablet, and fled.
