Love in Red Numbers

A Small Error In The Plan

The restaurant staff, elegantly dressed in traditional Italian suits, moved with grace and efficiency, attending to diners with courtesy and professionalism. Each dish was presented with exquisite detail, reflecting a passion for Italian gastronomy.

In reality, the whole ambiance would be a dream come true if it weren't for Karen's presence, which was beginning to spoil Ava's stay in this pompous place.

"Karen, this is a surprise. What are you doing here?" Daniel asked, with a forced smile.

"Daniel, it's quite a surprise for me to see you here. And with beautiful company," Karen replied, casting a disdainful glance at Ava.

Ava smiled, trying to maintain her composure, but her discomfort was starting to gnaw at her soul. Nevertheless, she made every effort not to break her demeanor.

"Hello, nice to meet you, Karen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," she said politely.

Karen arched an eyebrow and turned to Daniel again.

"She's your assistant, right? I didn't know you were hiring models instead of qualified employees."

Daniel furrowed his brow, but before he could say anything, Ava intervened.

"I am Daniel's assistant, but I also have some experience in finance, and I am well-qualified for the job," she said confidently.

Karen looked at her incredulously.

"Really? I'm surprised Daniel hired you. Rumors travel fast in these circles. They say you were just a simple waitress with no experience in finance," she said with a mocking smile.

Ava took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions.

"That's not true," Ava said nervously. Daniel also swallowed hard, remembering that Ava was the one who had served them the night they met at the restaurant.

"Oh, please. Many people saw Daniel frequenting a restaurant and said it was because the waitress had captured his heart. Don't look at me, I just heard," Karen commented.

"Actually, you're mistaken, maybe you're confusing me with someone else... Before working for Daniel's company, I worked at an accounting firm for two years. If you'd like, I can show you my resume," Ava said with nervousness.

Karen frowned, clearly uncomfortable with Ava's response.

"Well, we'll see if you measure up in other business activities," she said with a challenging smile.

The dinner began, and Ava stayed by Daniel's side, trying to ignore Karen's contemptuous glances. However, at one point, Karen approached the table again and started asking Ava uncomfortable questions about her experience in finance.

Ava responded calmly and confidently, but Karen kept interrupting her and trying to discredit her. Ava began to feel increasingly nervous and humiliated.

Finally, Daniel intervened.

"Karen, that's enough! Stop attacking Ava," he exclaimed in a whisper, looking around.

Karen was surprised by Daniel's intervention and glared at him but decided to continue with her plan.

"Oh, come on, Daniel. You know she's only here because she's your girlfriend. She has no place in this business world," she reaffirmed with disdain.

By this point, Karen had already spread her poison with her contemptuous attitude toward Ava during the business dinner, and murmurs began to fill the air around her.

The managers and important executives present, along with their wives and girlfriends, couldn't help but hear Karen's hurtful words and contemptuous comments.

Some faces showed surprise and confusion, while others nodded in agreement with Karen, thus fueling the fire of prejudice that had ignited in the room. Conversations among those present were filled with whispers and gestures of disapproval.

The wives and girlfriends of the executives exchanged uncomfortable glances, evidently feeling the tension in the room. Some of them whispered to each other, commenting on the situation and expressing their surprise at Karen's attitude.

Ava was about to explode, but before she could say something she might regret later—because she had quite a few impolite insults in mind for that woman—Daniel defended her once again.

"Ava is here because she is a highly qualified professional, and I emphasize... She is very valuable to my company. And it has nothing to do with my relationship with her," he said firmly.

Karen was taken aback by Daniel's intervention and glared at him, but she decided to proceed with her plan.

"Oh, please, Daniel. You know she's only here because she's your girlfriend. She has no place in this business world," she reaffirmed with disdain.

At this point, Karen had already sown her venom with her contemptuous attitude towards Ava during the business dinner, and murmurs began to fill the air around her.

The managers and important executives present, along with their wives and girlfriends, couldn't help but hear Karen's hurtful words and contemptuous comments.

Some faces showed surprise and confusion, while others nodded in agreement with Karen, thus fueling the fire of prejudice that had ignited in the room. Conversations among those present were filled with whispers and gestures of disapproval.

The wives and girlfriends of the executives exchanged uncomfortable glances, evidently feeling the tension in the room. Some of them whispered to each other, commenting on the situation and expressing their surprise at Karen's attitude.

Ava was about to explode, but before she could say something she might regret later—because she had quite a few impolite insults in mind for that woman—Daniel defended her once again.

"Ava is here because she is a highly qualified professional, and I emphasize... She is very valuable to my company. And it has nothing to do with my relationship with her," he said firmly.

The dinner ended on an uncomfortable note, but Ava felt relieved to have Daniel by her side, supporting her. They walked together out of the dining room, distancing themselves from the tension that had filled the room.

"Ava, I'm so sorry for what you went through tonight. Karen can be difficult to handle, but I want you to know that I trust you and your abilities," Daniel said, taking her hand.

Ava smiled, feeling reassured by Daniel's words.

"Thank you, Daniel. Your support means a lot to me. Although it was tough, I'm glad I stood up for myself. I won't let anyone belittle me."

Daniel nodded, looking at her with admiration.

"You're strong and brave, Ava. There's no doubt that you're more than capable of facing any challenge. I'm proud of you."

They stopped in front of the restaurant's door, looking at each other; he with love and she with determination.

At that very moment, some colleagues and friends of Daniel approached to congratulate him on the success of the meeting. Among them were Ryan Tielmans, a sales manager, and Artemisa Paxton, a marketing executive.

Ryan, with a friendly smile, addressed Ava:

"Daniel hasn't stopped talking about you, Ava. I'm glad to finally meet you in person. You seem much younger than I expected.

Ava blushed slightly, feeling aware of the age difference between her and Daniel.

"Yes, I'm a bit younger," Ava tried not to hesitate too much. "But we've found a special connection despite that," she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Artemisa, curious, joined the conversation.

"Daniel has always been very reserved about his personal life. How did you two meet?"

Ava exchanged a quick glance with Daniel before responding carefully.

"We met at a business conference. It was an unexpected but very meaningful encounter. The truth is, I've been very fortunate; this man has been a sweetheart to me."

At that moment, Karen appeared on the scene, accompanied by another manager. Her disdainful expression deepened as she addressed Ava.

"Oh, so you've already met Daniel's young fiancée. I can't help but wonder what really attracted you to him. Money, perhaps?"

Ava felt a surge of anger and humiliation. The courtesy and self-control they had maintained until now vanished in an instant.

"Ava, darling, don't get me wrong, but I suppose you're taking advantage of Daniel's generosity, right? Don't you think so, folks?" Karen turned to Ryan, Leopold, and Artemisa, who didn't know how to respond.

"A young lady like you couldn't possibly be here on your own merit. You must surely have other skills to have captured the attention of such a successful man," Karen said sarcastically, looking Ava up and down.

Karen's words cut Ava deeply. For a moment, the control and composure she had maintained throughout the evening vanished, and her true personality emerged in all its rawness.

With anger-filled eyes, Ava confronted Karen, but before she could say anything, the slap she gave had resonated throughout the restaurant's outdoor garden. Daniel clutched his head, Ryan and Leopold jumped in surprise, and Artemisa covered her mouth.

"Damn... I think I just ruined all the plans. Sink me into the ground!" Ava thought as everyone watched the scene as if it were a soap opera.