Gambling Hearts with the CEO

Chapter 6: Business between Us

Like I expected it would be, I could feel his employees' eyes on both of us—eyeing and probably to get some information on why I could speak in such a way. The way their gazes switch from Brandon and I, speaks a lot. Even though some of them kept their eyes on me with an obvious hint of adoration, once a possible issue can be sought, they will keep their attention on that matter more.

I wonder, do these employees know what their boss is actually like? Are they aware of how much of a jerk he is? From what I heard, to get inside this company, one needs to excel well because of the high standard set by their higher ups. It is what that talk was like even way back then. Styles Group is known to be really picky with their employees that out of hundreds of applicants, they will only pick two or three, or worse… none.

Maybe it's because Brandon’s father has such high expectations of people. I have met the Chairman of Styles Group, then the CEO and President, before during parties I have attended with my family. Believe it or not, I used to be scared of making mistakes in front of him because of the rumors of how of a perfectionist he is. If he notices that one thing is not right or the other does it in a wrong way in his perspective, then you have already failed him.

I remember how many girls wanted to impress him back then whenever their parents presented them to him. It’s because they actually like Mr. Styles’ jerk of a son that whenever I attended those parties, I would see them fixing themselves up so well before approaching Brandon’s father. But since Brandon is the only son out of few siblings, the standards for the girl or woman he is to be with are higher. Even Tyra, who appeared to be calm, didn’t even pass his test. That is how high his standard is and it's crazy!

I loosen up the smirk off my face and take my hand away from Brandon. The goal for today is to be a professional and try not to annoy him in order to win the bet. It’s not that the bet is such a big deal to me. I don’t really mind paying for Esther and her fiance’s honeymoon fees because she is a long-time friend and I would be willing to pay it all off as a gift. But somehow, I wanted to know whether I could win it. That way, I wouldn’t form such lame allegations too.

“Thank you for making some time even though it is your break now,” Brandon says with such a serious tone, acting all professional and as if I really am such a stranger to him.

“Well, I planned to decline your offer before even checking it out because I am on my break period. But my manager told me that I should check it out first before deciding.” I put on a small smile, eyeing him with such a look. “I don’t think I made the right decision to break such a peaceful vacation, right?”

“You won’t, and I can make sure of it. But for now, how about we head to the conference room? So we can discuss the deal already?” he suggested, and like a small kid, I nodded my head innocently.

Unlike how rude he was with his silence that killed me the other night, we made our way to the conference room side by side. But one thing that hasn't changed is that he is still indeed silent and his subordinates are not even bothered by it. How can they not be bothered by it when his silence means he has a lot on his head?

As we continued walking, I noticed how big their family company is actually like. They have hundreds of employees walking around the company, all looking like they weren’t even overwork because of how fresh they look. None of the employees in the company even seemed to be so scared with Brandon’s cold aura. As if he is such a good boss that makes it less scarier.

When we arrived at the massive conference room, Brandon immediately occupied the seat at the back center which proves his authority among everyone else. I, on the other hand, occupied the seat on his right with my bodyguard staying on the chair provided in the corner of the room. Two of his employees also entered the room with one more seating just behind Brandon, who must be his secretary because he has been on the jerk’s side since I arrived.

“I believe you didn’t want to make this meeting longer and disrupt your vacation, Ms. Borres. I will let my subordinates discuss the offer, is that okay?” he politely asked, giving me an actual shock but tried not to make it obvious.

“Sure. I would love it more if they keep it short.” I scrunch my nose, making him only look at me with a straight face. “I don’t really like long discussions unless your subordinates manage to make me focus on them.”

He remained staring at me while I returned the same intensity before he let out a sigh, nodding. “Sure, you do.” He turned in front of him and gestured to his employee to start.

As they began, it actually exceeded my expectations! They speak with not even a single flaw and they stand in front with that clear confidence around them. And as hard it is to believe, I actually managed to focus on what they were saying throughout the entire time. It’s because there is something in their voice that makes them so pleased to hear. Something that can make someone focus entirely on them.

What they were offering me is actually a great offer. They wanted me to model for their company’s clothing brand that will release the second collection in two months. The concept was great and even the presented clothes were also in good fabric as well as good designs. On top of that, they even offered some loadsome pay just for me to model their brand. Seems someone is so determined to have me model his brand.

“So, what do you think, Ms. Borres?” Brandon asked, giving me a look.

I put down the pen then turned to look at him. “Before I give my answer, why did you choose me to be your brand’s model?” I questioned.

“It’s because you are the one that we think can present these clothes better than anyone else. Also, you are the supermodel of the decade. I wanna see what the public sees to give you such a title.” He simply answered.

For some reason, I felt the sarcasm in his tone when he talked about the title I earned from my career. If some people are actually astonished with such a title given to me, it is obvious that he cares less about that title. For him, it is probably stupied that I earned it. But I don’t really care what he thinks about it because I never really took that title for such a big deal.

For me, that title is only meant to pressure myself more so I could be better. I never took it by heart, but used it as an inspiration to improve more. If people love or hate the idea of me having that title, I am neither because of how I use that title. Even though I am grateful to earn it, it comes with so many consequences and responsibilities. And it is something that I won’t be able to hold on forever as well anyway.

“If that is so… then no.” I caught the glimpse of shock in his eyes when I said that.

“What do you mean no?” I almost smirked when he suddenly sounded so casual, dropping the formal tone and speaking like the actual jerk I know. He cleared his throat when he noticed his employees looking at him after such a change in his tone. “I think we deserve an explanation here, Ms. Borres.”

“It’s simple, and an obvious one actually. I am in contract with an international brand which means I can’t model for your brand, Mr. Styles. I am not really the kind of woman who will involve myself in such trouble just to get more work.” I explained, honestly.

For the past years, I actually have been working for one international brand who has signed a contract with me for years now. They have been my trusted one so I never hesitated to renew it every year since it is a yearly contract. On top of that, the CEO and Director of the brand takes care of me so well. So why would I drop all of that just to sign a new contract to a company owned by someone I hate the most?

“A contract which is about to end, Ms. Borres.” I raised a brow, thinking how he probably got that news. “We will not reach out to your manager and your agency if we know that you are still in the middle of the contract with another brand.”

“I still have a month left before my contract ends, and you are already offering me a new one. I don’t plan to breach my contract, Mr. Styles, so I am sorry.” I stood up from my seat and picked up my bag. “My agency probably gave you their word about me considering taking your offer, but I can’t break such a bond with my former contractor who I have been working with for years. Thank you for today, and sorry.”

I gave his subordinates an apologetic smile which they returned with a nod and a small smile instead. I gave Brandon a look but didn’t really show any signs of expression, and instead remained stoic. When I noticed that he wouldn’t even give me a look, I rolled my eyes without trying to make it obvious before turning to my back so I could leave and go back to my break already.

“If you already have your mind settled to reject our offer, then why bother to come here and listen?” He suddenly said with such frustration obvious in his tone.

I stopped and turned back, only to see him already on his foot and looking at me with the coldest look I have received from him. “Like I said earlier, Mr. Styles. I came here after my manager told me to listen and check out what you can offer first before I decide, so I did. And I made my decision, and that is not to breach my contract. So I’m sorry, Mr. Styles. My decision will remain the same no matter what.” I explained.

Without letting him say more, I turn to my back and leave the room in silence. My bodyguard followed me from behind with Brandon’s employees watching me as I left the floor.. But before I could even enter the elevator, I was pulled back by my wrist, only to see Brandon panting a little when I turned around.

“What the f**k, Mr. Styles?” I exclaimed.

“We should talk, Alexandra.” He simply said before telling my bodyguard that he can wait in the lobby for me before pulling me inside the elevator.

His hold was so tight on my wrist that it was starting to hurt. I tried to pull my wrist away from his hold but I just can’t with how stronger he is than me. As the elevator stopped, I realized that we were already at the top of the building, which means it is his office we are going to and I wasn’t wrong.

He pulled me with him as gently as he could until we entered this massive door that leads to another massive room. His desk and chair is located at the middle back of the room with a clear view of the outside because of the glass windows. There are also two couches with a center table placed on the left side of the room with another long table and few chairs placed on the right.

“Let go of me!” I exclaimed before I managed to pull my wrist away from his hold. Without any bother, I immediately massaged my wrist and noticed the redness in it. “It’s been years, but you still remained as such a f*****g jerk, Brandon. What do you even want from me?”

When I looked up to him, I noticed him eyeing my wrist before leaving me there and going somewhere in the room. I was left hanging, letting out a scoff in disbelief because he literally just ignored me after taking me up here. I just welcomed myself alone and occupied the couch while still massaging my wrist.

“f*****g asshole,” I whispered to myself when I noticed that the redness wouldn’t disappear any minute by now.

Much to my frustration, a cold compress was suddenly placed on top of my wrist and water placed on top of the table. My brows furrowed as I looked up to see Brandon making his way to the opposite couch to occupy it. I rolled my eyes and let the cold compress sit on my wrist.

“What do you want, Brandon?” I sarcastically said.

“Are you sober enough?” He suddenly asked, making me confused. I raised a brow at him but he remained unbothered. “I wanna know if you are sober enough to come here and listen to our offer.”

A scoff escaped my lips. “If you are thinking that I might not be in my right mind because I rejected your offer, then you are wrong. I already took medicine earlier so you don’t really need to mind whether I am sober or not to make that decision.” I still answered with complete sarcasm still.

My eyes squint for a moment when I think I saw a glimpse of a small smile on his lips, but maybe I was just hallucinating. It’s impossible for this jerk to actually smile in front of me. I know he hated my guts too.

“Then that’s good to know.” He looked down and played with the ring on his finger. “If you are sober enough, then I suppose you can remember what you did last night?”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

But instead of getting a response, he only looks at me as if he is trying to read me. He remained in the same position and gaze for a few more minutes before letting go and forming a smirk. But that smirk seems so meaningful that it confuses me and makes me curious as well.

Did I do something stupid last night? I mean, I know I have drunk too much than what I planned to drink but it’s stupid if I did something. If this jerk knows about it, then it probably concerns him or any of his friends. But still, I can’t really remember a thing so I can’t tell. I glare at Brandon, thinking that he is probably playing with me right now. What a f*****g asshole.

“If that is what you are only curious about, then I need to go now. I want my break back, so if you don’t mind.” I stand up from the couch.

“Why did you do that?” He suddenly said, making me look down on him again. “If you weren’t interested in the first place, then you should have just told your manager so she can reject the offer on your behalf instead of wasting my subordinates' time and crashing their hope.”

“I believe I already explained that clearly earlier. Like I said, I won’t breach my contract. Can’t you understand that?” I argued.

“It won’t be breaching a contract if you signed with us after your previous contract ended.” He insisted. “I am not stupid, Alexandra. I wouldn’t do business with someone I know who can lead troubles in my company as well. I know you are with a big international brand, and taking you away from them while you are still in a contract is a big problem.”

I took a deep breath before taking a seat once again. “Can you tell me? Why are you even so invested in making me the model for your brand? You have local models who can do that for you, celebrities, and all. But why do you have to pick someone you probably didn’t want to meet nor work with?” I asked.

He looks at me, hesitating, before sigh escapes his lips in defeat. “First of all, I didn’t say I didn’t want to meet you again nor work with you. I am willing to work with anyone who can help me grow my business more. But if I will be honest with you, it is my father who insisted that we take you as the model for the next brand.” He explained, making me laid back suddenly.

So it was his father, the Chairman. No wonder he looks so persistent because if the orders come from himself, then he probably wouldn’t even bother pulling me here with him just to explain.

“He wanted me to convince you because, for him, the collection will only be a success if a top model like you did it.” He let out another sigh, making me feel the stress in him. “We already tried using other models during the last collection and it didn’t exactly turn out well. So he had to make suggestions. He happened to know how successful you have been internationally, so he told us to get you no matter what.”

“Even if it means losing so much money just to pay me?” I said as he nodded.

At some point, I feel bad all of a sudden because I didn’t know it was actually like this. Maybe I shouldn’t be so sarcastic. After all, they did offer me such a big pay and the contract only lasted for a year only. I can just go back to the previous brand after that if they still wanted me to.

I look at Brandon again and let out a sigh. I was about to just accept his offer when I remembered about the bet that made me smirk.

“I will accept your offer, but!” He raised a brow. “I need you to answer my question.”

“Drop it.” He simply said.

“Are you gay?” I asked with no hesitation, making me look at me in disbelief. “Since the reason behind why you and Tyra broke up still remains a mystery to us, and I heard you haven’t been spotted with a woman yet. I just need to know whether you are one or not so I can know if I won the bet or not. So I am asking you, are you gay?”

He let out a scoff, looking down. I knew it… but my hope crashed.

“Why would I kiss you back then if I am one?” He suddenly said, making my eyes wide. He looks at me with a smirk on. “Did you really think I forgot what happened that night?”

“You f*****g asshol—”

“You said that you needed to know whether you won the bet or not, right? Then let me make another bet.” he said.

“What do you mean?”

“What you need is to prove whether I am gay or not, right? Surely my words are not enough evidence, so you needed an actual action. So, the bet is, I will flirt with you.” He suddenly said, making me scoff in disbelief.

“Are you kidding me right now?” I exclaimed, but he just shrugged.

“I am not, Alexandra. And it’s not actually me, it’s We will flirt with one another. If you won, then you can tell them that I am gay and I wouldn’t mind it just so you can win your bet. But if I win,” he leaned forward with his elbows resting to each of the tops of his thighs. “You will be the model of our brand for the next three years. So will you take it or not?”

I don’t even know why I am suddenly so invested with this! Maybe it was my subconscious that took me over and the next thing I knew, I already provided an answer.

“Deal.”