I pick up the menu and my eyes widen, "I swear-""I won't." We lock eyes and I nod, "Promise." This time a waiter comes and greets us, "What would you like to order?" He looks at me, I look down at the menu."I'll have the lobster shiitake salad with the spicy lemon dressing." $68.His eyes travel to my chest, "And a side of you not looking at me chest, paired with the Garden Gimlet. Thank you."He gets my hint and looks up at my eyes, I lock eyes with him. He looks down, "I'm sorry ma'am." He then looks at Grey, who doesn't the least look calm."I'll have the Yellowtail tartar with caviar and the sashimi salad with matsuhisa dressing as the main and a grapefruit on the rocks for now. A bottle of Salon, Blanc de Blancs, Brut, Le Mesnil '06." He takes all of that down."A-anything else?" He asks avoiding eye contact with my boss."Yes, please call for a waitress to serve us. Thank you." I stare daggers at him but at the same time wondering how he could be so dismissive and polite at t

Hey." I greet as Nic pulls my into a hug."He's waiting in B6, and before you ask you aren't late. He's just early." I smile as this reminds me of the first time we met in a way."Thanks." I pass by my office and grab my notebook then head to the room.I walk I with a smile and he stands up immediately and sticks his hand out for. "I'm Jackson Cooper." He introduces.He looks like he's in his early fifties with peppered hair and a few stress wrinkles over his face."Rosaleigh Clarkson, Mr Grey's personal assistant." I return and motion for him to take a seat which I take opposite him."I'm not sure if Xander told you but I'm a criminal defense lawyer. I've been in this line of work for thrity five years now, I am the best of the best in the country and I'm happy to be at your service." He smiles but I find it hard to return it.I remain silent, a criminal defense lawyer?He's got to be kidding me.Mr Cooper notices my silence. "I know all about your situation and I can assure you that-

I quietly swirl the drink in the tumbler which is in my hand, looking at my boss who's been quiet but thankfully hasn't taken more than three drinks."Are you ready to finally talk about it?" I ask softly, I regret it the moment he downs the drink in his hand and asks for another one.I sigh, we stay silent for thirty minutes and five drinks more. Now I'm certain that the drinks have started to hit him along with anxiety for sure.His foot hasn't stopped tapping, and as much as it annoys me it stops him from snapping so."I think I should get you home." I state getting up, he shakes his head, I'm shocked."Why not?" He shakes his head."Take me up to the penthouse, Noelle can't see me like thiss..." He slurs, I nod as he gets up and slightly sways left, I'm by his side supporting half his weight."Remind me to never let you drink in my presence." I mutter as I help him walk to the elevator.He laughs, we finally get into the elevator and press the button that takes us to the penthouse

"I attain full ownership of the company, easy as that." He says blankly, so he doesn't...That's what all of this is about, his father has come back for what is rightfully his. Something Grey was only supposed to inherit when he got married, I'm guessing Grey Snr is tired of all the embarassments on national TV."Can I think about this for a minute?" I ask looking up at both of them, Xander nods."You have the whole day." Even though it's short, and this should be no short of a doubt for me, I still need time to think about it.I stand up ready to leave, "I'll drive you home. Call me when you're ready." I nod silently and then head to the room where I dress up in yesterday's clothes, as much as I hate it.So many benefits on my side as compared to his, and they really solve every last one of my financial problems. But do I really want to give up five years of my life to someone I know but not enough to marry, let alone love?Don't lie.I snicker to myself, it's been five to six month

It's late now, I haven't left the office since I arrived. I just ordered food and stayed in my office, I haven't attended any meeting with Xander to avoid any questions, instead he attended with Nic.A knock sounds on my door, "Come in!" I yell out.The door opens revealing my fiance.I smile out of instinct, he walks in returning the smile lightly. "I got Aaron to fetch your sister from school and to my house, not before passing by the apartment to get some clothes." I frown.How could Julia not tell me? Nor Lucia? I unlock my phone and see dozens of missed calls from both, it's my fault for putting it on silent."And I'd like for you to do the same. I think it's better if you stay with me for now, I don't want the paparazzi figuring out where you live and invading on your lives." He continues, it makes sense.If it took them less than an hour to get my phone number how long could it take them to find my address. I don't give it long but it's better to keep Lia and Jul out of this fo