Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 114

Chapter 38

Daphne looked up, frozen in place by the sight of the man before her.

"Calvin?"

He smirked faintly, his face now clean-shaven and far more handsome than when they first met by the lake. Gone were the disheveled clothes; he was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an air of authority. "What are you doing here?" Daphne asked, stunned by his transformation.

"Why don't you take a look at the contract and see whose name is on it, Ms. Walker?" Calvin replied, amusement flickering in his gaze.

Daphne hesitated, feeling certain she had reviewed the partnership details thoroughly. But as she opened the contract, she realized the partner's name was listed only as "Mr. Wood."

She had never imagined that her next encounter with Calvin would be under such circumstances.

"How did you suddenly become the owner of a big company?"

she asked, her confusion evident.

Leaning slightly closer, Calvin teased, "What's wrong? Did you prefer me as a kidnapper?"

Their eyes met, and his gaze was so captivating that Daphne couldn't help but blush.

Her cheeks burned as he leaned in, and she quickly shifted the conversation.

"Let's focus on the business deal," she said, her voice slightly flustered. "No problem. I'm happy to agree to the terms- on one condition,"

Calvin said, a barely noticeable mischievous smile playing on his lips. Daphne had a feeling he was up to no good, but she responded cautiously.

"Go ahead. If it's a reasonable request, we'll do our best to accommodate."

"I want Ms. Walker to go on a date with me. For one day."

This time, Calvin's tone lacked its earlier playfulness. His gaze was firm, almost earnest.

Daphne was caught off guard by his request, her face flushing red to the tips of her ears. She didn't dare meet his eyes.

"Well? Not a bad trade, is it?" Calvin pressed, his unwavering gaze making her heart race.

"That's personal, and this is business. How can you mix the two?"

Daphne replied, trying to sound composed.

"Does Ms. Walker agree or not?" Calvin's tone was almost clingy, leaving her little room to escape.

After a moment of contemplation -and realizing the next day was the weekend - Daphne reluctantly agreed.

"Tomorrow at noon, don't be late," Calvin said before escorting her to her car and leaving.

That night, after her shower, Daphne lay in bed, replaying the afternoon's events in her mind. She couldn't stop blushing, feeling like a lovestruck schoolgirl.

Despite her embarrassment, she admitted she was curious about Calvin. His mysterious identity, his sudden transformation from kidnapper to company owner-none of it made sense.

Who exactly was he? And what secrets lay behind that dangerously charming face?

Meanwhile, the competition between Walker Group and Roberts Group had officially begun.

As the newly appointed Vice President, Daphne was still figuring out how to solidify her position.

With countless questions swirling in her mind, she eventually drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, sunlight streamed gently through the window, waking her.

When Daphne opened her eyes and glanced at the clock, she realized it was already 10 a.m.

Remembering her promise to Calvin, a mix of curiosity and nervous excitement made her lips curl into a slight smile.

"Daphne, what are you thinking?" she muttered to herself, lightly patting her cheeks to snap out of it.

She quickly got up, choosing a dress that was both elegant and subtly feminine. After carefully doing her hair and makeup, she slipped on her heels and was about to head downstairs when her phone rang. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number. After a brief hesitation, she answered, "Hello?"

"Ms. Walker, I'm downstairs."