Chapter 12 Gavin had his arm around Stella , looking completely unapologetic about holding onto another woman while Cecilia stood . before him . Cecilia's injured arm hung at her side , the pain and numbness concealed under the silk sleeve of her blouse . Her face , however , gave nothing away . She met Gavin's superior look head - on and held out the documents with her left hand . " This needs your signature . " she stated , her tone businesslike and cool . Fury flashed across Gavin's features at her words . " All those times you came to see me before , holding me up now … it was all just for this ? " Gavin couldn't believe Cecilia wasn't the least bit jealous or trying to play the coquette like he'd expected . " Yes , this document is critical . " Cecilia affirmed , stepping closer . She continued explaining earnestly , " Jewelry Exhibition is my project . Of course it's what matters most to me right now ." Stella was still putting on her dizziness act . Gavin felt genuine concern for her , but his frustration was primarily fueled by Cecilia's cold , dismissive attitude . " Cecilia , I don't have time for your document right now . " Gavin demanded , " Stella's injured and needs the hospital . You're fussing over this when you still can't see what truly matters . If anything happens because we're delayed , I'd regret it for the rest of my life . " Cecilia saw right through Stella's little act . " Ms. Yates should be fine . " Cecilia said , " But this document is time - sensitive and on the critical path . It won't take more than a minute of your time . Please sign it now so that Project Division can move forward . " " Cecilia ! Is your job the only thing that matters ? " Gavin snapped , her focus solely on work finally pushing him over the edge . " Are you doing this to get at Stella ? Didn't I offer you a way out first ? You weren't even hurt . What's there to be upset about me helping Stella first ? How much longer is this childish pettiness going to last ? " he demanded . " Mr. Foster , I'm speaking strictly business here ." Cecilia cut him off, her voice level and firm . Even under the watchful eyes of the maintenance crew and everyone present , she remained calm and poised . Gavin only grew angrier . Cecilia's unwavering independence showed her clear lack of needing Gavin from the very start , which was a deep - seated frustration for him . Stella's dependent nature and affection , in stark contrast , were exactly what soothed his ego . When it came to Cecilia , all Gavin could feel was resentment over their failed romantic entanglement . Predictably , Gavin's feelings were drawn to whoever seemed to need him most . " Don't tell me how to run my business . This is my company . " he stated , his tone thick with unreasonable authority , " I decide what's important . You're just an employee in Project Division . If I choose to cancel Jewelry Exhibition , this document will become worthless . " Cecilia's eyes widened briefly in shock , her spine stiffening almost imperceptibly . 1/4 12:45 Tue , Aug 12 G X +15 Chapter 12 " If you make such sudden decisions on a whim , Mr. Foster , " she stated flatly , " I will formally call it out in tomorrow's company meeting . " Jewelry Exhibition is running smoothly and on schedule . There is absolutely no justification for canceling it . Even this is your company , you still have to answer to the other shareholders . " Cecilia would never allow all the effort she'd poured into the exhibition , nor the dedication of her entire team , to be casually tossed aside like it meant nothing . Gavin's eyes narrowed with a dark , dangerous intensity as he gazed Cecilia . " Are you daring to threaten me ? " " I'm simply reminding you to keep work and personal matters separate . " Cecilia countered , holding out the document once more . She met his gaze head - on , each word deliberate and clear , " If you refuse to sign , Mr. Foster , I will take it to the other shareholders . " A bitter , humorless laugh escaped Gavin . He had never thought that Cecilia , the woman who'd stood by him for years , would dare defy him , let alone publicly undermine his authority like this . " Mr. Foster , Cecilia ." Stella interjected softly , her eyes downcast and glistening with unshed tears , " Please , don't argue because of me . My little scratch is nothing serious . Mr. Foster , you should please attend to Cecilia's document first . " The standoff stretched on , thick with tension . After a long moment , Gavin finally snatched the document , flipping through its pages with barely a glance . His eyes , cold with contempt , locked onto Cecilia . " How utterly selfish you are . I must have been wrong about you all along . " Gavin signed the document and tossed it aside . Then he scooped Stella up gently . " It's okay , Stella . " he soothed , " I'm taking you to the hospital right now . " Inside , he thought , ' Cecilia pushed me toward someone else with her own hands . She'll regret it . Cecilia wasn't bothered at all . She headed straight to PR Division with the documents to get things moving and sorted out her team's tasks . She was flat out busy all the way until 3 pm . That's when she finally got a chance to sit down for a breather . Cecilia's arm was still aching badly from the bump . She was just about to finally head to the hospital to get it checked when her phone pinged with a new message . It was from Mr. Hall . [ Ms. Jordan , your piece has been delivered from Hall Manor . I'm at the office now . Can you come by at the moment ? ] Cecilia replied : [ Yes . I'll be right there . ] Then she made her way straight to Hall Group . ***** The receptionist smiled respectfully . " Good afternoon , Ms. Jordan . " she said . " Mr. Hall is waiting for you in his office . Please come this way . " " Thanks . " Cecilia replied , returning a small smile . She followed the receptionist behind her . 2/4 12:45 Tue , Aug 12 G G 94 % 0 X +15 Chapter 12 The elevator opened directly onto the office suite on the 68th floor . Even though it was her first time here , Cecilia politely kept her eyes forward , resisting the urge to look around . Still , she took it all in with one sweeping glance . The office was done in a stark black and white minimalist palette . It gave off a serious , all - business vibe that felt a bit oppressive . " Please have a seat , Ms. Jordan . " said Simon , looking up at her from behind his desk . His suit jacket was draped over the back of his chair . He wore a light blue button - down shirt and tie , giving off a vibe of cool distance . He carried himself with that effortless grace and dignity he seemed born with . " Good afternoon , Mr. Hall . " Cecilia responded with a smile . Simon briefly told his secretary , " Two coffees and pastries , please . " Then he walked smoothly over to the sofa and gestured toward something on the table . Following his gesture , Cecilia looked toward the table . There sat her piece , carefully boxed up . " I never imagined I'd see it again . " she said softly . She carefully lifted the lid , instinctively trying to use her right hand , but it just wouldn't cooperate . Simon caught the slight wince as she tried to move her hand . He frowned . " Ms. Jordan , is your right hand injured ? " " The elevator had a glitch today . I just got bumped . " Cecilia explained , a bit surprised he'd noticed . Simon was already on his feet , picking up the internal line . " Have my personal doctor come over . " he instructed . " That's really not necessary . I was planning to go to the hospital later anyway . " Cecilia jumped in quickly , trying to stop him . " Is it even possible to get an appointment this late ? " Simon walked back to her . " Would you mind if I checked it out ? " he asked . Cecilia paused for a beat , then didn't refuse . She rolled up her right sleeve . Simon leaned in gently , pressing the spot lightly with his finger . " Let the doctor check it first . Then we'll see about the hospital ." he said , " If I hadn't called you , you'd probably already be at the hospital by now . Hands like yours , Ms. Jordan , are really valuable for your craft . Can't afford to get them hurt . " Cecilia could tell he was sincere . And she meant it when she said , " Thanks . " While waiting for the doctor , Cecilia looked at her piece . She ran her hand slowly over the carvings . Closing her eyes , she felt like a kid again , learning from her dad . Those memories were old now , but she still kept the warm feeling of his love . This piece was really special to her heart . Cecilia couldn't help but wonder , " Mr. Hall , how come you ended up with this one ? " Back then , she wasn't anybody yet , and he paid way too much for it . Facing her curious look , Simon felt his heart skip a little . 3/4 Aug - 94 % X +15 Chapter 12 " That auction , " he started , " I collected eleven pieces . " His gaze moved to the lifelike sculpture of the girl , and for a moment , something deeper flickered in his eyes . " To me , this one feels alive . I didn't know who designed it back then , but the piece itself was the reason why I wanted it . Seeing you back designing jewelry now , Ms. Jordan , it just proves I picked a winner . " " Well then , I can't let you down , Mr. Hall . " There was a spark in Cecilia's eyes - the fire of her dream coming back to life . " About the fee for loaning the piece out for the show , I've made my decision . " Simon's gaze stayed on her , his voice low . " I want your second piece , Ms. Jordan . " There was a lot more to Simon's words than met the ear - it was something deep and quiet he'd held onto for a long time . 4/4 e