Unexpected Fiancée

Chapter 54: Running Into An Old Friend

Chapter 54: Running into an Old Friend

Jane hesitated for a moment but eventually gave in to Patrick's insistence with a reluctant nod.

"Alright, fine. You're the boss."

In the end, she was an employee of Pansy Group, and Patrick held the position of president. If he required her to stay and work overtime, she had little choice but to comply. That was the unwritten law of the office jungle.

After leaving Patrick's office, Jane immediately called Carl to regretfully cancel their dinner plans. Carl sounded quite disappointed.

"Jane, you agreed just a little while ago. Why are you suddenly unavailable?"

"I'm truly sorry, Carl. An urgent matter has come up. We'll reschedule soon, my treat."

Jane felt somewhat powerless. If it weren't for Patrick's request, she wouldn't have been compelled to work late.

With a resigned sigh, she returned to her desk and meticulously reviewed the plan. She hadn't even begun revising it when her phone rang with Patrick's call.

"Yes?" Jane answered promptly.

Patrick's magnetic voice resonated from the other end.

"You mentioned sending me the meeting minutes. I've been waiting for them for half an hour."

Only half an hour? Seriously? When would this man stop playing these games with her? Did he hold a grudge against her or something? Jane silently cursed him in her mind but managed to respond through gritted teeth.

"I haven't finished them yet."

"What have you been doing with your time?" Patrick snapped impatiently.

Jane took a deep breath to calm herself down, to some extent.

"I'll share the meeting minutes and the plan with you once they're complete," she replied flatly.

"Fine," Patrick muttered, pursing his lips.

Although it was time to finish work, Jane was compelled to stay. She went through the meeting minutes and refined the plan.

When she was satisfied with everything, Jane carried the documents to the CEO's office.

"Are you done?"

When Patrick saw Jane enter, he raised his head and glanced at her indifferently.

Jane nodded, approached Patrick, and handed over the documents.

Patrick skimmed through the meeting minutes and, after a while, inquired, "Could you explain them to me in detail?"

"I've clearly documented everything in there. The meeting's agenda was to discuss the next steps for the production of the Ice and Fire series."

Jane pointed at the meeting minutes and systematically elaborated on each item for Patrick.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

This man must be doing it intentionally. Jane still remembered that a few days ago, Florence had delivered the cooperation plan with the Doyle Group to Patrick. He hadn't even looked at it and had instructed Florence to leave it on his desk. So why was Patrick asking her to clarify every detail? Could he still be mad about her kicking him the other day? What a child! Jane silently complained.

Once she explained the meeting minutes in detail, Jane moved on to the other document.

Just as she was about to begin her explanation, Patrick interjected, "Have you had dinner yet?"

Jane shook her head. "Not yet." She had been busy all day, with no time for dinner.

Patrick abruptly stood up. "Let's go," he stated.

Jane was taken aback. "Go where?"

"To a restaurant, obviously," Patrick replied, as though it was the most self-evident thing in the world. He didn't want to overwork her; she deserved a proper meal.

With that said, Patrick put on his suit jacket and walked out, not waiting for Jane.

She hurriedly followed him. "Is it your treat?" she inquired cautiously.

"Of course," Patrick responded promptly.

Nonetheless, Jane remained unconvinced. "Why the sudden invitation to dinner?"

Patrick paused, looking directly at her. "Do you think I'm a terrible boss?"

Jane wanted to say yes, but when she met Patrick's icy-cold gaze, she swallowed her words.

Together, they headed to a high-end restaurant.

"Ah, Mr. Pansy! It's a pleasure to have you back," the restaurant manager greeted Patrick enthusiastically as they entered.

In this restaurant, there was a dedicated private room reserved for Patrick. He would occasionally visit during late working hours or meet with clients there. But this was the first time he had brought a woman.

The manager couldn't help but cast more glances at Jane. She was tall, slender, and quite attractive. With her bright eyes and a lovely smile, she was undoubtedly a beauty. Noticing the manager's lingering glances at Jane, Patrick frowned and shot him a cold stare.

The manager shivered under Patrick's gaze and quickly turned away.

"Mr. Pansy, this way, please," the manager said, displaying excellent hospitality. He personally guided Patrick and Jane to the top floor.

As the elevator doors slid open, Jane was about to step out but found herself blocked by a tall, broad figure.

Osborn Maltz? Osborn was the top star at Star Entertainment, Jane's company. He was also one of her suitors.

What was he doing here? Jane looked at him with surprise.

Before she could say anything, Patrick spoke up first.

"Osborn, what a coincidence!"

Osborn smiled, his gaze shifting between Jane and Patrick. "Indeed, what a coincidence."

"Aren't you supposed to be in Madison for filming? When did you return?" Patrick inquired politely.

The Maltz family and the Pansy family were once neighbors, and Osborn had been Patrick's childhood friend. They had practically grown up together and were on good terms. The Maltz family primarily operated in the entertainment, film, and television industry.

Two years ago, Osborn ventured into acting. His striking good looks and introspective temperament garnered him a considerable female following. During the past couple of years, he had made remarkable strides in his career, clinching multiple awards in succession. Some even hailed him as the finest actor of his generation.

"I just returned," Osborn remarked, and his gaze softened as a faint smile tugged at the corners of his slender lips.

Witnessing this exchange, Patrick furrowed his brow.

"This is my fiancée, Jane."

"Fiancée?"

Surprise flashed across Osborn's handsome features. So, the rumors were true? Jane was engaged to Patrick? Patrick affirmed with a nod.

"Jane, this is my friend, Osborn."

Jane nodded, offering a small smile.

"I've heard a lot about you."

While she managed to keep a polite facade, a trace of perplexity and astonishment lingered in her eyes.

Wasn't Osborn supposed to be in Madison for filming? Why had he abruptly returned? Moreover, the ease of conversation between the two men raised her concerns. What if Osborn were to divulge something to Patrick? Would her secret identity be exposed?