The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 37
Sophie entered Lake Enterprises with Justin beside her and a contract portfolio held firmly against her chest. The lobby’s marble walls and quiet efficiency conveyed exactly the power she needed Swift Architecture to retain.
Justin lowered his gaze whenever employees passed. Patrick’s warning had reached most of them, but surprise still flashed across faces that recognized their CEO walking behind a visiting architect.
“Okay, Justin. Come this way with me,” Sophie said, assuming his hesitation came from unfamiliarity. She guided the owner of the building toward his own reception desk.
The receptionist saw him and nearly stood. Justin gave the smallest shake of his head before Sophie noticed. The woman transformed the movement into reaching for a visitor form.
“Ms. Swift, your meeting room is being prepared,” she said. Her professional voice remained steady despite the impossible situation.
Sophie thanked her and began reviewing her notes. Justin used the moment to text Patrick that they had arrived and that no one, under any circumstances, should call him Mr. Lake.
A message returned asking who should conduct the negotiation. Justin named a senior executive and ordered Patrick to approve every reasonable term Sophie requested.
“Why do you keep checking your phone?” Sophie asked. “Tommy having another emergency?”
“Goldfish are unpredictable.” Justin put the device away before she could demand proof. The excuse had become so ridiculous that even he could no longer say it convincingly.
Patrick appeared briefly at the far end of the lobby. His expression demanded an explanation for the chaos, but Justin intercepted him near a decorative wall while Sophie spoke to reception.
“Keep her away from my office,” Justin whispered. “Have Miller sign the agreement. And if anyone recognizes me, improvise.”
Patrick stared at him. “You brought your wife to your headquarters to meet you while pretending not to be you.”
“That is an unnecessarily complicated description.” Justin glanced toward Sophie. “Can you handle it?”
Patrick exhaled through his nose. “What’s the fanciest restaurant you can think of?” The strange question was a test of whether Justin had completely lost perspective.
“Olive Garden,” Justin answered without hesitation. Patrick’s expression suggested the situation was beyond help.
Sophie returned before Patrick could argue. Justin introduced him only as an employee helping coordinate the meeting, carefully avoiding any title that might expose how closely they worked.
Patrick assured Sophie that Lake Enterprises valued Swift Architecture and expected the discussion to go smoothly. Every word was true, even if the real decision-maker stood at her side.
They approached the executive waiting area. Justin relaxed slightly, believing Patrick’s emergency plan might actually work.
Then Sophie stopped so abruptly that he nearly walked into her. A familiar man sat near the reception desk, dressed for an important meeting and wearing impatience like a crown.
Derek rose when he saw them. Suspicion sharpened his face as he looked from Sophie to Justin and demanded, “What are you doing here?”