THE CONTRACT

PTE

ir bows were almost mechanical, each employee desperately hoping for even the slightest acknowledgment. Yet, as usual, their efforts w

ority. His secretary, a petite woman with sharp eyes, hurried toward him, c

ds. She received no reply, only the faintest tilt of his head as he stopped

ked in a tone devoid of warmth, his d

meeting with the G&L company at noon, a review of last week's projects in the afternoon, and a contract signing with

unreadable. Then, without looking

g slightly before scurrying away, her he

d immediately and opened it with a practiced motion. "Good day, sir," the gu

hogany desk, the soft leather chair creaking slightly as he sat. Without a moment's hesitation, he picked up one of

-

p.

he clapped her hands together, her youthful excitement lighting up th

e asked, his tone surprisingly gen

" Mia beamed, her eyes

ked, his tone shifting back

smile faded, replaced by a frown. "Why are you looking for t

ast her without a word. "Dad!" Mia called af

n with a smirk. "Your dad needs to get to work. He has things to get done for u

-

n," a melodic voice called from within. The do

r head bowed slightly in respect. Her voice

Mr. Wilson replied

?" he asked, study

" she replied, her sm

began, his tone unusually soft, "so I

Eleanor beamed,

ut a heavy sigh, "your mom asked me to

he asked, her c

typing away. Moments later, Eleanor's phone buzzed with a notification.

aking with shock. Her gaze shot to her father. "Where did

he wanted me to give it to you on your twenty-fifth

ared at her father. Overcome with emotion, sh

said, her voice muff

chided gently. "I said no

ay the tears. She smiled brightly

a bottle of wine. "Let's celebrate!" he decla

on the floor and retrieved two glass cups. He po

om his pocket, the liquid inside clear and unassuming. With a quick mot

said, raisi

against his. She brought the glass to her lip

s of his mouth. Within moments, Eleanor's expression shifted.

e asked, his voice lace

f trying to clear it. She stood up but stumbled, her bod

revealing Mrs. Wilson, Mia,

n," Mrs. Wilson announced, h

to the hotel?" Ethan asked, his express

on snapped sarcastically. "Are yo

Ethan muttered, his h

n't be so harsh on him. He might not be as quick-witted as Mia

plied, his face light

his nose. "Lift her up and carry her to the car.

ed, his foot slipped, and he tumbled to the floor with a lou

an cried ou

earing thin. "You're proving just how smart

lifted Eleanor into his arms, carryi

," he ordered as he str

proached. He placed Eleanor gently on the back seat

n calm and composed. "I'll be taking her," she

's eyes wide

?" Mr. Wilson asked, his

ilities?" Mrs. Wilson retorted, a sharp edge to h

handing over the ke

about me," she said confidently as she started the engine. The ca