Chapter 24
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Elias Rowe, assistant to Faulkner Group’s Vice President Robin, told her the meeting had already ended. Both the CEO, VP, and their teams were now in the banquet hall having lunch. It was almost mealtime, so this was a standard business lunch.
Autumn followed Elias into the elevator, heading to the private dining room.
When they reached the door, Autumn originally intended to drop off the documents and leave, but Elias invited her to join them for lunch
At large business gatherings like this, bosses often brought along a few subordinates. There were even some who came just to tag along for the meal.
Because of the crowd, an extra one or two people rarely drew attention. And if someone managed to make a valuable connection at the table, it could be a great boost to their career.
Autumn followed Elias into the room. Since this was a high–level event, the round table in the center of the room was massive–about 20 feet in diameter –and could seat about 30 people. It was nearly full.
At first, Autumn couldn’t spot the familiar figure of Robin. Instead, her eyes landed on Howard, who was sitting near the entrance. She didn’t have time to look too closely, though, as Elias was already leading her toward two empty seats.
Elias took the seat next to Robin.
Autumn greeted Robin, then looked ahead–and froze when she saw Dawson, dressed in a sleek black suit.
It was the first time she had seen Dawson in formal attire. It made him appear even more aloof, even more out of reach.
Unlike the others who were busy socializing, Dawson sat quietly with his head slightly lowered, leaning back in his chair. His commanding presence filled the room. Even without saying a word, he was impossible to ignore.
In that instant, everything clicked.
Dawson was the true CEO of Faulkner Group.
Autumn was shocked–but not entirely. Olivia had once mentioned Dawson’s achievements abroad. Dawson himself had told Hank that he wouldn’t be leaving Havenmoor for the time being.
Looking back, the clues had been obvious. She just hadn’t connected them.
Still stunned, Auturnn sat down in the seat beside Dawson.
“Mr. Faulkner,” she said, handing him the file.
Dawson didn’t look at her and showed no reaction to her presence, as if it was expected.
Autumn couldn’t help but wonder–no matter how unexpected something was, would Dawson ever show even a hint of emotion?
He flipped through the file briefly, passed it to Robin, and the two of them began discussing the contents.
Autumn sat quietly beside them. She didn’t see Jamie anywhere, or else she would’ve liked to ask whether Jamie had known she was Dawson’s secretary all along. But considering her connection with Olivia, Jamie likely wouldn’t have kept it from Dawson.
Their natural interaction hadn’t gone unnoticed.
To everyone in the room, Dawson was a prize. Everyone wanted to get close to him. But since he was notoriously hard to approach, many people settled for targeting those around him instead.
At the table, people were making rounds, toasting, and exchanging flattery.
Eventually, a toast came her way.
“Hello, I’m Rowan Hale, General Manager of Xendara Tech. May I ask how I should address you?”
There was already a half–filled glass of wine in front of Autumn.
She had taken antibiotics the night before. Drinking now could be dangerous!
But in a setting like this, a junior secretary like her couldn’t exactly refuse a toast.
She clenched her palm, preparing to lift the glass. At worst, she would just take a pretend sip.
Just as she made up her mind, a slender hand appeared in front of her.
Long, well–defined fingers wrapped around the glass, lifted it, and offered a toast to Rowan–then emptied the drink in one go.
The empty glass wasn’t returned to her place. It stayed in front of him.
Dawson’s deep gaze settled on Rowan’s face. The message was clear–don’t try to make her drink.
Chapter 25
