798 What Do You Want
Daniel has great timing, Adele swore inwardly. Sarcasm intended. She had a lot on her plate at the moment, especially fixing this mess Macy made and ensuring Marcel’s safety during the negotiation tonight, but then Daniel’s summons wasn’t something you ignore.
If Marcel bears grudges, Daniel “remembers”. Yeah, one could see where the resemblance comes from. Moreover, Adele was curious to know what Daniel has for her. It wasn’t every day they get to meet like this – even though she didn’t look forward to meeting him. Marcel’s father was “trouble” and the best way to defeat trouble was to avoid it. You can never defeat it.
They made a Cafe far away from her office since Adele didn’t want to create a misunderstanding in case she gets caught seeing Daniel. Marcel was quite sensitive about his father and until she was done conversing with him, Adele didn’t want anyone updating him on their “date”. She would tell Marcel about it when she was done here.
“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting,” Adele said, placing her small purse on the table and taking a seat across from him.
“It’s no problem,” Daniel said, “After all, I’m an old man and I’m beginning to find myself with less time lately and it gets boring which is why I need to get myself grandchildren pretty soon.”
Adele blinked at him, her mouth nearly forming an ‘O’ from that answer. She didn’t exactly ask for those details and why does it seem like he was complaining to her? Neither was he as old as he assumed. Moreover, how would he get himself a grandchild if Marcel doesn’t give him one? Daniel was clearly a narcissist on top of his other “charming” qualities.
The last thing Adele wanted was to validate a narcissist’s ego and Marcel’s father already had an inflated sense of self-importance. So she merely gave Daniel a tight smile, dismissing the issue as soon as it came. If he wanted a grandchild, he should take up with Marcel, not her.
Not to mention that Adele was uncomfortable discussing a child with Daniel when she was hiding four of them which would threaten her position when the secret comes to light. She was toast if Daniel hears of her pregnancy, he would not let her stay by Marcel’s side knowing she would be nothing, but a liability to him.
As if composing himself as well, Daniel asked her, “What do you want? Coffee –?”
.....
“No coffee!” She interrupted him before he could finish.
Adele was currently watchful of the things she took and consuming large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight. Although the doctor said she can still enjoy a mug of coffee now and then during her pregnancy, just make sure not to go over 200mg of caffeine in a day.
Adele was taking no risk. It was better safe than to be sorry and she would grieve and mourn the lack of coffee in her life for the next seven months and weeks left; she would survive that. Her children were important to her and she wouldn’t put them in danger.
However, it wasn’t until Adele saw the look on Daniel’s face that she realized that her response might have drawn more attention than she intended. She nearly screamed at the mention of coffee and the ever-vigilant Daniel was beginning to find that response of hers suspicious.
“I mean….” She hurriedly tried to cover it up, “I have been consuming a large intake of caffeine nowadays and it’s beginning to affect me. ”
“Is that so?” Daniel said, and something about the flatness of his tone made Adele uncomfortable, not to mention that their gaze connected in the same minute and it was almost as if he could see through her.
No wonder many people fidget in their seats while in his presence. Daniel effortlessly exuded a dreadful aura around him, but Adele stood her ground. She would not be intimidated.
“Yes,” She answered, wetting her lower lip with her tongue unconsciously,
“I need just a glass of water.”
“If the lady says so, then,” Daniel was amused and gestured to the waiter, and the young lady came over as he made their orders.
Moments later, Adele sipped her glass of water before setting it down on the table and watched as Daniel slurped his Americano through the straw. He almost looked like a kid doing so and If one wasn’t so careful, they would be deceived by his calm and innocent facade without knowing that he was a viper ready to strike without warning.
“Aren’t you hot?” Daniel suddenly pointed out of nowhere, interrupting her train of thought.
“W-what?”
“Your blazer,” He gestured, “Here I am having an iced Americano because it’s hot outside and yet you kept your blazer on. Don’t you feel hot or are you hiding something else?” Daniel said with a gleam in his eyes and it dawned on Adele.
He knew.
Daniel knew of her pregnancy.
Adele released a shaky breath while a shiver of dread went through her. How did he know? She placed her trembling hands on her lap to steady them. Adele was sure that Marcel would never let her secret out – he had a tight lip. But then, this was Daniel she was talking about. He had his means of finding things out.
Suddenly, there was a lump in Adele’s throat as she choked out,
“W-what do you want?”
Daniel gave her a full-toothed grin, before pointing at her with barely contained laughter, “And this is why you’re my favorite among the others, always straight to the point.”
Adele tried her best to be strong even though she was close to falling apart. All of the efforts she made over the years were about to be torn down in the twinkle of an eye. And who doesn’t know that it was suicide making a deal with Daniel. But then, what choice does she have?
“What do you want?” Adele asked him once again, her voice steadier than before. She was ready to do anything to keep her position.
Daniel answered, “Elijah,”
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