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Chapter 49
Benjamin arrived at Valmont headquarters earlier than usual on Wednesday.The lobby was still relatively quiet when he walked through the private entrance. A few employees were already at their desks, and the reception area carried the subdued rhythm of a building that had not yet reached the busiest part of the morning.He greeted the reception staff and entered the elevator.When the doors opened on the executive floor, Ruby was already there with her tablet.“Good morning.”“Morning, Ruby.”“You have nothing scheduled for the next hour.”“Good.”She studied him for a second.“Coffee?”“Yes, please.”“I'll have it sent in.”“Thank you.”Benjamin entered his office, placed his briefcase beside his desk and sat down.He opened his laptop.For the first time since Saturday, his mind stayed where he put it.Monday had been difficult.Tuesday had not been much better. He was determined to make a difference today.He had decided that work would have to take its proper place again.He open
Chapter 48
Benjamin sat quietly in the back seat as the Bentley Flying Spur moved through the streets.His eyes remained on the passing buildings, but he barely noticed them.His driver turned into the underground entrance of Valmont Group's headquarters and brought the car to a smooth stop.Benjamin looked at his reflection in the darkened window.He straightened his jacket.“Let's go.”The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.Benjamin climbed out, adjusted his cuff and walked toward the private entrance.He kept his expression composed as he entered the building.The reception staff greeted him.“Good morning, Mr. Volkov.”“Good morning.”He entered the elevator and pressed the button for the executive floor.When the doors opened, he stepped into the corridor.Ruby was already waiting.She held a tablet against her chest.“Good morning, Benjamin.”“Morning, Ruby.”She fell into step beside him.“You have a fairly full schedule today.”“I expected that.”“Your first meeting is with the
Chapter 47
Benjamin woke before his alarm on Monday morning.For several seconds, he remained still beneath the sheets, staring at the ceiling.The curtains allowed only a thin line of morning light into the bedroom. His alarm sat on the bedside table, still waiting for the time he had set the night before.He turned his head toward the clock.6:08 a.m.He had no reason to be awake this early.Then Saturday came back to him.Ella's face.Her hand slipping from his.The hesitation in her voice.I don't do relationships.Benjamin closed his eyes.The day before, Sunday had been one hell of a day for him.He had barely done anything.He had moved around the house without any real purpose, eaten when he felt hungry, watched television without following what was on the screen and spent long stretches sitting in silence.He had tried to work.He only lasted twenty minutes.His mind had returned to Ella.He had eventually stopped trying.Now, lying in bed on Monday morning, the same thoughts returned.
Chapter 46
The dinner had ended almost thirty minutes earlier, but the taste of it still lingered.Benjamin and Ella sat together in the living room, their glasses resting on the coffee table.Carlina had outdone herself.She had started with a delicate burrata and heirloom tomato salad, finished with basil oil and a light balsamic reduction. The main course was herb-crusted sea bass served with saffron risotto, roasted asparagus and a lemon beurre blanc.Dessert had been a warm chocolate fondant with a soft center, served beside vanilla bean gelato and fresh berries.Ella had barely spoken during the first few bites.She had simply closed her eyes, chewed slowly and looked at Benjamin.“This woman is dangerous,” she had finally said.Benjamin laughed.“Why?”“Because after tonight, ordinary food is going to disappoint me.”He smiled.“I'll tell her.”“Please don't. She'll become impossible.”They laughed.Now the laughter had faded.Ella sat comfortably on the sofa beside him. She held her wine
Chapter 45
The following night, Friday arrived at a different pace.YBenjamin had spent most of the week moving between meetings, reports and decisions that required his attention. By the time evening came, he was ready to put his work aside.Desmond felt the same way.They were leaving the office when Enzo called.“Are you two doing anything tonight?”Benjamin glanced at Desmond.“Nothing planned.”“Good. Come with me.”“Where?”“Rilassamento lounge. A few friends usually meet there on Friday nights. Young business people. Nothing formal.”Desmond looked at Benjamin.“I could use a drink.”Benjamin smiled.“Then let's go.”Later that evening, Enzo led them into an upscale lounge.The entrance opened into a spacious room filled with low conversation, soft music and warm lighting. Businessmen and women occupied different tables, some still dressed in suits, others already changed into relaxed evening clothes.Enzo exchanged greetings with several people before turning toward Benjamin and Desmond
Chapter 44
One hour after Benjamin got home, he changed into his workout clothes and headed toward the room he had recently converted into a private gym.The room had changed considerably.A treadmill stood near one wall. Beside it were an elliptical trainer, a stationary bicycle and a rowing machine. A set of adjustable dumbbells occupied one corner, while a weight bench and several resistance machines filled the opposite side. A large mirror covered part of the wall, allowing Benjamin to watch his form during exercises.He had hired a personal fitness instructor named Mike to work with him twice a week.Thursday nights and Saturday mornings belonged to training.Mike was already waiting when Benjamin entered.“Ready?”Benjamin looked at him.“How bad are you planning to make this?”Mike laughed.“That depends on how much you're planning to complain.”“I don't complain.”Mike raised an eyebrow.“You complained last Saturday.”“That was an observation.”“Of course.”Benjamin smiled.Mike checked
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