Chapter 13 - 13

"This meeting is adjourned for today," Tristan could not watch them anymore. He had to get closer.

The person he met with the thought that Tristan was not interested in doing business with him when he got up in the middle of the discussion.

"You can let me know if you have any problem areas on this project. We can make the necessary changes," the businessman said. 

It was very difficult to get an appointment with Tristan. If this project does not get approved, he may not have another chance to speak to pitch his project. 

Tristan did not respond. 

He stood up and looked at PA Jack.

Jack understood and said, "Our boss needs more time to look over your project. He will let you know if he has any questions or clarifications."

The businessman was satisfied. He packed up his things and left.

Tristan made his way to Ava's table on the first floor and stood behind her.

Seeing Hardin staring at someone behind her, Ava turned around and saw Tristan.

"Mr. Ambrosio," Ava greeted him.

Tristan gave her a small smile and said, "Hi Ava! I saw you from the second floor, and I thought I should say hello."

"Ava do you know him?" Hardin asked. He did not welcome the interruption. 

This guy Ava was talking to, was very good looking. He was probably an influential person. Just look at his domineering presence and the way he was dressed. Or maybe they were from the same circle since Ava came from a rich family.

"Oh yes! This is Tristan Ambrosio," she introduced.

"And this is my schoolmate, Hardin," she said.

Hardin gave him a nod to acknowledge him. Everyone in town knew the Ambrosio's. Although he never met him in person, and the media has no record of what he looked like, due to security purposes. Hardin knew who he was. 

Blake, out of the four Aristocratic heirs was the only one in the spotlight. The other three did not like to appear in the media. They did not want to be under a microscope and have their every move observed. They liked having their privacy, otherwise, it would be very easy for the enemies to track and hunt them down.

Tristan ignored Hardin. 

Hardin, out of respect casually said," Would you like to join us for lunch?"

Tristan took this opportunity to pull out the chair next to Ava and sat down. He said, "If you insist, how could I say no." 

He was not going to say no to any opportunity that came his way to spend more time with Ava. 

Hardin was dumbfounded! He did not remember insisting. He casually asked a question which he thought would've been ignored. He was thinking since Tristan was a big shot he would surely decline the invitation. 

He was busy after all, and they were random people. Why would Tristan have lunch with them?

Ava thought it was unexpected of Tristan to join them. She felt like it was suddenly crowded.

She never imagined the day to turn out this way. She just wanted to have lunch in the cafeteria. 

When it got changed to a restaurant, it already became awkward. Now with Tristan here, she felt like there was too much pressure. 

Maybe because he was sophisticated and very confident. He had a dominating presence whereas she always got nervous around people.

Ava had always been a shy and awkward kid. She never took any initiative to make friends. Sara, on the other hand, was the life of the party, so she just followed her sister everywhere.

Being in college, she wanted to experience how it would be like to be on her own. So she decided to move to the college dorms. 

Her parents thought it was a bad idea, but Sara convinced them that they wouldn't always be there to protect her. Ava has to go out and learn how to live her life.

PA Jack was stunned. He had worked for his boss for so many years, but this was the first time he saw his boss leave a meeting to have lunch with a young lady.

It was the same girl his boss dropped off at the college dorms. If he did not know about his boss's cold behavior, he would think that he was courting this young lady. 

He had never seen his boss interested in anyone, why this one?

"Aren't you busy?" Ava asked Tristan while she moved her chair a bit further from him. He was sitting too close. If she moved her arm, they would have been touching.

Tristan did not reply. He just narrowed his eyes at her when he saw her move her chair. Ava pretended not to notice that he was staring at her.

When her plate got empty, Tristan and Hardin both reached for the pasta bowl. 

Tristan forcibly grabbed the bowl and tried to serve Ava some pasta, but she tried to take the bowl from him. 

"Let me do it," He said in a stern voice, spooning some pasta into her plate.

Jack has never seen his boss serve anyone. Tristan did not even serve himself. He had maids at his house to serve him food.

"Ava, I think we should go bowling next Friday," Hardin suggested. 

He thought today's plan was a disaster. Tristan rained on his parade. Maybe he could take her out next week and have some time alone with her.

"Aren't you guys supposed to be focusing on your studies instead of always roaming around?" Tristan mocked. He was sure this guy was misguiding Ava.

"Let me see," Ava responded. She thought Tristan was acting like one of her parents. She wanted to explore her options and make friends, that's why she stayed at the dorms.

Even though Ava gave a vague answer, Hardin was happy, and he smiled. The only thing he had to make sure of was that nobody would disturb their outing on Friday, like what happened today.

On the other hand, Tristan's mood got darker, hearing Ava's reply. He did not like Ava spending time with that guy.