Chapter 492 - Orion Enterprise annual meeting (5)

When they reached downstairs, Sophia took the stage to welcome everyone and to wish them to use this time to have fun, network and to build connections that last. People were in high spirits, and everyone cheered and clapped.

Sophia's speech was not long. She handed the floor to people in charge of events who started explaining rules for scavenger hunt. Most of the people showed interest in participating, and when they announced prizes explaining that the team who finishes first will get a device that came from Director Martin's department, it turned into a frenzy.

Many women let out high pitched screams at the mention of Director Martin.

Sophia felt shivers and pulled Felix to the area where her sisters are.

"What's with that face?", JoAnna was first to voice her opinion seeing Sophia's dark expression.

"I feel like I'm trapped in a cage full of hyenas, and I'm holding a juicy steak.", Sophia explained while her arms wrapped around Felix's waist tightly. Usually two of them kept respectable distance when not alone at work, but Sophia felt a sense of danger and the need to hold onto Felix overwhelmed her.

Felix didn't mind at all. He placed his hand around her shoulders.

Sarah and JoAnna laughed.

"Well, now you know how it would be if you are dating a celebrity…", Sarah said through laugh.

"Wait… do you see me as a piece of meat?", Felix was half flattered and half outraged when he understood that Sophia's 'juicy steak' was him.

Sarah and JoAnna laughed even harder. Their bellies were aching.

Sophia's hold on Felix didn't go unnoticed. People started whispering, but no one dared to say anything outside of their 'circle of friends'. However, that didn't prevent 'news' from spreading that CEO Hill is holding Director Martin intimately.

Eventually someone remembered, "Hey… few months back… wasn't it CEO Hill walking through the HQ with some man? Was that Director Martin?"

"I don't know… I haven't seen it… But I heard about it…"

"I heard about that also…"

"What if it was him? Does that mean they are in a steady relationship?"

"No way… I've seen her walking with that man… he was handsome, but not this handsome…"

"It wasn't him? Is CEO poaching hunky men in the company?"

"Shhh… be careful what you say. Comments like that might cost you your job…"

Another set of 'silent' rumors was spreading between company employees.

Some rumors were about how CEO Hill is interested in handsome men. Hearing this, more than few hopefuls who are confident in their charming skills started coming up with ideas how to get Sophia's attention.

Other rumors went in the direction how Director Martin is CEO Hill's boy-toy. That got more women interested in Felix. He must have other qualities than just looks if he qualifies to catch interest of their CEO. Few voices repeated that Director Martin is the same man from few months ago, but that only fueled the gossip that he is Sophia's boy-toy, with a slight modification that it lasts longer than a fling.

…

Hill sisters were discussing if they want to join scavenger hunt.

Sarah was in. She loves playing games. Aiden also likes games, and he will do whatever Sarah does. He came to accompany her, if they split up, that will go against the purpose why he came to the event.

JoAnna glanced at Jeff. "What do you think? It might be fun…"

Jeff will do anything JoAnna does.

Leah approached Sophia, "Sophia, the CEOs from Obsidian inc. and Safe Playhouse corp. requested a meeting with you. What should I say?"

Sophia frowned. She didn't plan to have any meetings. "How long are they staying?"

"They are heading back tonight. So, if you don't meet with them now, it will be online.", Leah explained.

Sophia exhaled and looked at Felix.

Felix gave her a reassuring nod. "Go ahead. I will be here when you come back." He does not want to leave Sophia by herself, but he knows that this is business. And Sophia will not be alone, her secretary is there.

Sophia was conflicted. She didn't want to leave Felix without 'protection'. Not with all those women gaping at him. She got an idea, "Join them in scavenger hunt. Teams can be up to five people."

Felix gave indifferent nod. He didn't have interest in these games, but if Sophia tells him to join, he will not argue about that.

Sophia turned to her sisters. "Don't leave him out of your sight!"

"Don't worry.", they responded in unison and laughed again.

David was not happy about this arrangement. He wanted to stick to Felix, he is his personal assistant. But with Felix joining in as a fifth member of the team, there are no spots for him. He puffed his cheeks showing his displeasure.

Sophia noticed David's disapproval. "You want to play also?"

David thought that some shuffle will happen so that he can play with Felix and assist him. He nodded vigorously.

"Great! You can play with Leah and Isabella!", Sophia smiled, she found a solution. Everyone has a team, they will be busy while she attends the meeting, and Felix will be guarded by her sisters.

David was not happy with this arrangement. Not happy at all. But he could not object.

Leah glanced at Isabella and felt her heart flutter at the thought that they will play a game together. At the same time, she is reluctant to be close to Isabella. Leah is unsure what her fluttering heart means, she wants to sort out her feelings… 'It's OK. We will not be by ourselves. David is with us.', Leah comforted herself. But she still hoped to avoid this, if possible. Leah looked at Sophia, "You don't need me for this meeting?"

"No… I will be fine. Laila is there. You go and have fun. Tell them to meet me in my office in ten minutes, and then you consider yourself free for the rest of the evening." Sophia knows that if she needs anything, Laila, her secretary, will help her out. Knowing that Leah worked hard to make this happen over last few days, weeks to be more precise, Sophia wants to give Leah a break. She deserves it.

"OK! By then we will go and register our team.", Sarah was happy. She pulled Aiden and went to the area where teams registered for scavenger hunt.

Isabella followed Sarah. "I will register our team.", she glanced at Leah.

"Thank you, Leah, for taking care of everything when I'm not around, including Isabella. I really don't know what I would do without you.", Sophia was grateful. Leah is her right hand. They know each other from high school, and she is her full-time assistant since Sophia became CEO at Orion Enterprise. "I will make sure to give you extra vacation… just let me know when you want to take it."

Leah repeated to herself not to panic, she will not be alone with Isabella. Also, she was excited about extra vacation. "Thank you! I will go and notify those directors now.", Leah went back into the crowd.

Sophia faced Felix. "Make sure to stick close to my sisters. If I see any of those women get close to you, I will not be responsible for my actions.", Sophia warned.

"Yes, ma chéri…", Felix looked at her dotingly. He wished to hold her and kiss her… and take her home. And he wishes that she does not worry about any other woman, because he cares only about her… But he knows that this is not the time or place for any of that. He can try to comfort her while hoping that those other women will not try anything extreme.

David looked at Felix and his displeasure was rising. He wanted to spend time with Felix. That is his job. Felix is his boss. Why would he go and spend time solving clues and finding things with two women who are of no interest to him? They don't pay his bills... If he could play with Felix in team, he can show off his smarts and impress Felix. David is confident in his scavenger hunt skills. 'Hmph… I need to find a way to ditch those two girls and to stick to my boss. If he likes my performance, maybe he gives me a raise!'