Chapter 60 - Chapter 59

CHAPTER 59 PERFECTLY IGNORED

@International_Pen

((( ZHIO )))

She elegantly furrowed her long black hair to her shoulder and smiled at me.

"Hi Zhio."

She extended her arm for a handshake,

"Jessica Mendez."

I ignored her and sat on the seat my valet pulled out for me.  

"Le bonjour," the waiter greeted as he poured the expensive wine on our glasses, "2001 Chateau Bellefont-Belcier."

I ordered for the menu while Jessica sat back to her chair. She didn't seem to mind my indifference. I played with my glass a little as I impatiently waited for Deo's call.

Seconds ticked too slowly but my mood brightened up when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I picked it up with interest and answered it audibly in front of her,

"Sure. I'll be back as soon as I can."

She patiently waited and thought I'd still be sitting by when the call ended.  

"Cheers?"

I lifted my glass and waited for her to clink hers against it.  

She did.

"Cheers."

I swiftly emptied the liquid and walked away. My men followed. But before I was out of her sight, I turned my back and smiled.

"Enjoy your dinner."  

When I arrived back to the office, Eriez's presence greeted me menacingly. His arms suddenly crossed across his chest as he stood in wait at the hallway like an ornamental knight.

He seemed to have just finished conversing with somebody in his phone. I knew it has something to do with my earlier date.

"How's the food Zhio?" he asked through clenched jaws.

It was more of a challenge than a question.

"Appetizingly delicious."

"You shamed Ms. Mendez," he finally blurted.

"Her father had just called me to withdraw their recent dealings with us. Aren't you thinking of our losses?"

"Not really," I shrugged as I walked past him.

(ERIEZ)

I arrived earlier to the sight of Jessica pouring in some more liquor in her wineglass.

Her mascara ran in messy streaks along with tears down her cheeks. I knew instantly by her lonesomeness that Zhio has deserted his date.  

That brat!

"I apologize in Zhio's behalf." I consoled her.

"I'm sorry for how he treated you tonight."

Jessica had previously cancelled all appointments she had that night just to accept my request for her to meet him. But all he did was play her like a game.  

I felt ashamed.

She smiled weakly in response and that was my last memory of her before her family cut business ties with the Zel Cantheliz companies. Zhio's childishness has done more damages than good and for a brief moment I agreed Chairman Do was right.  

How would Zhio run his companies without us?  

I met him when he returned to the office but he seemed unbothered by his actions. I'm not happy with everything he's done and would be doing in the future. He badly needs some change.  

"James," I whispered in the night air.

My patience with your son is running out…    

@International_Pen