Chapter 10 Sultry Voice

Passing by Hopton Research Institute, Lucas's Assistant, Ethan Taylor who sat in the passenger's seat remembered a small detail.

"Mr. Ingram, this Research Institute submitted a proposal in your office. They've made mention about a new discovery they have and asked if you're interested in making an investment." Ethan said, his voice maintained a professional tone.

Lucas glanced at the building and recalled that Diana works at Hopton Research Institute. The Investigator mentioned before that she is popular there.

Lucas rested his chin against his hand. "Hmm--meet up with them. I'll listen to their proposal."

Ethan glanced at Lucas on the front view mirror, wondering if it has something to do with the woman he had investigated. Lucas rarely meets up with people seeking investments.

"Alright, Mr. Ingram. I'll e-mail them now." Ethan proceeded to send a message to the Institute to have a meeting with them. They replied immediately, saying that they are available at any time and at any place.

"I will meet them now, Mr. Ingram. They said they're available anytime and anywhere. I don't have any other meetings this afternoon and tomorrow there's no time available." Ethan stated. Lucas nodded. Ethan sighed in relief, he rapidly sent his reply to the people at the Hopton Research Institute He turned to Lucas's Driver Kyle Murphy, "Alright Kyle if you could just drop me off at The Waterfront Well, I'd appreciate it."

"No problem." As Hargreaves's Restaurant is on the way to Lucas's residence, Kyle just agreed.

Ethan hopped out of the car and was going to bid farewell when he saw Lucas's door opened and he also exited the car. Even Kyle was surprised.

"Just park the car for a bit," Lucas told Kyle and entered the restaurant. Ethan followed him in, still dumbfounded.

Instead of sitting inside the private room, Lucas opted to sit on the booth for regular diners. Ethan was about to sit on the same booth when Lucas signaled him to sit on the one behind him, covering Lucas from incoming patrons.

'Is this day going to get any weirder?' Ethan thought.

Ten minutes ago, the higher-ups in Hopton Research Institute instructed one of the Supervisors, Bryan Cook to meet up with Assistant Ethan. Bryan was due for a promotion and has been following the Hopton Research Institute President's Assistant, as the latter will retire soon. He naturally is well-versed in the proposal that was sent to Mr. Lucas Ingram. They badly needed financial help from these investors especially from Mr. Ingram to continue their projects and to purchase newer equipment. Hopton Research Institute like all others is still way behind Forrest Research Institute.

Because of this, Bryan gladly accepted the task. If he will be successful in getting the investment, his promotion will be surefire.

Earlier that day, he invited Clara Holt to dine with him again. Things are progressing very well between them. It was only yesterday when she offered to help him. And last night, after a very stimulating dinner, they spent the night at the hotel he frequents. Clara was very generous in her services towards him indeed.

He was about to call her to cancel their dinner plans when he thought of an idea.

The doors to The Waterfront Well opened and Bryan entered. Upon giving his name to the host, he was led to Ethan's booth.

"Good afternoon Mr. Taylor. I'm Bryan Cook, a supervisor from Hopton Research Institute. Thank you for deciding to meet." Bryan greeted Ethan amiably, shaking his hand.

"Good afternoon. I should be the one thanking you for coming on such short notice." Ethan smiled.

"Oh. No problem at all." Bryan flashed his dazzling smile.

A waiter approached their booth and asked for their order. Bryan ordered a cup of coffee and a glass of apple juice while Ethan ordered a glass of water only.

Ethan wondered at Bryan's order. Surely, coffee and juice at the same time don't mix.

Noticing this, Bryan said, "One more person will be joining us. I had her bring the files as she was still in the office..."

When Lucas and Ethan heard that Bryan's colleague was coming and is also a woman, they wondered if there's a possibility that he's talking about Diana.

Lucas straightened his back. He will for sure greet her if the person is Diana.

"Good afternoon gentlemen. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." a sultry voice spoke.

'No. It's not her.' Diana's voice was indeed sultry when she kissed him that night, it sent shivers down his spine, sending electricity down his manhood. But this woman, on the other hand, her voice is giving him goosebumps, making him disgusted. 'It definitely is not Diana.'

"This is--" Ethan was surprised at the woman who approached their booth. She was dressed like she was going on a date.

Her cleavage was showing, her skirt was very short that if she would bend down enough, you would be able to see her underwear. Ethan was not trying to imagine her doing so, but he felt aghast that she would show up dressed that way at a business meeting.

"Oh. My name is Clara Holt. Please call me Clara. I am a Senior Laboratory Technician at Hopton Research Institute." Clara greeted Ethan shaking his hand, leaning towards him as he was already seated. Ethan had a full view of her cleavage.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Holt. Please have a seat." Ethan greeted formally, indicating for her to sit next to Bryan.

Bryan got up and let Clara in, then sitting back down, he squeezed Clara's knee with his hand and left it there to rest. Clara smiled at them, "Here is a copy of the proposal."

As Bryan talked about the proposal, Ethan and Lucas listened. They couldn't find anything notable to give negative feedback to. Ethan was sure that Lucas will invest in this one.

One thing he noticed was that Bryan kept encouraging Clara to speak. As if he was purposefully drawing Ethan's attention to her.

Ethan was rather confused at this. 'I wonder which of the two are in line for a promotion. Or is this something else..hmmm..'

Ethan was about to end the meeting when he heard Lucas drumming his fingers on the table behind him.