Chapter 7 Vincent's vulnerability

He pushes aside the papers on his desk and stands up, pacing around the office as he thinks. "Lillian Arturo might think she has the upper hand, but I'm not going to go down without a fight. I'm going to find a way to take control of this project, no matter what it takes." Vincent says, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He calls for Oliver. "Okay, let's get to work. What information do you have on her art company, her background, her interests, and literally everything? Vincent leans back in his chair, a calculating look in his eyes.

"I want to know what makes her tick, what she's afraid of, and what she desires." Oliver raises an eyebrow. "You're really getting into this, aren't you? It hasn't even been up to an hour since I left and said I would look into it."Vincent nods, his voice low and determined. "I am. I want to know everything about Miss Arturo. I want to be able to predict her every move, to anticipate her every decision."Oliver laughs. "You're like a detective on a mission, Vincent." He smiles, his eyes glinting with intensity. "I am. And I won't stop until I've solved the mystery, that is, Lillian." As they continued to dig deeper, they uncovered more and more about Lillian's life and business.

They discovered her passion for art, her dedication to her company, and her fierce independence. But they also discovered something else-a vulnerability, a weakness that Vincent could exploit. "Oliver, my dear PA, I know what I'm doing,Vincent says, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Lillian Arturo thinks she's so smart, so untouchable. But I'll show her. I'll make her regret ever attempting to work with me." Oliver raises an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Vincent, I understand your frustration, but perhaps it's not wise to let your hurt pride cloud your judgment. You know the director is watching this project closely. Any hint of impropriety could jeopardize everything." Vincent waves his hand dismissively, "I know what I'm doing, Oliver. I'll play nice and pretend to be a gracious partner. But behind the scenes, I'll be working my magic. I'll find a way to make Lilian give the project up." Oliver's eyes narrow. "Vincent, I strongly advise against any actions that could be perceived as unethical or exploitative. You have a reputation for being a shrewd businessman, but this is different. Lillian Arturo is not someone to be trifled with. She's smart, capable, and has a reputation for being ruthless when necessary." Vincent chuckles, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It's okay, Oliver. You worry too much. I know exactly what I'm doing. Trust me, I'll come out on top. I always do." Oliver sighs, his expression unconvinced. "Just be careful. That's all I'm saying." It is getting late, and Vincent decides to get off work for the day.

As Vincent drives home, his mind still preoccupied with work, he notices a couple on the side of the road. The man and the woman seemed to be having a romantic conversation. Vincent noticed how their faces seemed to light up with a radiant smile whenever they maintained eye contact with each other. Vincent's car slowed to a stop as he watched the tender moment unfold. He felt a pang in his chest, a nostalgic longing for something he had once experienced and wasn't sure if he could again. He remembered Oliver's words earlier that day about true love and connection. He had dismissed them at the time, but now, witnessing this intimate moment, he felt a twinge of regret. What would it be like, he wondered, to have someone to share his life with? Someone to come home to, someone to surprise with flowers on the side of the road, again? The couple's eyes met, and they shared a soft kiss. Vincent felt like an intruder, witnessing this private moment. He drove away, leaving them to their love. As he continued his journey home, he couldn't shake off the feeling of longing. Maybe Oliver was right. Maybe it was time to rethink his priorities, to seek something more meaningful than his superficial lifestyle. The flowers, the kiss, the love in their eyes-it all lingered in his mind, haunting him, a life he had once known. As Vincent walks into his luxurious penthouse apartment, the memories come flooding back. The one who had left him heartbroken and vowing to never fall in love again.Vincent shakes his head, brushing off the memories. He didn't need to dwell on the past. He had moved on, hadn't he? He had his work, his wealth, his status.He poured himself a glass of scotch and walked out to the balcony, gazing out at the city skyline. Vincent took a sip of his drink, the alcohol burning his throat. He needed to shake this off. He couldn't let the past define him.

Vincent's phone rings, and he knows exactly who it is. His mom. He hesitates for a moment before answering, knowing that she would want to discuss his love life. Again. Hey, Mom," he said, trying to sound cheerful. "Hey, sweetie! Just checking in on you. How's life treating you?" she asks, her voice warm and caring. "It's good, Mom. Just busy with work," Vincent replies, trying to deflect her attention."Work, work, work. That's all you ever think about! When are you going to find a nice girl and settle down?" she asked, her tone playful but firm.Vincent rolled his eyes, knowing what was coming. "Mom, I don't need your help finding a date. I can handle it myself." His mom let out a loud sigh, "I really worried about you, dear. Ever since she left, you haven't been the same. I know that it's not easy to open your heart again. I can help, dear. Please let me help you." Vincent replies, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll figure it out myself." "Well, I've got a list of eligible women right here. Let me tell you about them," she says, her voice dripping with excitement. Vincent's heart sank. He knew his mom was a force to be reckoned with. When she set her mind to something, she wouldn't give up."Mom, I don't think that's necessary," he protested, trying to think of a way to decline her offers without hurting her feelings. But his mom was already rattling off a list of names, ages, and occupations. Vincent's mind raced as he tried to come up with excuses to reject each one. "She's a lawyer, sweetie. Very smart and successful." "Uh, Mom, I don't think we'd be compatible." "Oh, okay. Well, what about this one? She's a doctor. Very kind and caring." His mom continued to list off women, and Vincent continued coming up with excuses. He knew he had to be careful, or his mom would be setting him up on dates left and right. "I need to be rescued, God, please," Vincent screamed inwardly as he continued bringing up more excuses to reject the women his mom is talking about. Vincent's eyes widen as he remembers the dating app he had been on earlier. He had been browsing out of boredom, but now it came in handy.