Chapter 5 Sexual Harassment

Vera's lips curved into a gentle smile as she cast a glance at Connor, an undeniable warmth glimmering in her gaze.

"I had disagreements with Connor in the past, which created some distance between us. But none of that is relevant anymore. I've always known I held a place in his heart."

At those words, Natalie felt a sharp pang in her chest. She was nothing more than an afterthought in their perfectly scripted romance.

"Mr. Bailey, this time, I'd like to introduce you to one of our most dedicated team members, Natalie Simpson." Vera motioned toward Natalie. "She's usually working behind the scenes, so you may not have had the chance to meet her before."

Natalie pressed her lips together, suppressing the emotions swirling inside her, and rose to her feet with composure to greet Caleb.

"Oh wow, Miss Dawson, your company has such an outstanding employee. Why haven't you introduced us sooner?" Caleb smirked.

His eyes widened as soon as he noticed Natalie, and he wasted no time circling the conference table to reach her.

His stare was blatantly predatory, sending a wave of discomfort through Natalie. Still, mindful of his importance as a client, she extended her hand reluctantly.

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Bailey."

Caleb clasped her fingers eagerly, his touch lingering longer than appropriate.

"Ah, Miss Dawson, you certainly have an appreciation for beauty. Such poise, such grace-this lady surpasses even the most refined strippers I've encountered in the most exclusive circles!"

His words were openly inappropriate, earning even Vera's disapproving frown.

"Mr. Bailey, this is a professional setting. I expect the same level of respect for my team as you would show in any business environment."

Natalie, uneasy with his unwelcome attention, subtly pulled her hand away.

"Perhaps we should return to the agenda, Mr. Bailey..."

Caleb hesitated before stepping back, though not without adding, "Of course, work comes first. But maybe later, we can continue this conversation somewhere more... relaxed."

Connor abruptly snapped his folder shut, dropping it onto the table with a thud.

His piercing gaze cut through the tense atmosphere. "Shall we get started?"

Caleb flinched, forcing an awkward smile. "Absolutely, let's proceed. My apologies, Mr. Hughes-I was out of line!"

Natalie exhaled quietly in relief, casting a glance at Connor. But he had already turned away, focused solely on Vera as she outlined key business details.

For a fleeting moment, she had believed Connor was defending her. Now, she realized how foolish that thought had been.

The discussion moved swiftly since most details had already been finalized. The only real obstacle had been Caleb's ulterior motives, which were now quickly brushed aside with Connor in presence.

Even as Natalie struggled to focus, occasionally fumbling technical terms, it didn't hinder the final agreement.

"It's an honor to work with you, Mr. Hughes. A conversation with you is more enlightening than years of experience in the field," Caleb remarked, seizing the rare chance to converse with someone of Connor's stature. Eager to win Connor's approval, he spared no effort in making a favorable impression.

Connor frowned, about to respond, when Vera leaned into him playfully and held up her phone.

"Look, my friends insist on taking us out for dinner... I shouldn't have mentioned anything to them!" she said with an affectionate lilt, instantly drawing Connor's full attention.

Seated nearby, Natalie watched as they exchanged effortless closeness.

Connor's response was unclear, but soon, Vera was tugging at his arm with a playful pout. "Come on! You have to join me-they're all here just for you!"

Gone was her usual composed elegance. Instead, she adopted a coquettish charm, shedding her air of untouchable grace entirely.

Disliking the sight before her, Natalie instinctively lowered her gaze, unwilling to witness the closeness between them.

"Natalie, please handle Mr. Bailey and oversee the remaining formalities. I need to step away for a moment," Vera instructed lightly before departing.

Not paying attention to Vera's words, Natalie simply nodded casually.

For some reason, she suddenly felt an intense gaze on her. But when she looked up, all she saw were Connor's and Vera's retreating figures.

She sighed and turned back-only to bump into Caleb, who was standing far too close.

Startled, she instinctively stepped away, but before she could retreat further, his hand seized her waist firmly.

"Mr. Bailey, I suggest you watch your behavior. We're in a conference room," Natalie said, her tone cold.

Rather than deterring him, her resistance only seemed to amuse Caleb. His hand roamed where it had no right to be.

"So what? It's soundproof-no one will interrupt us. Isn't this the perfect place for some privacy?" he murmured, his breath uncomfortably near her skin as he leaned in, his intentions unmistakable.

Just as his lips neared her collarbone, Natalie took a steadying breath, then drove her knee sharply into his groin.

"Argh!"

Caleb howled in pain, instantly releasing her as he crumpled forward. Natalie yanked herself free without hesitation.

"You dare hit me, you little wretch?" he spat, clutching himself. "Acting chaste? Didn't your boss leave you here just for me? I'm telling you now-with that attitude, your company can kiss this deal goodbye..."

His voice faded into the background as Natalie's mind reeled.

So Vera had made an excuse to leave-just to abandon her with this notorious womanizer?

Did Connor know? Or, even worse, had he approved of it?

A crushing mix of shame and heartbreak swept over her, and tears stung her eyes. She had never been naive enough to expect real affection from Connor, but being treated so thoughtlessly still cut deep.

Lost in her turmoil, Natalie didn't even register Vera and Connor entering the room until Vera's bright voice broke through the silence.

"Natalie, is the contract settled? I..."

Mid-sentence, Vera's words faltered as she took in the sight before her.

Caleb was hunched over, groaning in pain, hands clutching his groin. Meanwhile, Natalie stood stiffly, an ashtray clutched in her grip, eyes red-rimmed but defiant.

Slowly, Natalie's stunned expression shifted from Vera to Connor.

"Miss Dawson, is this what you meant by 'settling' the contract?"