The Billionaire's Regret. novel Chapter 5

"Vee?!" Ashton whispered, giving her a pleading look.

"Yeah, the dinner."

"I'll pick you up at 7."

"Please don't cancel on me this time."

"I won't." She said with a smile that wasn't reaching her eyes.

"I can't wait to pick you up " He smiled at her as they resumed their steps.

They got into the elevator and even though they stood side by side, they couldn't make conversation because a few other staff were with them.

In a couple of seconds, the elevator stopped at their floor, and the duo walked out.

"I hope you have a lovely day, and yeah, I'll see you later." Ashton smiled at her before going in the direction of his office.

"I saw that! Now spill! Don't leave any detail." Vicky heard that very annoying voice say beside her.

"Not now, Katherine, I've been through a lot today already." Vicky resumed her steps, walking in the direction of her office, with Katherine trying to catch up with her, holding her tab.

"You know I'm not going to believe that, right?"

"I have nothing to say. Maybe you can meet him for the information instead."

Katherine shook her head. "I wanna hear it from you. The story is always sweeter from the source."

Vicky rolled her eyes at Katherine as she stepped into her beautiful and luxurious office. It had a visiting area on one side to relax and welcome guests and on the other side of the office was Victoria's desk area with an adjoined bathroom.

"Okay let me guess?" Katherine said as Vicky made her way behind her desk.

"He reminded you of the date and you got furious."

"How did you know that?"

"Girl, I know everything!!! The last time he asked you, you came up with an excuse and gave today's date as your free day. So he did well by waiting for you at the reception to remind you." Katherine smiled.

"He waited?" Vicky frowned.

"I'm sure he did. He was here earlier to ask of you. Told him you weren't around yet. I saw him through the glass wall going into the elevator. He definitely waited downstairs to talk to you so you wouldn't change your mind."

"So?" Katherine's smile got bigger. "We have a date to plan right?"

"Don't worry about what to wear. I'll get you something really chic and sexy."

Vicky glared at Katherine.

"What? Don't give me that look. I'm only here to help."

"Your help is not needed. There's no date. I'll come up with an excuse." She mumbled, plopping down on her chair.

"What excuse?"

"I don't know. That Sophie got a cold. I'm sure I'll think of something before tonight."

"You used that excuse before. Give Sophie a break and stop using her for your schemes."

"It's too early to start this argument, Kathie. I just want my coffee and want to get straight into work."

"This is going to be the 9th date you're canceling with Ashton."

"Perfect?! I had no idea you were keeping track."

"What are you afraid of Vee?"

"Afraid? Of course, I'm not afraid of anything."

"Liar!"

Kathie took a seat on the visitor's chair opposite Vicky.

"You're a terrible Liar!"

"Don't start, Kathie. With all of the excuses I've given, can't he just comprehend that I'm not interested in whatever schemes he has in mind?"

"Don't be brutal. I'm sure he knows that. That's why he insisted that you guys be friends first. He has been patient enough if you would ask me. And the least you can do is go on a friendly dinner date with him."

"Friendly date or not, I'm not interested. Especially not in an office romance."

"Babe, you know not everyone is going to be like him, right?"

"I don't care! I just want to focus on my daughter and my career."

"Or you're looking down on him because he's just a manager but you're the senior manager and your earnings are slightly higher than his."

"I wouldn't look down on Ashton if I were you. He has a couple of investments as well. He got the looks too, so?"

"Oh God, Kathie. Can you just shut up and let me know what's on my to-do list today?" She massaged her temple.