Perry made his way to his penthouse after providing guidance to the department heads, but John felt a twinge of reluctance to see him go. He understood that his boss was preparing for a special dinner with Miss Williams, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Perry deserved a moment of peace before the evening ahead.
However, it was already 2 p.m., even though it felt like it was just around six.
"Sir, I highly recommend that you review these files before you leave."
Perry looked at him with a firm gaze, a mix of concern and determination reflected in his eyes. Despite the intensity of the moment, he remained steadfast, unwilling to back down.
"I can tell you really wish I could stay a little longer," Perry said with a gentle tone, looking around at John's face.
"Please, sir, I understand you have an important date with Miss Williams, but I implore you to consider my request," John said earnestly, his voice filled with desperation as he lowered himself to his knees.
"I'm going to head out now," Perry said gently, his voice reflecting the weight of the moment. He paused for a second, casting a sympathetic glance back at John, who remained in the office, clearly burdened by his thoughts. Perry left, offering John the space he needed, but his concern lingered in the air.
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Perry made his way to his bedroom, right after arriving at his penthouse, his heart heavy yet resolute. He truly wanted to attend the dinner, though a small part of him couldn't shake the doubt that Phoenix's words were merely an attempt to comfort him.
He went into his walk-in closet to get his clothes ready. He picked just the right one.
Eventually, he made his way to his study, determined to tackle the files John had insisted he bring along. He immersed himself in the work, finishing that section right at 4 p.m. Afterwards, he took a moment to unwind and cleanse the stress away with a refreshing shower, seeking some comfort after a long day.
*****
Phoenix took a deep breath, her heart a little heavy after weighing her options for the meal that had taken a precious time away, she guessed. She wanted everything to be perfect for her guest. With a sense of determination and care, she made her way upstairs to prepare for the main course, getting dressed. Hoping to create a warm and inviting experience.
Phoenix stood back from the full-length mirror, a quiet breath escaping her lips. The room, usually filled with the chaos of her day, felt suspended in the golden hour light that filtered through the window.
She had chosen a dress that spoke of confidence rather than volume. It was a rich, jewel-toned emerald silk, cut on the bias so that the fabric moved like liquid mercury around her frame. The neckline was a simple, delicate cowl that draped softly, revealing just enough of the collarbone to catch the light. It wasn't loud, but it possessed an undeniable gravity that demanded attention.
She didn't want to pick this dress, but, knowing Wilmar wouldn't be happy about it, she would put on a suit.
Her accessories were deliberate and few: a vintage gold chain, thin as a thread, rested high on her neck, and a single bracelet, an antique piece set with small, scattered sapphires, circled her wrist. She avoided clutter, letting the shimmer of the silk and the dark shine of her hair—pulled back into a low, structured chignon—speak for themselves.
She slipped into her heels, their delicate straps crossing over her arch. The height changed her posture instantly, lengthening her line and deepening the feeling of poised readiness. Her clutch, small and structured, was made of soft black velvet. A final check ensured the lipstick was precisely applied—a shade of muted rose that balanced the vivid green of the dress.
This made her wonder what her acquaintance would wear.
Taking a final look, Phoenix saw the woman she wanted to be tonight: polished, mysterious, and effortlessly elegant. The gentle rustle of the silk as she moved toward the door showed her readiness for her guest.
As she made her way downstairs, the sound of the doorbell echoed softly, a reassuring reminder that he had arrived right on time.
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Perry ran his thumb lightly over the knot of his tie—a narrow strip of midnight-blue silk—and finally gave a sharp, satisfied tug. The mirror showed back a man who was, for once, not a collection of pending tasks but a polished, singular point of focus.
His outfit was a study in conscious effortlessness. He had selected a jacket of deep, charcoal Italian wool, its texture feeling like a comforting promise across his shoulders. It was cut close, lending him a sharp silhouette without being severe.
Beneath it, the shirt was a crisp, almost luminous white poplin, the collar points standing precisely where they were meant to be, a small, clean gap visible above the fastened silk.
He checked his wrist. The leather strap of his watch was dark brown, matching the quiet patina of his belt, a subtle anchor point in the composition. The trousers, a heavy black twill, fell with a perfect drape over the highly polished leather of his Chelsea boots. These were not clothes worn to impress with flash, but to convey a sense of respect—for the occasion, and for the woman waiting across town, Phoenix ----
A quick spritz of cologne—something with a lingering hint of cedar and vetiver—and Leo took one last breath, the subtle clink of his keys in the pocket the only sound breaking the silence of his preparation.
He looked capable, well-rested, and ready for whatever the evening might bring, the confidence of the well-dressed man a buoyant shield against the slight anxiety simmering in his stomach. He was ready to see her.
*****
"Hi…" he greeted softly the moment he caught sight of her face. There was a vulnerability in his expression, as though the words were caught in his throat. He seemed momentarily lost for words, overwhelmed by the emotions that washed over him.
"Please come in." Phoenix took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision to dress up. She realised she might have gone a bit overboard for what was just a dinner—an apology dinner, no less.
It stung a little. As if she would have gone this far with her looks if she had attended the ball. She wouldn't have worn such elaborate attire. But now, standing here, she only wanted to create a kind of memorable night, with her acquaintance.