"Well, let's just decide about it after our agreed period of time. I believe when that time comes, we already had our answers. So don't be anxious for anything that is not happening yet."

Ingrid thought about Clifford's suggestion for several moments. After so much reflection, she faced Clifford with her eyes showing a resolve gaze.

"Okay, let's do it then. Seven months it is."

"To seven months." Clifford smiled warmly and both of them shook hands and then stared at the breathtaking view of the city once again before they left and went back to the mansion.

'Seven months is enough for this...' Clifford smiled at the thought of his plans.

.....

As the days pa.s.sed, the press did not stop to gather more information from the last incident. However, then they could not get any answer because the security of the Briggs' companies were tight, as well as the other businesses of Clifford. The PR manager had already released some statements regarding the matter but the issues don't easily die out.

So the Howards and the Briggs decided to have a press conference sooner.

On the other hand, Ingrid had just got back to her office and her works piled up. She missed her office and the work. She smiled at the sight of the papers that needs her immediate attention.

As she sat on her chair, she stretches her hands before she starts her work.

"Geez, I miss these workloads. So, where should I start?" she started to scan the doc.u.ments one and by one and sorted it.

She was so engrossed with her work that she did not notice Daisy kept on knocking on the door and asking for permission to enter. When Daisy did not hear her response, she just went inside her office carrying bouquet of red roses.

"Excuse me, ma'am, flower delivery for you..." she furrowed her brows and tilted her head towards Daisy.

"From whom?" she felt nervous and hoped silently that it isn't from Clifford.

"The delivery man said that it's written in the card, ma'am." And Daisy handed the flower to her boss.

"Oh, okay thank you, Daisy..." she said as she accepted the flowers.

She smelled the rose and looked for the card.

INGRID,

LOVE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU FEEL, IT IS SOMETHING YOU DO.

WITH LOVE,

LANCE

As she read it, Ingrid's eyes widen and she was shocked. She already made everything clear to Lance that she could not reciprocate his love for her.

"Gos.h.!.+ Why is he making my life complicated? Why couldn't he understand it!"

....

Briggs' company, CEO's office...

Clifford was also busy with left and right work that he left behind because of what happened. His paper works also piled up.

"Young master, Miss Vanessa Riley is her with her business partner." Gary announced.

"Do I have an appointment with Miss Riley, Gary?"

Before he could answer, Vanessa suddenly came into view with her eyes beamed with happiness.

Clifford did not expect the woman's sudden visit, but then since they had just collaborated, he'll make some exceptions. So he stood up and welcomed the woman by shaking her hands but the woman kissed him on his cheeks instead.

Clifford felt embarra.s.sed especially that she's with someone. Gary almost choked when he saw what she did.

'Gos.h.!.+ Young master, you're dead! Young madam Ingrid will be mad when she'll know about this.' Gary grinned inwardly.

Clifford cleared his throat and glared at Gary.

"Ahh, have a seat Miss Riley. And Mr.–?"

"Paul, Paul Keller." He is a very attractive man, tall and ruggedly handsome.

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Keller. What would you like to drink?" and they both asked to be served with a hot tea. Gary left to get their drinks.

"Cliff, sorry if we came here unannounced. This is Paul Keller, he is my new business partner. Just recently, he just invested multi-million dollars in our company and he wanted to take part of our collaboration. I wanted to contact you after he invested but since you were busy the past few days, so I have not informed you ahead of time."

"I'm Clifford Briggs, it's a pleasure meeting you."

"The pleasure is always mine..." the man smiled.

They talked about their collaborations and the development of their collaboration.

"Cliff, I want it that you personally tour me around Veanco." Vanessa charmingly demanded.

"Hmm... that can be arranged."

"By the way, I knew someone who works here." Paul Keller interrupted Vanessa's flirting with Clifford.

"Who?" Clifford and Vanessa asked.

"Ingrid Howard." Clifford's gaze narrowed and uneasiness squeezed in his gut.