It was as if the private room emptied in an instant. The silence that followed was sharp enough to hear a pin drop.
Sydney rarely felt awkward, but this was a professional setting, and Julian was her most important client. She reminded herself to keep things strictly business.
A moment later, she composed herself and said, “Mr. Sterling, you must be joking.
She stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind her.
After only a few steps, she noticed something odd. The only empty chair was at Julian’s left. The servers had cleared out every other seat.
In the tight space, she glanced up and found Julian leaning back, watching her. His long fingers tapped the table in a steady rhythm, his gaze cool. “Still afraid of me, I see.”
Sydney resisted the urge to turn and walk out. Gathering herself, she stepped closer to his side. “Mr. Sterling, I guess your reputation at Sterling Corp. isn’t exactly stellar, or people wouldn’t react like that.”
“You’re quite perceptive.” He didn’t seem offended. “As around. Who isn’t afraid of me?”
He shot her a sidelong glance and gave the faintest hint of a smile. “You’re the only one who isn’t.”
No one else spoke.
They couldn’t tell whether he was praising her or dismissing the rest of them. Either way, when the boss singled someone out, it made everyone nervous.
The dinner carried on under heavy pressure. Everyone stayed sharp. They didn’t know the exact nature of Julian and Sydney’s relationship, but one thing was clear: there was something between them.
Just then, the door opened, and the servers returned with dishes.
Henry Linus, the project manager, raised his glass and turned to Sydney with a warm smile. “To Team Lead Wilson. The Medicine team owes you a great deal on this project. May I propose a toast?”
“It’s just my job,” Sydney replied, lightly tapping her glass. “Here’s to smooth cooperation.”
She finished her red wine without ceremony. But her tolerance was low. Within a few sips, color bloomed in her cheeks. Still, she handled it well, resting back in her hair with her chin propped in her hands.
“She doesn’t drink often,” Marcus said, picking up a ne by bottle. “Guess this one hit her harder than expected.”
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