They were already leaving the IK's restaurant while Director Kaji followed them. 

"Director K, wait," called Director Kaji while following them in a rush.

Kilee turned back. "Thank you for your time, but we should go away." Those people ruined their time; fortunately, the dinner went unexpectedly well.

Kaji was a bit confused by what had happened. "Who were those people?" he asked, scratching his head.

Helena took a step forward. "Those people are not pleasant, " she said, crossing her hands. Kaji frowned his forehead; that meant none of them liked those people.

"Director Kaji" Portia was following him outside when she saw him talking with Director K and the secretaries. 

"Does she not have shame?" Helena was fuming already. "Helena, let's go," said Maria, taking her hand. Helena changed her umor in just a second. "Oh my, you two should go back," she said, turning to Kaji and grabbing his sleeve. 

"Director Kaji will escort me home," he was speechless, but it was not a first. "Alright, don't worry, I will take her home safely," continued him.

Kilee nodded in approval, glancing at him, yet he took Maria and left. The night was young, yet they had to turn back so people wouldn't give them a hard time. 

Helena was a minute woman; in contrast, Kaji was a tall, well-built man. Behind him, she was unnoticed. 

When she went for him, Portia saw them leaving him alone in front of the building.

"Director Kaji, can I have a word with you?" she said while approaching him. Just then, she noticed another person was with him, and looking carefully, she saw that person was Helena. She was pissed but decided to play her cards well.

Director Kaji turned back and looked at Portia. "Do we know each other?" he asked sarcastically. They did not know each other, and from Helena's reaction, those people were indeed some leeches.

"We met at a business meeting," she said, smiling gently as she ran her fingers through her hair. He immediately noticed what kind of person that was, so he coldly answered, "So what?" giving off quietly the gaze.

She froze, noticing that he was unfriendly and that her approach did not go on the port. "You are right. I'm sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to discuss some business matters with you," she continued while Helena rolled her eyes.

"Then contact my secretary." He was clear she would not have any chance at that moment. Helena looked at her fists, shaking with anger. She tried her best not to laugh, but an idea came up.

She put her hands to her chest and pretended to sneeze, diverting their attention to herself. "Sorry, I'm a bit cold," she said, rubbing her arms. Kaji, who knew her well, remained unfazed, but Portia was visibly annoyed. He understood it was just an excuse to create an opportunity for them to leave, so he played along. "Apologies, shall we go?" She nodded quietly as he led the way. The valet brought the car, and they promptly departed, leaving Portia alone on the IK's stairs for the second time, with everyone watching.

Later, Helena couldn't stay seated in the car and fell into a laughing mood. Kaji was very amused to see her like that, but he couldn't stop thinking about Director K's angry reaction when he entered the party and saw those people fighting with his secretaries.

"Helena, who was that?" he asked after a bit. She turned toward looking at him, then sighed and stretched a bit. 

"That's a manager at B-corp; she's been having some problems lately." What would explain the tension between the two? "And... the man with her is likely harassing Maria," she continued, cracking her fingers.

"Harassing? Does he work for B-corp too?" he was speechless.

"Not really. He's just a substitute from another company." That made everything clear; it was a tricky situation.

---

"Portia, we should also leave." Ioan was right; a lot of people were staring at them. She looked around quickly, making sure to be unnoticed, and nodded. Even if they quickly got in their car and went away quietly instantly, that did not pass unnoticed by the other people standing in the hall. There was a person who saw something she did not expect to. Irina saw Ioan perfectly with a rich woman, and she was burning down inside with bitterness.

"Damn those idiots." Portia was furious; she was biting her nails violently because of frustration. Ioan took her hand. "Stop, youll hurt yourself." she looked angry at him while taking back her hand.

"Just drive" he was pissed off too, he couldn't believe how childish that woman was but what made him angry was seeing Maria with that man. That was not a place for her; he did not want her to show herself like that to other people.

---

Maria looked out of her window in complete silence while Kilee was driving, thinking of a way to ask her if everything was okay—if she was okay. She cleared her throat and scratched her hair. "Do you want to take a breath? Are you okay?" asked Kilee, smiling nervously.

Maria turned toward her. Kilee's hair was all messed up because she had been scratching it for a while now. Her hand moved unintentionally until she found herself caressing Kilee's hair. Kilee bit her lips to keep her composure. She had mixed signals, so interpreting them correctly took a lot of work.

Kilee turned off toward the beach. After parking, she exited the car, stroking her hair while leaning against the front bumper. Maria looked at her from inside the car; she seemed solid and reassuring, and Maria was now sure about what was on her mind. She removed her seatbelt, exited the car, and strolled in her heels until she reached Kilee, leaning beside her.

Kilee turned toward her. She looked at the dark lake, her eyes sparkling, illuminated by the many little lights on the poles. She bit her lips again in frustration. Many ideas buzzed inside her head. She looked at Maria and then back to the sea for quite some time in silence until Maria took a breath and some courage.

"Kilee... can I ask something? " she asked without moving her gaze from the lake. "Yeah," Kilee answered back.

"Am I an attractive woman?" she asked, gazing at Kilee, who was staring at her in shock. "You are beautiful!" she said thoughtfully. That reaction made Maria laugh and breathe out loud. She took a step toward the lake before turning to Kilee. 

"What if..." she interrupted herself briefly and lowered her head. She was unsure if she should, but she did not want to miss that chance. She lifted her head and, looking into Kilee's eyes, took a silent breath. "What if I told you that I like you?" Only the rustling of the water and his heart could be heard at that moment.