CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

“Thank you, Joyce. That will be all for now.” Natalie dismissed her. “Ms. Cohen, please have a drink,” she added as she pushed one of the mugs toward Lina.

“Why are you still calling me Ms. Cohen? I’ve already addressed you by your first name, haven’t I? Doesn’t this suggest an inequality in our perceptions of one another?” Lina said pleasantly as she took a sip of her coffee.

Natalie returned her smile. “You’re right. I guess I shall address you as Lina.”

“That’s a good start.” Lina set down the coffee as she extracted a pouch from her purse.

At the sight of the bulge of several jewelry boxes pressed against the pouch, Natalie knew that pleasantries were over and it was time to talk business. She sat up a little straighter.

“As you might have already guessed, the contents of this pouch are the gift of the king to his princess,” Lina said as she took the boxes out one at a time.

There were five in total. It seemed like Lina wanted five designs for each box, which translates to five formal dresses.

“May I see them?” Natalie pointed at one of the boxes.

“Of course!” Lina answered graciously. She faced Natalie so that she may see the box being opened. With a dramatic flourish, the massive ruby appeared before Natalie's eyes.

beautiful.” Natalie’s eyes

is, isn’t it? You know, your expression was exactly the same as mine when I first saw it. I thought that such an unadulterated gemstone was such a rare occurrence in the market. And we haven’t even taken

She was being offered a chance

gloves offered to her. Then, with trembling hands, she picked up the ruby and held it at eye

countless sparkles being reflected off of its

beautiful,” Natalie murmured again as

another sip of coffee. “This particular stone came from the ocean. It was rumored to be discovered at the site of an underwater volcano. The purity of the color is easily a nine; an indication of superb quality in rubies. It is second only to

exclaimed, looking rather shaken at the

Lina asked

apologetically. “I was just surprised to hear

continued, paying no more attention to Natalie’s outburst. “After it had been crafted into jewelry by a master designer, it had immediately been bought by a mysterious buyer and its current whereabouts are unknown now. I

heaved a wistful

is currently in my possession.” A smile played on Natalie’s lips as she observed the effect of

spoke. “What did you say?” She asked in a quavering voice as she pointed

right,” Natalie confirmed with a satisfied nod. “The businessman that you had mentioned is my husband. It was