[PIERSON CORPORATION: Director’s Office]
"He’s on a short vacation?" Dean raised an eyebrow, looking at his assistant standing across his desk. "For what reason? Did he fall ill?"
"We couldn’t get more details," said the assistant. "But he wasn’t admitted to any hospital."
"How about outside Anteca?"
The assistant simply shook her head in response. Hearing this and seeing her answer, Dean leaned back and pondered the situation. He brushed his finger across his chin, deep in thought.
"That’s weird," he whispered. "The board meeting is coming up, and he’s going on a vacation."
But before Dean could delve deeper into this, he snapped his eyes at his assistant. "You may go."
"Yes, sir." The assistant lowered her head slightly. "Mr. Davis is outside. Should I let him in?"
"He’s here?" Dean raised his eyebrow again before nodding in understanding. "Sure. Let him in."
Having said that, the assistant nodded and walked away. After a moment, the door opened again, revealing the dashing Finn.
"The board meeting is coming up, so I’m checking in on you," Finn greeted, closing the door behind him. He sauntered straight to the couch, fixing his gaze on the man seated behind the desk. "Ready for it?"
Dean glanced at him with disinterest. "I don’t need to be ready for anything. Nothing else is happening."
"Ohh..." Finn nodded before smiling. "I thought you’d do something. Dean Pierson, why are you idling so much? Isn’t this the perfect time to strike?"
"Is that what you think?"
"Every chance is an opportunity."
"Zoren Pierson... he’s not on my list at the moment. Just because I’m not doing anything doesn’t mean I’m less relevant in this company and in this family."
Finn hummed, shrugging. "That’s something I never said."
"William Pierson started a fight with me." A glint flickered across Dean’s eyes as he let out a dry laugh at the thought of it. "Did he think taking me out would bring him closer to the head seat? What a foolish old man."
"I guess the board meeting won’t be as boring as I thought it would be." Finn chuckled, noticing the vicious look on Dean’s face. "Although I’m still surprised you’re not giving Zoren Pierson any attention."
"Finn, I appreciate your constant interest and curiosity in seeing me and Zoren Pierson fight. However, this is not the time for that."
"And why is it not the time for that?" Finn cocked his head to the side. "Because of Penelope Bennet?"
Dean didn’t answer, but the sharp look on his face remained. The two of them stared at each other for a while before Finn smiled from ear to ear.
"Forget I mentioned that," Finn joked. "I’m just teasing you for that time you kept bringing up my fiancée."
"You sound so happy at the thought that Penny might be in trouble when she’s a sister to your fiancée."
"I said this before: my personal life and business are two different things."
Dean snorted, making Finn raise his brows.
"What is it?" Finn tilted his head slightly to the side. "I feel like I said something so hilarious that you’re laughing so genuinely."
"I always see you as a clever and very cunning man, but sometimes, you say the most ridiculous things, Finn," Dean leaned back, propping his elbow on the armrest. "Your personal life and your business... they might be two different things, but at one point, the lines blur."
Dean lowered his gaze, his lips twisting bitterly. "And it will leave you thinking...which one weighs more? And which one can you willingly sacrifice?"
Slowly, Dean lifted his gaze to Finn, briefly raising his brows at him.
"You think you and I are different, but we’re not, Finn," he continued quietly, leaning over the desk. "If Nina Bennet... I mean Nina Reed is as important as you claim, then you’d have to stay out. I’m not clashing with Zoren Pierson at the moment, but if that ever happens... you’d get dragged into it. Unless, of course, you switch sides, but then she won’t be safe either."
Again, silence fell between them as they stared at each other. It took a moment for Finn to offer Dean a smile.
"Well, thank you for that advice." Finn pushed himself up, his eyes falling on Dean. "It sounds to me like you’ve just given a life lesson you learned, or perhaps realized recently. I appreciate it nonetheless."
Dean shrugged as he pushed himself away from the desk, only to hear Finn ask, "How’s your arm, by the way?"
"You asked that a little late." Dean glanced at his sleeve, touching it lightly. "They removed the cast, but it’s still supported."
"I see." Finn nodded, even though his expression indicated he didn’t care about it at all. "Since I made sure I’m safe for this upcoming board meeting, then continue with your day."
Dean didn’t react, watching Finn turn on his heel to walk away. He remained quiet until Finn was almost at the door.
"What I said..." Dean trailed off, watching Finn halt in his steps. "...is true."
The smile on Finn’s face faded slightly, his naturally squinting eyes widening. But he didn’t say anything in return; instead, he continued on his way and walked out of the office without another word.
When Finn stepped out, he turned his head toward the door and ran his tongue across his inner cheek. He shrugged and resumed his steps. As he made his way out of the building, Finn felt his phone vibrate. Stopping in his tracks, he fished his phone out of his suit pocket.
Finn, where are you? Are you available tonight?]
Upon reading Nina’s message, Finn stopped and read it again, as if studying the tone she was using. These types of messages were normal from Nina, but somehow, he felt wasn’t the usual tone she would use on a normal occasion.
"Your personal life and your business... they might be two different things, but at one point, the lines blur."
Finn smirked slightly at Dean’s words from just moments ago. "What if the lines have already been blurred from the beginning?" he whispered to himself before responding to Nina.
I am. Where do I pick you up?]