A One Night Stand With My Boss (by Ela Osaretin)

**Conference Room**

The execs trickled into the room, trading anxious glances that mirrored their shared unease. Yesterday's meeting had cast a long shadow; Connor's expression had been so stormy that his cold gaze seemed to leave invisible scars on everyone present. The tension still lingered, making it hard for them to sit still.

"Today's meeting is about the company going public. Maybe Mr. Connor's mood will be better?" one executive ventured, trying to lighten the atmosphere as he nervously adjusted his water glass. Bryan chuckled, "Hard to say. Last month, sales doubled, and he still looked like he'd sucked on a lemon."

"Man, only you would dare say that about Mr. Connor," another executive replied, shaking his head with a wry smile. They all knew Bryan's longstanding friendship with Connor, one of the company's founding members, gave him the leeway to speak so frankly.

Amid their nervous chatter, the conference room door swung open. Connor, Alan, and Camila walked in together. The execs immediately stood up and greeted Connor with respect. To their surprise, Connor's face bore a slight smile, and his demeanor was unexpectedly relaxed.

This came as a bit of a shock, and the executives exchanged curious looks, their initial tension easing somewhat. Connor took his seat at the head of the table, handed his suit jacket to Camila, and adjusted his cufflinks. The delicate, subtly shimmering cufflinks caught everyone's eye.

The execs glanced at each other, puzzled. Connor was usually so low-key; it was unlike him to show off personal items. Bryan noticed and chuckled to himself, thinking, "Is he really showing off his cufflinks?"

So Bryan spoke up, "Mr. Connor, those are some sharp cufflinks. Where'd you get them?"

Connor smirked and lifted his wrist slightly, "Gift from my girlfriend."

The room buzzed with murmurs of surprise. Camila's hand twitched, nearly dropping the documents she held. She looked up at Connor's

smug smile and felt the urge to ne

smack him with the files. Alan, noticing everything, stifled a laugh.

"Boss, how eager are you to spill the beans about your lady, huh?"

The executives exchanged incredulous looks, stunned by their boss's sudden revelation about having a girlfriend and flaunting her gift so openly.

"Alright, I've gathered you all here to discuss the crucial matter of our company going public in three days," Connor said softly.

The execs quickly composed

themselves, adopting serious,

attentive expressions. The meeting

lasted over an hour. Once it

tto

concluded, Connor was the first leave, with Camila following, carrying his suit jacket. As they left, the door to the conference room slowly closed, and the executives began whispering among themselves.

"Alan, when did Mr. Connor start dating?" one exec asked curiously.

Alan smiled slightly, "It's been a while."

"Is it that Haylie? Saw her at the office once," another exec chimed in.

Alan shook his head.