Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 43 - Prelude to Business Trip

Amber was silent, as if slowly accepting Matthew’s words.

“Okay…if you say so,” Amber said melancholy.

“It’s settled now,” Matthew said. “I plan on leaving next week. I hope to see the person you will appoint, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Charles replied with a firm nod. “I’ll have someone reliable in place by the end of the week. You focus on your preparations, Hesh.”

“Thank you, sir,” Matthew acknowledged, offering a respectful bow of his head. With the formalities concluded, he turned toward Amber, who still stood quietly, her earlier defiance now replaced by an expression he couldn’t quite decipher.

Charles turned to Volta and resumed their previous discussion, effectively dismissing Matthew and Amber from the conversation. Taking the cue, Matthew gently touched Amber’s elbow, guiding her out of the room. As they stepped back into the hallway, the door to the office closing softly behind them, the air between them was heavy with unspoken words.

Matthew finally broke the silence as they walked down the grand corridor.

“Amber, you know this isn’t a pleasure trip. It’s going to be grueling work, long hours, and no comforts,” he said, keeping his tone even, though he couldn’t ignore the tinge of guilt that surfaced at her downcast expression.

“I know…I am just sad that I’ll be alone again,” Amber said.

Matthew smiled. “I think I can fix it. Let’s have dinner later.”

“Dinner?”

Matthew nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. “Yes. Just the two of us. Consider it a way to make up for dragging you along today.”

Amber’s lips quirked into a hesitant smile. “You don’t have to do that, you know,” she said, her tone half-playful. “I can’t have you feeling obligated just because I looked a little sad.”

Matthew shook his head, stepping closer.

“It’s not an obligation, Amber. I’d genuinely enjoy your company before I leave.” He paused, his gaze steady. “Besides, who knows when I’ll be back? Let’s not waste any opportunities.”

Amber looked at him, searching his eyes for a moment, and then finally allowed herself to smile fully.

“Alright, Matthew,” she agreed. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at seven,” he said, tipping his hat with a playful grin before turning to walk away. “Wear something nice.”

Amber rolled her eyes, but there was a faint blush on her cheeks. “I don’t need you telling me that,” she retorted. “I’ll be ready.”

In the evening.

Matthew leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his eyes trained on the door where Amber was preparing herself. He glanced at his pocket watch; it was nearing seven o’clock. He had seen Amber in elegant attire before, but there was something different about tonight. Maybe it was the thought that this might be their last evening together for quite some time.

The door finally creaked open, and Amber stepped out slowly. She wore a deep blue dress that hugged her figure gracefully, the fabric shimmering subtly in the candlelight of their shared suite. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore a delicate necklace that accentuated the elegant curve of her neck.

Matthew’s eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of her. “You… you look stunning, Amber.”

Amber’s cheeks turned a faint pink as she tried to appear nonchalant. “Oh, stop it, Matthew. You’re just saying that because I took so long.”

Matthew shook his head, stepping closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “No, I mean it,” he said firmly. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

Amber turned her face away slightly, though she couldn’t suppress the small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Well, don’t just stand there gawking,” she teased, regaining her composure. “Aren’t you going to offer me your arm, Mr. Hesh?”

Matthew chuckled, extending his arm with a flourish. “It would be my honor, Miss Fitzwilliam.”

Amber took his arm, her hand resting lightly on his forearm.

“I think I won’t be able to keep up my promise of bringing the automobile to this dinner,” Matthew said.

“Oh, don’t mind it,” Amber replied with a soft laugh, her fingers tightening ever so slightly on his arm. “This is better, anyway. It’s more… personal.”

They stepped outside into the cool evening air, the city of Amsterdam bathed in the glow of electric lamps lining the cobbled streets. Matthew had opted for a charming, secluded restaurant overlooking the Amstel River.

And they arrived there.

Matthew held the door open for Amber, who stepped inside, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the warm, candlelit interior. The maître d’ greeted them with a gracious smile and led them to a secluded table near the large windows that offered a stunning view of the Amstel River.

Amber took her seat, her fingers lightly tracing the delicate lace tablecloth. “This place is… perfect,” she said softly, looking up at Matthew with genuine appreciation in her eyes.

Matthew smiled, pleased that she liked his choice. “I thought you’d enjoy it,” he said, taking his seat across from her.

“I wanted tonight to be… special.”

The waiter arrived to take their orders, and they chose a selection of the finest dishes the restaurant had to offer, complemented by a bottle of rich red wine.

Amber took a slow sip of her wine, her eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight between them. There was a pensive silence that seemed to stretch on.

“Matthew,” she began, her voice barely louder than a whisper, “do you… like me?”

Matthew’s eyes met hers. He didn’t falter, didn’t look away. Instead, he leaned back slightly, taking in the vulnerability in her eyes.

“Amber,” he said slowly. “I think any man on this planet would want you as their partner. I mean who wouldn’t? You are beautiful, intelligent, and passionate. I would be lying if I told you that I don’t like you. But if we are going to take our relationship to the next level, I have to prove something to you.”

“Prove what?”

“You’ll see.”