Though their reactions were legit as it wasn’t a regular thing for someone who was not a board member to join board meetings.

When the door opened, only then everyone took their interest off me and stood as—

Achilles Valencian walked in, followed by Caleb and Liza.

I sucked in my breath when his gaze landed on me. Those powerful, dominating stormy irises. The whole room went silent: an effect of the commanding aura he carried with him.

Averting my eyes, just as I expected Caleb to come and sit at the head of the table, he changed direction and went to the chair beside that creepy big man. And thus, the head of the table was occupied by the devil himself.

Of course. He was the king of this kingdom. What was I thinking? Now I was regretting not sitting beside that bald man.

Caleb sent his regular sunny smile from across the table, which I couldn’t return. I’d just ask him later why he called me here.

At the king’s curt nod, everyone took their seats.

“Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to someone who will be joining in every board meeting from now on,” spoke his deep voice, when I played with the emeralds of my bracelet. A way to ignore him and the irrational fast beats of my heart due to his presence. “Meet Ms. Emerald Hutton, a very special friend of mine.”

My gaze snapped up to him. What the hell? I’d be joining board meetings with them? I was just a newcomer employee!

“Welcome aboard, Ms. Hutton! It’ll be a pleasure to work with you.” I turned to the woman next to me, who greeted me with a kind smile.

I could barely show her my enthusiasm in return. I was too perplexed for that. What the hell was really going into his head?

While some of the members welcomed me with professionalism, most of them remained quiet. They seemed to share the exact bewilderment as me.

When they didn’t respond well and expressions of displeasure etched onto their faces, great Achilles Valencian barked out, “Any objections?”

The shake of everyone’s heads was immediate.

“N-no objections, Mr. Valencian. I’m sure there must be some reason behind the decision you took, and we respect it. We’re just… a little surprised, that’s it,” the bald man beside Caleb said.

Ace nodded. “Good. The sooner you get over your surprise, the better. Now, you all may proceed with the meeting.”

I kept shooting daggers at him with my glare as he leaned back in his chair, listening to whatever the members were saying one by one. And when his hand slowly slid to where mine was placed on the table, I jerked my hands down.

The slight crease between his brows told me about his dissatisfaction.

He was trying to touch my hand in front of everyone? The nerve of him.