Five-star Seduction by Louise Make Page A

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    Lazola called her when he returned to the country but Langa avoided talking about that night, saying the phone was not a suitable way to discuss their shifting relationship. Lazola let it be, but she sensed that he wasn’t happy about it.
    Instead, he asked her about her high school and university years. Langa wasn’t sure how she felt about his interest. In return, Lazola told her about the high school year he spent in Denmark on an exchange programme; and the varsity holidays he never got to enjoy with friends because he had to learn about his father’s businesses.
    Once she trusted that he wouldn’t ambush her with emotional talk, Langa relaxed a little. They stayed up half the night talking and, for the first time, she had difficulty getting up for work the next morning.
    By mid-October the Rhadebe Omni-Chic Hotel was booked to capacity and the bookings stretched all the way until the end of summer. The hotel’s ability to create an awe-inspiring experience for every guest was on everybody’s lips. The success of the marketing campaign had exceeded even Langa’s expectations.
    Countless entertainment journalists called to request interviews and since Lazola was unavailable, Langa found herself stepping in each time. Reports appeared in hospitality and tourism magazines everywhere.
    The internship project was underway as well, since most of the selected students had completed their exams. Though not intended as a publicity stunt, the mass sponsorship did end up gaining a lot of attention – mainly because three other major chains were exposed on an investigative programme for collaborating to hike accommodation prices while simultaneously short-changing employees on remuneration. The ROCH was lauded as being an impressive example of success, integrity and generosity.
    Langa hardly allowed herself a day off. She found that time alone only invited emotional turmoil and thoughts of Lazola Rhadebe. There was no possible way she could accept the job he’d offered her. Working side by side with him, watching him reject what they could have had, would eventually destroy her.
    She resolved to see the rest of the ROCH contract through, and said a silent goodbye to her hopes for anything more.
    By the end of the second month of the ROCH’s public success, Langa was surprised when the MD of a rival marketing company asked to meet with her. She arrived at The Adonis to find him waiting.
    â€œMr Cohen.”
    â€œPlease call me Gordon.” He smiled, though his gaze remained calculating. “I’m glad you agreed to meet with me. I’ll get right to the point. You’ve been making waves, Miss Cima. I’ve been watching your progress and your work ethic has always been remarkable, but you’ve exceeded even that in the last few months.
    â€œI’d like to offer you a position, one I have no doubt would interest you. Head of Marketing, effective the moment you sign on the dotted line. Our company’s growing rather rapidly, with a new branch opening in Hong Kong. We have a few weeks to go before we open our doors there, and I want you signed with us as soon as possible. Once Hong Kong is operational, you will be stationed there for the first two years.”
    Langa fixed astonished eyes on him. “I don’t know what to say, Gordon. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity.”
    He leaned forward. “But? If you’re worried about your remuneration, I assure you there’s no need.”
    â€œNo, no but. I guess it’s just really unexpected. Moving to Hong Kong would be a very big step.”
    â€œDo you have anything tying you here?”
    Langa sighed. “I don’t.”
    Gordon Cohen watched her in silence for so long that she started feeling a little uncomfortable.
    Finally, he nodded. “Feel free to take some time to think about it. I need to fill this post soon, though. But I’m sure you’ll see what an amazing