Chapter 8

Everyone knew that the second daughter of the Youngblood family rarely showed her face in public. Yet now she seemed completely at ease—relaxed, even—as if she were just sharing a dream.

Nicholas had scoffed at first, but the more Elena spoke, the more clearly the picture formed in his mind.

The crowd was visibly stirred.

Whispers filled the room.

"Mr. Youngblood is so good at keeping secrets. Who would've thought his daughter's the designer behind the Aster Avenue project?"

"If he hadn't brought her today, I wouldn't have known the Youngbloods had such a gorgeous, well-mannered daughter."

"With the way she carries herself, you'd never guess she's been sheltered her whole life. Honestly, I think the Youngbloods must've kept her hidden so no one would snatch her away because she's too pretty."

Terrence hadn't taken his eyes off Elena for even a second.

Who would've thought this goody two-shoes would turn out to be Youngblood Corporation's secret weapon tonight?

If he could win her over, she'd be a major asset to Bailey Group. With her on their side, they'd be unstoppable.

Hearing the chatter around him, Remus showed no hint of joy. Instead, he checked his watch again and again, clearly anxious.

Unlike him, Joel was fully focused on the bid and determined to turn things around.

Elena's talent had genuinely impressed Nicholas.

Marcus leaned over and lowered his voice. "That's the second daughter of the Youngblood family, the goody two-shoes I told you about. They've kept her under wraps all these years.

"Since you moved the schedule up, and Ms. Talia injured her hand and couldn't draw the designs, they had no choice but to bring Ms. Elena."

He paused, then added, "Also, during my investigation, I discovered that Ms. Elena's original surname wasn't Youngblood.

"She was actually the daughter of the Salvatore family, which was Glenhallow's richest family over a decade ago. After they fell from power, she was adopted by the Youngbloods and took their name."

Nicholas studied Elena from afar. There was a spark in her eyes as she spoke about her design.

She looked so sweet, completely unlike the woman who had teased him earlier.

Both Youngblood daughters were anything but innocent.

One drugged him, and the other walked into his room to play the cure.

What a perfect setup. It seemed like it was their strategy to secure the project. And yet, Nicholas couldn't deny that Elena's design had struck a chord.

When her ten minutes were up, Elena ended her pitch. "Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Montgomery. That concludes my presentation."

Nicholas stood and clapped. "Your design is compelling, Ms. Youngblood. I'll give Youngblood Corporation another shot, provided you deliver a complete design draft."

"Absolutely," Joel replied, practically glowing.

Marcus stepped forward. "That wraps up today's tender conference. The announcement regarding the Aster Avenue partnership will be made in three days."

The room slowly cleared.

Elena followed Remus and Joel toward the exit, only to be stopped by Marcus. "Ms. Youngblood, please stay. Mr. Montgomery would like a word in private."

Remus refused, saying, "My daughter's very timid. She's not used to speaking with strangers. I'm afraid that won't be possible."

Marcus' eyes turned cold. "It seems like you're not interested in working with us, Mr. Youngblood."

"That's not what I meant."

Remus was about to clarify, but Joel leaned in with a hushed reminder. "We just got our foot in the door. If we offend Mr. Montgomery now, not only will we lose the partnership, but Youngblood Corporation will also be in trouble."

Remus adjusted his glasses and glanced reluctantly at the man seated like a king at the front of the room. He had no choice.

He turned to Elena. "Elena, mind your words. Don't upset Mr. Montgomery."

Elena nodded.

Remus and Joel left the room. Marcus followed after them and quietly pulled the door shut behind him.

The room was brightly lit. Elena dropped her sweet-girl act and smiled with a hint of mischief. "What's wrong, Mr. Montgomery? Not impressed with my pitch?"

Nicholas rose from his chair and started toward her.

Elena instinctively stepped back, but he kept advancing.

Within seconds, her back hit the wall.

"Ms. Youngblood, you really stop at nothing for tonight's conference," Nicholas said, gripping her neck. His gaze was icy.

Elena hadn't expected him to snap so suddenly.

Her breath caught in her throat. She said coyly, "Mr. Montgomery, it hurts."

Her skin was fair. A red mark appeared with just a slight squeeze. Her neck was so delicate that it seemed he could snap it with the slightest added pressure.

"You have quite the acting skills. Sweet and innocent in front of everyone but cunning and sly behind closed doors."

Nicholas' hand brushed across her face.

The cold touch of his silver signet ring seemed to mix with his ruthlessness, causing Elena to shiver.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Mr. Montgomery," she replied.

"Your sister drugged me, and then you walked right into my room. Do you need me to spell it out for you?" Nicholas hated being set up, especially by two women working together.

Elena paused for a moment, then quickly realized what he was referring to.

She explained, "I accidentally entered your room. I didn't know you'd been drugged. But of course, whether you believe me or not, that's entirely up to you."

Nicholas leaned in closer, his gaze piercing into hers.

No matter the situation, she was always so calm in the face of him. Her eyes, bright and sparkling, were so clear and pure, making him hesitant to touch her.

Elena continued, "Let's not forget, my design was exceptional, wasn't it? You seemed quite impressed, Mr. Montgomery."

Talia, that fool, had actually drugged Nicholas. And now, he was thinking she and Talia were in cahoots. Getting close to him would be a challenge.

"Bailey Group's design isn't bad either." Nicholas released her and walked back to his chair.

Elena could finally breathe. She exhaled deeply, though her smile remained.

"Sure, their design looks flashy, but it's impractical. It'll drain funds and be hard to develop. You're a businessman, Mr. Montgomery. No one knows better than you who's the better choice here."

"Are you threatening me?" Nicholas' expression darkened. His patience was obviously wearing thin.

Elena moved closer and grabbed the collar of his shirt. "I'm just reminding you. I can bring you the greatest return. Partnering with me won't be a loss for you."

She rolled up her sleeves, revealing faint scars on her slender arms.

Nicholas' eyes narrowed.

Without warning, he pulled her into his arms, stood up, and pinned her against the table. "No one has ever had the nerve to negotiate with me like this. You're the first."

"So, what's it going to be, Mr. Montgomery? Are you going to work with me or not?" Elena arched back with one hand on the table, propped up to support herself.

She'd slipped out of the ill-fitting bodycon dress. Now dressed all sweet and demure, she really did have the advantage of reeling someone in.

As if punishing her for her boldness, Nicholas grabbed her chin and kissed her.

Elena dug her nails into his solid back. Her mouth was just as restless—she bit down hard.

Nicholas winced in pain and pulled back. "If you want to work with me, you'll have to pay the price."

"What do you want, Mr. Montgomery?"

Elena's eyes lingered on his jawline, her hand tracing his strong features.

Her sculpture last night had only captured his face. If she could sculpt his body too, it would be a true masterpiece.

Her fingers slid lower from his lips toward his throat, but Nicholas caught her hand before she could touch his Adam's apple.

"What can you give me?" he asked.

Elena leaned in closer and whispered in his ear, "Whatever you want, Mr. Montgomery."