LOGIN“You’re really collecting dangerous people like business cards.”He glanced at me.He looked completely unfazed.“Vincent’s meeting could be useful for Blackridge.”I frowned.“Vincent literally admitted he wants to use you to go after Damien.”Braxton didn’t look bothered.“I know.”I stared at him.He adjusted his jacket calmly.“That’s exactly why I’ll listen before deciding.”I sighed.Of course.Even that didn’t bother him.He could hear a man admit that he wanted to use him for a personal vendetta and somehow turn it into a business opportunity.I shook my head.“You’re unbelievable.”He only gave me that faint smile.The event was slowly winding down.People began leaving in groups, while others stayed behind, standing with drinks in hand and continuing conversations.I looked around the room.Then my attention returned to Braxton.I had seen him in the office every day.There, he was just my irritating boss.The man who gave me orders.The man who annoyed me for fun.The man w
People began moving again once the speech ended.The room slowly filled with conversation.But something had changed.As people passed us, some of them stared at Braxton.Others leaned toward each other and whispered.I didn’t need to hear them to know what they were talking about.Braxton had just challenged Damien Cross in front of an entire room full of powerful businessmen.Of course they were curious about him.I caught a few people looking at me too.Mostly women.Their eyes moved over me. Some of them didn’t even try to hide the irritation on their faces.I frowned slightly.What did I do?I was literally just standing here.I wasn’t the one who opened my mouth and challenged Damien.I forced myself to look away.I didn’t need their attitude tonight.Braxton and I were still standing beside Adrian when Damien walked toward us.I noticed Adrian’s posture change immediately.His expression became more serious.I glanced at Damien.He stopped in front of Braxton.For a moment, nei
He looked to be in his late forties, maybe early fifties, but there was nothing soft about him.He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a solid build beneath his perfectly fitted black suit. His dark hair was brushed neatly back, a few strands of silver showing at his temples.His face was sharp.A strong jaw.High cheekbones.And dark, deep-set eyes that seemed to take in everything around him without giving anything away.Something about those eyes caught my attention.They were familiar.I frowned slightly.Maybe it was the shape.Or the way his eyebrows settled when he looked at someone.I couldn’t place it.His skin was smooth despite his age, and the faint lines around his eyes only made him look more distinguished.He wasn’t the kind of man who needed to announce himself.People noticed him anyway. And they made space.Braxton’s eyes followed him.Adrian noticed.“That’s Damien Cross.”Braxton kept watching.“Who?”Adrian looked at him.“You don’t know him?”“Should I?”Adrian s
Sunday evening came around quicker than I expected.I hadn’t done much all day.I spent most of the morning in bed, then helped Ivy around the house before eventually retreating to my room to get ready.By six-thirty, I was standing in front of my mirror.The black dress fit perfectly against my body.The silver heels Braxton picked were already on my feet, and the small black purse hung from my hand.The diamond necklace rested against my skin, catching the light every time I moved.I had kept my makeup simple but sharp.My hair was pulled into a sleek middle part and gathered into a low bun at the back of my head.I turned slightly toward the mirror.“Okay…” Ivy said behind me.I looked at her through the mirror.She was staring at me with a knowing smile.“Now I understand why that man was so confident.”I rolled my eyes.“Don’t start.”“I haven’t even said anything yet.”“You’re about to say something stupid.”She laughed.Then her eyes dropped to the necklace.“Especially after t
Ivy picked up one of the packages from the table.“Let’s see what this man bought you.”She tore the tape open and pulled the lid off.“Wow.”She reached inside and pulled out a Chanel box.My eyes followed the box as she placed it on the table.Ivy opened it.Her eyes immediately widened.“Nicee…”She pulled out a white Chanel bag and held it up.I just stared at it.For a few seconds, I couldn’t even find the words.It was beautiful.And expensive.Very expensive.I looked at the other boxes scattered around the table.“Your boss is buying you designer bags now?” Ivy turned to me with a grin. “Don’t play, girl.”I rolled my eyes.She reached for another box.“Let's see.”She opened it.This one contained a pair of black Yves Saint Laurent heels.My eyes widened.I stared at them for a second.Then I looked at Ivy.“You’ve got to be kidding me.”Ivy laughed.“He really went shopping.”I picked up one of the heels and looked at it properly.I was gagged.I couldn’t believe what I was
We reached the heels section.Rows of expensive shoes lined the shelves.Braxton looked through them without hesitation.Then he pointed toward a pair.Silver heels.Thin straps wrapped delicately around the ankle, while the pointed front made them look sharp and sophisticated.He picked them up.“These.”I looked at them.“They’re nice.”“They’ll match the dress.”The saleswoman took them from him.“What size?”Braxton looked at me.I gave her my size.She brought them out.I tried them on.They fit perfectly.I took a few steps.The heels were comfortable enough to walk in.Braxton nodded once.“Nice.”I looked at him.“Obviously.”We moved to the bags.He walked past several without stopping.Then he paused.A small black purse caught his attention.It was simple but expensive-looking, with a structured shape and a delicate silver chain.He picked it up.“This one.”I glanced at it.“It matches.”“That’s the point.”I rolled my eyes.“Of course.”The saleswoman placed it with the s
I got home, but my head wouldn’t stop spinning. What the hell just happened back there? What does he mean by he wants to marry me instead? Who does this man think he is?After a long, hot shower, I tied my hair up, threw on a big T-shirt, and dragged myself to the kitchen to make cereal. I had just
For a moment, I just stood there like an idiot, staring at him. My brain refused to process what I was seeing. Of all people in this world, it had to be him.My first instinct was to turn around and leave, but my feet didn’t move. His eyes held me there. His gaze moved slowly from my face to my exp
Three weeks have passed already, and I keep telling myself I’m healing. Heartbreak is never easy, but I’ve learned how to mask it, at least on the outside. Forgetting that asshole wasn’t something that happened overnight, especially when I see him and his so-called sister every single day at work.
His mouth crushed mine until he broke the kiss, pushing me back slightly, just enough to make me dizzy. My chest heaved as I whispered, breathless, “Do what you were paid for.”I slammed the door shut, dragging him back to me. But this time, he was the one in control, pinning me against the wall. H







