Ryan’s POVThe blood drained from my face.Maximilian wasn’t one to make idle threats. If he put his wealth and connections towards ruining Celeste, she’d face more than an online smear campaign–she’d never step into a studio again.Not even as a janitor.“Father, Celeste has done nothing wrong!” I said with indignation. “How could you threaten to destroy someone’s livelihood for your own gain?” He tutted. “Don’t make me out to be the villain, Ryan. You wanted control, and I gave it to you. Now make your decision.”Celeste had worked damn hard to get where she was today. I couldn’t let her lose it all because of me and still call myself a man.I had no choice.“I’ll dazzle Michelle’s parents for you under one condition.” I said, voice harsh as a blizzard. “You must make provisions in your exclusivity contract to allow Rosemary to go into business with Hughes Industries.”If I couldn’t stop my father from controlling my life, at least I’d fight for Celeste with the little power I had.
Ryan’s POVI decided to leave for work early this morning. I stared blankly at my reflection in the elevator mirror on the way down from my penthouse. Celeste was driving me crazy.She’d committed herself to misunderstanding me, and I couldn’t stand it. Michelle was just a red herring to keep my father distracted from my true romantic pursuit.Michelle wasn’t the woman I loved.“I’m telling that stubborn woman the truth today–no matter what.” I said and determination shone from my eyes.My private elevator pinged on the ground floor and I strode out of the apartment building to hail a taxi. As I approached the edge of the pavement, a black Rolls Royce cut the taxi off.“Get in,” a solemn voice said through the rolled-down window. “We need to talk.”I gritted my teeth. “I’m busy this morning, father. Please schedule a meeting in advance next time.”I tried to walk to my taxi, but a broad man in a suit blocked my way. Behind me was the same.Maximilian’s security had me surrounded.“Ple
Celeste’s POVAfter tossing and turning all night, I gave up on sleep and headed to my studio at the crack of dawn to sketch my design ideas for our light luxury line. The familiar sound of lead sliding on paper calmed the storm in my mind, and the creative juices flowed.I was determined to make this a success.“I knew I’d find you here.” a sudden, smug voice startled me.I jumped, cutting a thick, dark line through my design.“Sorry, love,” Grace said, wincing when I glared up at her. “Peace offering?”I eagerly accepted the coffee and croissant she held out.“All is forgiven.” I smiled gratefully. “I was so excited to get my ideas on paper that coffee didn’t cross my mind.”She raised an eyebrow. “You’re a caffeine addict who forgot about coffee? Are you sure the new line is all that’s on your mind?”I chuckled. “You know how I get when I hyperfocus on my work.”“Our apartment walls are thin, Celeste.” She said gently. “I heard the Bridget Jones marathon playing all night.”I tore a
Damien’s POV“Stop running away, you little bastards!” I hissed under my breath. I chased the eggshells in the bowl, about ready to pull out my hair as they seemed to be repelled by my fingers. “Fuck it,” I muttered as I rewinded the pancake tutorial, smearing egg on my screen. Nobody would notice a few egg shells.“Bon-Bon, Daddy’s almost done with breakfast! Finish brushing your teeth and come eat.” I yelled up the stairs.Today was the first day I’d been left completely alone with Bonnie since she was born. Celeste and Vanessa always acted like caring for her was a full-time job, but it was child’s play.A few minutes later, I was sliding the pancakes onto a plate with a smirk. “I’m sure your teeth are pearly white by now!” I called. “Come eat your yummy pancakes!”There was no response.I furrowed my brows and headed for Bonnie’s ensuite bathroom. Faint music grew louder as I approached the door and pushed it open.Bonnie sat on the toilet with her iPad, completely engrossed.“
Celeste’s POV“Me? Jealous?” I scoffed, tilting my head to the side with a smirk. “Is that why I’m planning on approaching Michelle to form a partnership with Hughes Industries?”My words didn’t have the effect I imagined on Ryan.He retreated into himself for a few seconds. Then he ran a hand over his face and let out a heavy breath. When he raised his eyes to meet my challenging gaze, there was an overpowering intensity in their depths that made me swallow.“Celeste, I strongly discourage you from getting involved with Hughes Industries.” He said, his tone taking on a dark edge.There was nothing problematic about his words. But the authoritative tone in his voice, the fierceness in his eyes, told me it wasn’t simply a suggestion. It was an order.I narrowed my eyes. “Care to explain why you’re so against the idea that you’d order your boss around?”He studied me, hesitating for a moment, before responding.“I’ve heard chatter that Crown Luxe is after an exclusive supplier contract
Celeste’s POV“Let’s discuss dinner with your parents later.” Ryan said awkwardly.I couldn’t listen to these lovebirds a second longer. I had just pulled out my phone when Grace sidled up to me and spoke in a hushed tone.“That’s Michelle Hughes!” she said, eyeing the young woman discreetly. “Her family is ridiculously wealthy.”I frowned and whispered back. “How do you know her background?”“During the studio’s crisis, I couldn’t get a wink of sleep from the stress. I stayed up combing the web for something to save us and came across Hughes Industries.” She leaned in closer. “She’s an heiress!”I glanced back at the polished woman and pursed my lips.Of course, she was born with a silver spoon. “Hughes Industries? Why does that sound familiar?” I asked, watching Ryan flash a dimple as he smiled at his girlfriend.Grace whispered excitedly. “They produce the highest quality precious stones and metals on the market. Several jewelry companies are fighting for an exclusivity contract wi