Chapter 5: Office Games

I strutted confidently into the skyscraper building that housed the Hayes empire.

Heads lifted as I walked, the sound of my black heels drawing attention with every step as I bypassed the reception, heading straight for the elevator.

I already knew Walter was on the last floor, and in a power outfit like this, I didn’t expect anyone to stop me.

My black dress, knee-length and fitting, was indeed professional—but with a tempting deep cut that stopped just above my cleavage.

If I leaned in just the right amount, little was left to the imagination.

I was dressed for seduction, and I had no problem playing the part—so long as it got Walter on his knees.

The elevator stopped, and I walked majestically down to his office, knocking lightly on the large oak door before walking in.

Walter was alone, seated behind a grand table that screamed, “I’m the boss,” dressed in a dark navy-blue suit, looking dangerously handsome.

In another life, I would’ve been swooned, but now, when I looked at him, all I felt was rage—which I disguised perfectly under a sweet smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Hayes.”

“Miss Sawyer, I didn’t expect you and your father so soon, although I can’t say I mind the company of such a beautiful woman.”

He took me in from head to toe, his eyes stopping briefly over the deep cut of my dress before quickly meeting my eyes.

It had gotten his attention. Perfect.

“Actually, my father isn’t here yet. He’ll be joining us shortly, though. I hope it isn’t a problem?” I asked innocently.

“Of course not. Please, sit.”

I sat in front of him, his eyes trailing my every move.

“Here are the partnership plans I intended to show you. Please, take a look.”

He pointed to a document in front of him, and I glanced at it, dramatically squinting my eyes.

“Oh dear, you’ll have to forgive me, Mr. Hayes. I left my glasses at home. Do you mind if I take a closer look?” I asked, batting my lashes.

“Of course not,” he replied, pushing the document closer to me.

Instead, I stood up slowly and moved over to his side of the table, leaning slightly over the document, my hair falling seductively into my face, and I could feel Walter tense up.

His eyes darkened, and he made no attempt to move away from me.

Rather, he leaned in closer, his gaze trailing me shamelessly.

I almost rolled my eyes at how pathetic he was, but I maintained my cool, playing it easy and innocent as I glanced over the documents.

“The numbers look good, Mr. Hayes. I think my father will be very pleased when he sees this.”

He looked at me, smirking slightly.

“Why so formal? You can call me Walter, Marilyn.”

I smirked back at him, careful with my words and body language.

My plan to draw him in seemed to be working perfectly, but I decided to push a little—to make sure that after today, he wouldn’t be able to resist me.

And then, I could start taking everything from him.

Starting with his heart.

“I’m sorry, Walter,” I slurred, making sure my voice came out sweet and innocent.

He breathed in deeply as he stood, coming so close to me that I knew whatever I did in the next moment was crucial.

“It’s very refreshing to see a beautiful woman like yourself so interested in business, Marilyn. I’ll admit I’m intrigued.”

“As am I, Walter. How did such a young and handsome man become the CEO of such an empire? I would love to know the billionaire’s secrets,” I said in a low voice, picking my words carefully as I met his gaze.

He looked down at my lips, which I’d painted a cherry red—knowing it was his favourite shade.

“And what do I get in return for sharing such secrets?”

He leaned in further, and I knew he was about to kiss me.

So I bit my lip, looked him in the eye, and pouted—waiting until he was almost there, his eyes already closed—before I flirtatiously moved away, back to my side of the table.

“I asked first, Walter,” I said with a smirk, moving over to his bookshelf, looking over the books, making sure my expression remained flirtatious but unfazed.

He needed to know that I was the one in control.

He smiled, running his hand along his jaw, intrigue clear in his features.

“You’re a very interesting woman, Marilyn.”

I smiled, about to respond—before my eyes caught a picture frame on one of the shelves.

I glanced at the picture in the frame—Walter and another man on what looked like a hiking trip.

The resemblance between them was impossible to miss, and my body went cold as I instantly recognized the man.

I lifted the picture to Walter, struggling to regain my composure, and with a smile, I asked—

“Nice picture. Who is this?”

A look of resentment quickly appeared on his face.

“Oh, that’s my younger brother, David. He’s been away at Australia for the past three years. Managing our office there”

David? Brother?

I almost let out a gasp, my heart hammering as I stared down at the picture once more.

The handsome stranger from the gala… was Walter’s brother?

He was all the way in Australia all the while I was married to Walter.

No wonder I never met him.

How could a man so kind be related to this monster?

I was pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of the door opening.

“Walter, I just wanted to—”

Olivia looked up from her phone as she walked into the office, and as soon as she spotted me, her eyes went cold.

“Marilyn, what are you doing here?”