Chapter 4

Stephanie's POV

I stepped away from his grip, plastering a smile on my face and his face fell in disappointment. He had no idea how disgusting he was right now.

“You don't even know my name, Mr Nathan.” I pointed out and he inched closer like he didn't care.

“It doesn't matter—”

The elevator dinged open and I stepped out immediately, grateful that it did because I wouldn't have been able to stop myself from slapping him.

“Your office?” I questioned and he brushed his shirt in disappointment before walking to his office. As I walked behind him, memories of how I had crawled here flooded my brain and I shut my eyes for a moment to collect myself.

Intellect, Stephanie. Not emotions.

“Welcome to my office,” Nathan said as I walked in and I caught sight of the same table he had bent Selena over that day. Where they fucked like I didn't exist. Where my heart shattered and I almost gave up.

“You have a beautiful office, Mr Nathan.” I lied with a smile and he laughed, brushing off my words with a wave of his hand.

“It's nothing. Luxury is worth pennies here.” He boasted, and I snorted, but quickly covered it up with a soft chuckle as I sat on the chair.

“Alright. Let's get to business, Mr Nathan. The main reason I'm here.” I started, placing my hands on the desk but then remembered how filthy it was, causing me to pull them back immediately.

“And why are you here, beautiful?” He asked, staring at me with a sultry smirk that I wanted to badly wipe off with a smirk.

“I want to invest in your company,” I muttered, placing my Chanel purse on the desk and he glanced at it for a moment before returning his attention to me.

“I don't think you have what it takes to invest in my company, sweetheart.” He muttered, his tone amused and I smiled, brushing my hair from my neck gently.

“Really? You underestimate me, Mr Nathan.” I replied and he shook his head.

“If you want me to invest in you, I can do that. But you investing in my company? Because of your Chanel purse and red bottom heels? The men who bought those for you can't even afford my car.” He boasted and I stared at him for a minute before laughing softly.

The smug smile on his face vanished as I laughed, like he had just said something very funny.

“Oh, Nathan. You're funny. And guess what, you're right. My husband is such a loving and doting man, he loves spending his money on me. I mean, he's a billionaire after all.” I said softly and he stiffened for a moment, his brows furrowing in confusion.

“Your husband?”

“I'm married, Mr Nathan. Is the diamond ring too unnoticeable?” I mumbled softly and took out my phone, clicking on a contact.

“What are you—”

I held out a hand for him to shut up and smiled inwardly when he did. It was so nice to wield so much power!

“Hubby.” I started, my voice sulky. “I just realized the diamond ring wasn't so noticeable and someone actually thought I wasn't married. He even said I got my things from other men.” I pouted, staring at Nathan with a smirk.

He looked like he was panicking but he kept his expression straight.

“Who is it?” Ethan's voice was soft but stern, kind of dangerous but still doting.

“Doesn't matter,” I complained. “He wouldn't have said all that if you bought me a bigger ring. It's your fault.” I continued and Ethan chuckled softly.

“I'll get you a bigger one, angel. Satisfied?”

“Yes,” I muttered excitedly. “I love you,” I whispered and after he said it back, I hung up.

I should totally be an actress, I knew I would nail my role perfectly.

“So, Mr Nathan, can we get back to business?” I asked, my softness dissipating and he stared at me warily.

“Who exactly are you?” He asked and I smiled, reaching into my purse.

“I thought you'd never ask.” I chirped as I took out my business card and placed it on the desk. “Hanie Carter. CEO of Carter Enterprise.” I added and his eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets as he stared at me.

“You're the CEO? You're Ethan's wife? How is this possible?” He asked in confusion and I tapped my nails on the desk gently.

“Well,” I got up, taking my purse. “Since you think I'm not qualified enough to invest in your company, I'll take my offer somewhere else. Thank you for your time, Mr Nathan.” I concluded with a smile and turned to leave but Nathan was in front of me in a second, a panicked look on his face.

“Please, Mrs Hanie. Let us start this conversation all over again.” He cleared his throat nervously. “Nice to meet you, Hanie Carter. I'm Nathan Stone. It's a pleasure doing business with you.” He stretched out his hand for a shake, but I simply glanced at it and turned away.

“Why should I still work with you? I doubt we would be good partners. You insulted me already and even tried to touch me inappropriately.” I said dismissively and was about to walk past him but he stopped me, his hand on my arm.

“Give me a chance to make it up to you.” He begged as he pulled his hand away and I scoffed in amusement.

Of course, he would beg. He needed my help whether he liked it or not. His company was going bankrupt and in the presence of a billionaire’s wife, who was he not to submit?

“Oh, now you need me?” I questioned with a bitter chuckle.

Two years ago, you had sent me out on the brink of my death. And now you need me?

I couldn't say all that aloud. That would be for later.

“Anything you want, Mrs Hanie.” He was desperate now. “Anything at all, I would gladly oblige.” He stated, his voice shaky and I pretended to think for a moment.

I knew what I wanted. His life for mine. For everything he did to me. Instead, I smiled and placed my hand under my chin.

“Sell your company to me,” I whispered and his eyes widened in shock as he staggered backward. “Don't be so shocked. Your company is failing and so are you. You need the money.” I coaxed with a smile and he immediately shook his head.

It only made sense that the company was falling apart. I was the pillar. I was the reason it flourished. With me gone, I was surprised that it still managed to stand for two years.

“I can't sell my company. You can invest in us and then—”

“And then what? Watch it all go down the drain? Impossible, Mr Nathan.” I tsked and started to walk away but he suddenly called out to me.

“Wait. How much are you willing to buy?”

Bingo.