No Escape from him

The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Blake Group's top floor, spilling gold across Adrian Blake's office. He sat behind his desk, scrolling through reports on his tablet, coffee in hand.

The peace didn't last.

Ethan knocked once and stepped inside.

"President Blake."

Adrian didn't look up. "What is it?"

"The woman from last night — she wants to see you again."

Adrian froze, then slowly lifted his eyes, disbelief written across his face.

"She wants to see me?"

"Yes."

A satisfied smile spread across his lips. "I knew it."

Ethan sighed.

"I thought she ended things yesterday," Adrian went on, undeterred. "She must have realized she let the perfect man slip away."

Ethan folded his arms. "I don't think that's what happened."

"Isn't it obvious?"

"What is?"

"She realized I'm too good to reject. She couldn't rebel against her father forever."

Ethan studied him for a moment, then spoke with a perfectly straight face. "Actually... she said you're cheesy."

The smile vanished.

"And that she doesn't like your face. Said it looks like an ape."

Silence.

"My face looks like what?"

"An ape."

Adrian blinked. "Then why would she ask to see me again?"

"Honestly, no idea." Ethan shrugged. "Though I'll admit, Miss Chloe has sharp eyes. The resemblance really is uncanny."

Bang!

Adrian's palm hit the desk. "Stop talking about the ape!"

Ethan took two careful steps back, then muttered on his way out, "They really do look exactly alike."

A file sailed past his head.

"Ethan!"

He laughed and bolted from the office.

Downstairs, in the Food Product Development department, Chloe Bennett stood surrounded by researchers examining new samples.

Victoria Hayes beamed. "Excellent work, Chloe. Your presentation was impressive."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Before Chloe could take another bite of the dessert sample, Caleb hurried over. "Miss Chloe — President Blake wants to see you."

The spoon slipped from her fingers. "...Me?"

Caleb nodded. "He asked me to bring you up."

Her heart lurched. No. Absolutely not.

She turned and walked away as calmly as she could manage. The moment Caleb's attention drifted, she broke into a run.

I just need to get out of here before he finds me.

Fate had other plans. She rounded a corner and nearly collided with Adrian himself.

"Chloe."

Her shoes squeaked to a halt.

His eyes locked onto hers. "What are you doing here?"

"N-nothing."

He stepped closer. "Have you taken care of what we discussed yesterday?"

"Yes, sir."

"That fast?"

"Yes."

He narrowed his eyes, unconvinced — and before he could ask anything else, Chloe spun on her heel and ran.

"Chloe!"

He took off after her.

Employees froze mid-step.

"Did the president just — run?"

"He's chasing someone!"

The entire floor watched in disbelief as the coldest man in the building sprinted down the corridor. Ethan arrived just in time to catch the chaos.

"President Blake!" He had no choice but to run too.

Chloe ran until her breath gave out. "I'm... out of breath," she gasped, bending over.

Then — footsteps. Closer. Closer.

"No way." She glanced back. Still coming.

"What is wrong with this man?" she cried, and took off again, heels clicking against the marble.

Ethan finally caught up to Adrian. "Everyone's watching!" he panted. "Please — your reputation!"

Adrian ignored him completely, eyes fixed ahead. "She went this way."

Ethan tried a different angle. "She's from Food Product Development — she'll probably head upstairs."

"No." Adrian pointed down another hallway. "She went that way."

And he was gone again.

Ethan groaned. "I am absolutely asking for a raise."

Chloe reached the elevator and jabbed the button. "Come on — come on —"

Nothing. OUT OF SERVICE blinked across the screen.

"You've got to be kidding me."

The footsteps were getting louder. Panic shot through her. She ducked behind a decorative pillar beside the elevator and pressed a hand over her mouth.

Seconds later, Adrian burst into the lobby, eyes scanning every corner.

For one heart-stopping moment, she was certain he'd spotted her. She held her breath.

Then he frowned. "She's gone." He turned and sprinted down another corridor, his footsteps fading into silence.

Chloe waited a few seconds longer before peeking out. The hallway was empty.

A smile crept across her face. "I escaped."

She stepped out from behind the pillar.

"Really?"

Adrian's voice curled from directly behind her.

The smile fell right off her face.