Faking Love, Making War: The CEO’s Dirty Secrets のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

Lucas POV I sat at my desk in my office with my eyes fixed on my door waiting for Audrey to come in. I couldn't believe she would have the nerves to talk to me in that manner. I mean none of the staff I have ever employed in my life has ever dared to speak to me like that and I don't even know how to react. As I was still lost in thought, the door was pulled open and Audrey walked in. I started at her as I noticed her confidence but I couldn't still sense a bit of nervousness beneath the surface. “Audrey, have a seat.” I said curtly, with my eyes narrowing as I watched her sit down on the chair opposite me. “I think I have to remind you that I'm your new boss now and I'm in charge. I do not know how it used to be here and I don't care to know cause I'm the one here and I have my own new rules. All my staff, you inclusive, is expected to maintain a high level of professionalism especially when speaking to me. Your behavior earlier was unacceptable, but I will pardon you as this

Lucas POV I.....I was lost thinking about work", I stammered trying to explain to Isabella the reason why I was staring at Audrey. Isabella raised her eyebrows with her eyes narrowing all over me. "Work? Really Lucas? Because it looks like you are lost in thought staring helplessness at her. I felt cold breeze grip me as a flush rised to my cheek and I then realized I have just been caught. "I....I don't know what you are talking about, I was thinking about work and that is it", I said trying to brush it off. But Isabella wasn't having it, "Don't lie to me Lucas. I know you very well, you only look at a lady like that when you start getting attracted to her. So tell me the truth, you are attracted to her right?" I hesitated as I wasn't sure of what to respond. "No Isabella, I'm not. I can't do that to you, I'm only just distracted." Isabella looked unconvinced but she dropped it as she didn't want to prolong the talk any longer. "It's fine, I know you love me but please be

Isabella‘s POV I need to someone to take care of Audrey. I paused as I walked into the company's entrance with my eyes scanning all over the place looking for the befitting person to use and just then, my eyes landed on Kendall, Lucas assistant. She was busy typing some documents on her computer and she started acting more busy when she noticed my presence and that my eyes were glued to her. I smiled to myself as I was happy, cause I knew Kendall is going to be the right and perfect person to help me. I walked over to her desk with my heels clicking on the floor. As I approached her, she stopped typing as she looked up with a formal smile plastered all over her face. "Good morning Miss Isabella", she said as her voice was crisp. "How can I help you ma?" I smiled as I pulled the chair opposite her and sat down facing her. "Good morning Kendall", I said "I just want to have a little chat with you about a few things. Can I ask you something?" Kendall nodded still looking forma

Lucas PovThe next morning I arrived at the office earlier than usual. My whole head was a chaotic storm of emotion I couldn't seem to shake off. Audrey had taken up some permanent residence in my thoughts, and no matter how hard I tried to focus more on the memory of her smile, look, appearance, and the way her eyes lit up, it kept pulling me back aside.I wasn't even sure when it had started, but it's clearer now. I was drawn in a way that I couldn't explain, and I didn't want to, yet I knew I could not try to afford distractions, not with so much at stake; I mean, my whole life, my company, and my reputation are on the line. I can't afford to be distracted.I intentionally buried myself in work, hoping that the piles of reports and some kind of endless emails would drown out the chaos in my head. But calm was short-lived; it kept replaying what happened yesterday at the meeting. The investors actually noticed my lack of focus, and I pray they don't change their mind and withdraw fr

Isabella's POV As Kendal stood before me, the satisfaction that surged through me was almost intoxicating. She was more than an accomplice—she was my sharpest weapon. Her performance had been impeccable. I leaned back, letting a faint smile play across my lips, my tone deliberate and razor-edged. “You’ve truly outdone yourself, Kendal. The lies you told Lucas are just too seamless. He’s already starting to question Audrey. Exactly as planned.”Kendal’s smile widened, a flicker of pride glinting in her eyes. “Thank you, Isabella. It’s an honor to have the privilege to assist you. I take pride in my work.”I leaned forward, my voice soft but dripping with venomous intent, as though sharing a secret meant to stain the air. “Good. But now, we escalate, that is we are going to the next stage of our plans which is to make her life unbearable, subtle, precise, and devastating for her in this office .Push her into making small, fatal mistakes. Make her doubt herself and loose focus in her e