Semua Bab Chasing The Boss: Bab 21 - Bab 30

I watched Lexi gather her things, shoving clothes into her worn duffel bag with sharp, angry movements. Every item she packed felt like another step away from me."You don't have to leave," I said from the doorway of her room. "This is your space. I gave it to you for a reason."She didn't look up. "What reason, Lucian? To keep your pet close by?"The words stung more than I wanted to admit. "That's not what this is.""Isn't it?" She finally turned to face me, her green eyes blazing. "I've been living in your house for weeks, eating your food, wearing clothes you bought me, working a job you created for me. How is that not being a pet?""Because you earned your place here." I stepped into the room, careful to keep my distance. "The day you confronted Harrison about his embezzlement scheme, the way you handle every business meeting we attend together, you're not here because I'm taking care of you. You're here because you make me better at what I do.""Then why do I feel like I can't b

Marcus had been reluctant to retrieve her that night, understanding the ethical implications better than I wanted to acknowledge. But the Meridian project was her triumph, and she deserved to be there for its celebration. That's what I told myself, anyway. The truth was more selfish, I wanted her there even though she would refuse. I needed her there, in a way that had nothing to do with professional courtesy and everything to do with the way she made every room feel more alive.The gala was a success by every measurable standard. The investors were pleased, the press coverage would be favorable, and the company's reputation had been further solidified in the city's business community. I should have been satisfied.Instead, I found myself distracted by a woman in a simple navy dress who moved through the crowd like she was trying to become invisible."You're brooding," Marcus observed, appearing at my elbow with his usual impeccable timing."I'm observing," I corrected, though my gaze

I knew something was wrong the moment Lexi walked into the office Monday morning. She moved differently, held herself like she was bracing for a blow. Her usual smile was nowhere to be found."Good morning," I said as she passed my office doorway."Morning, Mr. Cross." She didn't stop, didn't look at me directly.Mr. Cross. She had never called me that.Marcus appeared in my doorway minutes later. "Sir? You asked me to inform you if Miss Carter seems... distressed.""And?""She's been sitting at her desk staring at her computer screen for ten minutes. She hasn't typed a single word."Concern twisted in my gut. "Did something happen over the weekend?""I'm not sure, sir. But Rodriguez mentioned that Miss Laurent was asking questions about Miss Carter's whereabouts on Saturday."Ice formed in my veins. "What kind of questions?""Where she lived, where she liked to spend her free time. He thought it was odd, given that Miss Laurent barely acknowledged Miss Carter's existence before the g

The words hung in the air between us like a confession. I watched Lexi's face go pale, watched her carefully constructed composure crack just slightly."I don't know what you mean." She responded."Yes, you do." I moved around my desk, stopping when she took a step back. Even now, she was running from me. "Giselle. I know she spoke to you. I know she filled your head with poison about why we could never work.""She didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.""Bullshit." The word came out harsher than I intended, and I saw her flinch. I forced myself to take a breath, to gentle my voice. "She lied to you, Lexi. About everything.""Did she? Did she lie about the media attention? About the scrutiny? About how I'd be seen as your charity case?""She lied about what matters." I took another step forward, relieved when she didn't retreat this time. "She lied about your parents."Confusion flickered across her features. "My parents?""She told me you've been sending money to them every m

I watched Lexi flee from the press conference, and every instinct I had screamed at me to follow her. But I had to finish this. I had to control the narrative before it spiraled completely out of control."Mr. Cross!" A reporter shouted. "Is it true that Miss Carter was living with you while working on company projects?""Miss Carter is a talented consultant who has brought tremendous value to Cross Media," I replied firmly. "Our personal relationship developed separately from our professional one.""But isn't there a conflict of interest?" another reporter pressed."Miss Carter reports to the consulting department head, not directly to me. All protocols have been followed." It was a lie, but a necessary one."What about Giselle Laurent? Sources say she's been vocal about your new relationship."I felt my jaw tighten. "I have no comment on Miss Laurent's opinions. This press conference is about setting the record straight regarding malicious rumors and invasion of privacy.""So you're