All Chapters of One Reckless Night With Mr. CEO : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

'Carter Groups CEO Fast-Tracks Pitch from Fiancée's Company: Is This Favouritism or Just Love?'It was written boldly across my phone screen. This was a direct hit, a betrayal far more crushing than any fight with an ex.My breath hitched in my throat. I felt the blood rush from my face, leaving me feeling cold.Owen hadn't just arranged the meeting like we discussed. He had fast-tracked it, publicly and without a single word of warning to me. In a single action, he had confirmed to the world that even a single damned suspicion about me was true. I was now branded as a woman who couldn't get a meeting without the help of her billionaire fiancé pulling the strings.My entire professional identity, the one thing that was still mine, had been ruined by his stupid power play.Owen was still standing close to me, his suit jacket off and his pose rigid. I looked up at him, the brief unsettling warmth I had in my gaze was gone, replaced by absolute fury. I didn't have to look at the words a

The tea sat cooling on the table near the door.I saw the cups and then looked up for a moment, did he think a gesture could fix this? A cup of chamomile wouldn't change the fact that he sent me out to be devoured by his wolves.I didn't sleep a wink. I was focused on rebuilding my presentation.I had to prove that I had gotten this far because of my brain, not because of my body or his bank account.The profound silence of the penthouse amplified the sound of my furious typing.I knew Owen was awake, probably managing the crisis he had caused.The fact that he was so close, yet he refused to even offer an apology makes me feel bad. But he'd pay back for that another day.¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬I took an icy shower and dressed in a conservative deep charcoal grey pantsuit, refusing to wear the corporate designer gowns Owen had got me to make me look more sophisticated.I was going to present myself as a capable warrior, not a socialite prop.I left my suite precisely at 8:00 AM, trying to make i

I froze outside the heavy oak door of the boardroom, my heart hammering against my ribs. The briefcase I came back to collect was instantly forgotten as the chilling tone of Evelyn's voice cut through the thick wood."You saw the data Owen. Her presentation was flawless. But Juliette still had a point. You created an impossible public relations nightmare. The press is already running headlines suggesting she's a high-price mistress that manipulates corporate deals. You have to end your contract with her immediately."My breath hitched. They were discussing my termination, why was I surprised?I was the clear, unavoidable liability he had created.Owen's voice was calm, maintaining the steely control I hated. "The decision on the contract is my own, mother. I will not be rushed into termination.""We have a takeover next week! You have no choice! You have to do this before you officially marry her in front of the whole world. The rival Corporation is using your personal instability to

I stared at the black access card on the dresser. Against every instinct that screamed at me to run, I knew he was right. I couldn't walk away with the knowledge I had now without becoming an immediate target for Juliette.Owen's control was suffocating, but I knew his security was absolute.With that thought in mind, I moved a few of my essentials to the master suite. The room was even bigger than the guest one, dominated by a king-sized bed and panoramic view of the city. Later that evening, I found Owen in his private study. He was completely absorbed in his work.His inky black hair was ruffled, his tie loosened to show his few unbuttoned holes in his slightly rumpled shirt. "We need to establish a cover story that is absolutely airtight for the media. Your sudden move from your apartment into the penthouse will be on the news by tomorrow morning. We can't let the media come up with any random reason." He said, barely looking up at me."What narrative do you think would sell?"

I gripped the burner phone tighter, the plastic slick with my palm sweat.Listening to Austin's desperate denial at the other end of the phone, I pushed my voice to be cold and steady."No! She's paying me tonight!" Austin protested. He sounded like the pathetic, self pitying man I had finally walked away from."She's going to send an aide to pick up the materials, she isn't going to meet you directly." I had to sell the betrayal, make him believe Juliette was already sacrificing him. "She thinks you are a liability now Austin. The moment she gets those notes, she'll frame you for the entire leak. And Owen would make sure you never get a job anywhere else. If you don't do something, you're finished."A loud silence followed. He was contemplating his next move. I waited at the other end of the line, letting the terror I had created sink in. "There's a catch, isn't there? What do you want?" he said, the fight completely draining in his voice. "I want the notes." I said, laying out