Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 20

Chapter 12~ Kesley ~I burst out of SpecterTech headquarters like I'd just won the lottery.Because I basically had.My arms flew up in the air as I practically skipped down the front steps, not caring that people were staring at the crazy woman celebrating on a Monday afternoon."I GOT THE JOB!" I shouted to no one in particular, startling a businessman who nearly dropped his coffee.I had a job. An actual, real job at one of the best tech companies in the city. Starting tomorrow with benefits and a salary that would actually let me afford things like food and rent at the same time.My feet carried me toward my favorite comfort food spot—a little bistro called Maria's that served the best pasta in the entire city. I was going to treat myself. Order everything on the menu. Maybe even get dessert.I was practically floating as I approached the restaurant entrance, already imagining the taste of creamy carbonara and garlic bread, when I heard it."Kesley?"That voice.My heart stopped.

Chapter 14~ Kesley ~I stood in front of the full-length mirror, barely recognizing myself.The dress Taraji had bought for me was... something. Bright red, skin-tight, with a neckline that plunged so low it was practically illegal, worse than the one I had worn previously. The fabric clung to every curve like it had been painted on, and the slit up the side went all the way to my hip.I looked like I was auditioning for a music video. Or a reality TV show about bad decisions.Perfect.My makeup was even heavier than last time—foundation layered on thick, eyeshadow in garish shades of purple and gold, false eyelashes so long they practically touched my eyebrows. My wig was jet black and cascaded down my back in waves that screamed "I made questionable choices at the beauty supply store."I looked absolutely ridiculous as previously.Which was exactly the point."You've got this," I told my reflection. "One more date. One more disaster. Then it's over."I grabbed my clutch—also courte

Chapter 16 ~ Niklaus ~I watched Taraji's face carefully, trying to understand what was happening. This didn't make sense. None of it made sense.First of all, I wasn't pursuing her because of her family's textile business. The thought was almost laughable. Yes, the Gilberts had money and connections—old money, the kind that came with historic estates and a certain social cachet that newer fortunes couldn't buy. But if I'd wanted a strategic business marriage, if that had been my primary concern, there were at least a dozen families with bigger empires, more influence, and daughters who'd been practically throwing themselves at me for years.The Salazar family's shipping empire dwarfed the Gilberts' textile operation. They controlled major ports on three continents, and their youngest daughter, Isabella, had made it abundantly clear at last year's charity gala that she'd be interested in an alliance. The Laurent family owned half the commercial real estate in the city—prime propert

Chapter 18~ Niklaus ~I stood on the sidewalk, watching Taraji disappear around the corner for the second time in one night.What the hell just happened?One moment she was running away from me, comparing me to a meerkat of all things. The next she was throwing herself into my arms, pressing against me like her life depended on it. And then—just as suddenly—she was running away again, shouting about never wanting to see me.I ran a hand through my hair, completely baffled.Was she unwell? Did she have some kind of decision-making disorder? Or was this all just an elaborate game of hard-to-get that had spiraled completely out of control?I'd dealt with difficult negotiations, hostile takeovers, board members who'd tried to undermine me at every turn. I'd navigated corporate politics that would make Machiavelli look like an amateur.But Taraji Gilbert? She was an enigma wrapped in a riddle wrapped in a very tight red dress."Sir?"I turned to find Fred standing a discreet distance away

Chapter 20~ Kesley ~Before I could process what was happening, Dan was already dragging two chairs from a nearby empty table.No. No, no, no."We'll just join you for a bit!" he said cheerfully, completely oblivious to the horror on both Taraji's and my face. "The more the merrier, right?""Actually, we were just…" I started, but Amanda was already settling into one of the chairs, her smile bright and unwavering."Oh, this is perfect!" she gushed. "I've been dying to meet Dan's friends properly. He talks about you two constantly."Dan sat down next to her, that stupid, happy smile on his face. The smile of someone who had absolutely no idea that the atmosphere at this table was toxic enough to require a hazmat team."I'm Amanda, by the way," she said, extending her hand across the table to me first. "Though I'm sure Dan's mentioned me.""He has," I said, shaking her hand briefly. Her grip was firm, confident. Claiming."And you're Kesley, right? The computer genius?""Data analyst,"