Claimed By The C.E.O의 모든 챕터: 챕터 1 - 챕터 9

The executive elevator was quiet. Too quiet.Clara Hayes stared at her reflection in the polished metal doors, adjusting the collar of her grey blazer. She looked composed, but inside, her heart was hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.This meeting was her family’s last lifeline.When her father died two years ago, he left behind Hayes Architecture, a company built on decades of blood, sweat, and visionary designs. But her half-brother, Julian, had nearly destroyed it in less than eighteen months. He had taken out dark, high-interest corporate loans, made foolish investments, and then disappeared when the debts came due.Now, the creditors were knocking at the door, threatening to dismantle the firm piece by piece.Ding.The elevator doors slid open smoothly on the top floor of Sterling Tower.The atmosphere here was different from the rest of the city. It smelled of rich leather, expensive cologne, and absolute authority. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows showed a clear view

Three weeks? They had never agreed on a date.Before she could even react, Alexander took her hand, guiding her gently into the back seat of the car. He slid in right beside her and pulled the door shut, cutting off the noise of the media instantly.The dark windows blocked out the flashing lights outside. The car smoothly pulled away from the curb and entered the heavy city traffic.Clara turned to him, her breath coming in quick, shallow hitches. "Three weeks? What are you talking about? We never said three weeks!"Alexander didn't look at her. He pulled out his phone, his thumb sliding across the screen as he checked his emails."Three weeks gives us enough time to plan a fake wedding that looks real," Alexander said casually. "Otherwise, the media will know it's a stunt.""You are changing the terms!" Clara said, her voice trembling with anger. "What else did you change in that contract that I didn't see?"Alexander paused. Slowly, he locked his phone screen and turned his head to

Alexander’s face turned into a wall of cold stone. He grabbed the heavy silver key and the folded note off the desk, sliding them into his pocket with one swift motion."Get your coat," he said, his voice dropping into a harsh, sharp tone. "We're going to Sterling Tower.""I'm coming with you," Clara said instantly. She didn't wait for his permission. She pulled a dark trench coat over her evening dress and followed him out to the private elevator.The drive back to the financial district was spent in total silence. Rain hammered against the windshield of the SUV as the driver ran every red light on the empty avenue. Beside her, Alexander stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched tightly.Ten minutes later, the SUV slammed to a halt inside the underground parking garage of Sterling Tower. Red emergency lights were flashing against the concrete walls, and a loud, pulsing alarm echoed through the massive space.Two armed security guards ran up to the car the moment Alexander stepped out.

Emergency vehicles lined the street in front of Sterling Tower, their red and blue lights flashing against the surrounding skyscrapers. Security guards surrounded Alexander and Clara as they stepped out of the private side exit, shielding them from a small crowd of late night reporters who had gathered near the perimeter tape.Alexander didn't slow his pace. His hand remained wrapped securely around Clara's waist, guiding her straight toward the back seat of a blacked-out SUV."Get in," he said, his voice flat and commanding.Clara slid onto the leather seat, pulling her coat tight around herself. Alexander climbed in right behind her, shutting the door heavy against the noise of the street. Thomas hopped into the front passenger seat, turning around immediately with a tablet in hand."Sir, police are requesting a statement regarding the sub basement intruder," Thomas reported quickly. "And Vance Holdings' PR team just issued a release claiming Marcus Vance was out of the country toni

The heavy desk was the only barrier standing between them and the three men blocking the study door.Alexander didn't hesitate. In one smooth motion, he grabbed the thick edge of the desk and shoved it forward with all his strength, slamming it directly into the two lead men. The sudden impact sent them stumbling backward into the narrow hallway, creating a brief, frantic opening."Clara, the window, go!" Alexander growled, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward the back alcove of the study.Clara snatched her father's notebook and the USB drive off the wood, shoving them into her coat pocket alongside the brass sleeve. Her heart was beating so hard it felt like it was going to crack her ribs.Alexander grabbed a heavy brass floor lamp and hurled it through the tall glass window at the back of the room. The glass shattered with a deafening crash, scattering sharp, sparkling shards across the wooden porch outside."Get out! I'm right behind you!" he command