Chapter 24
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
Elara blinked. “Done what?”
Marcus set the laptop down on his desk. “Come into the boardroom like that. Dressed like that.”
She looked down at herself. Jeans. A simple sweater. Normal clothes.
“What happened to all the dresses that were sent? You still came here in jeans and a sweater.”
Elara went quiet. Something hot pressed behind her eyes. Tears starting to form before she could stop them.
“Are you ashamed of me?”
Marcus didn’t answer immediately. Just stood there. Silent.
She nodded. Got it.
“Forgive me, almighty Marcus. It won’t happen again.”
She grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
His hand caught her wrist. Pulled her back gently.
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“I’m sorry if that pissed you off. I didn’t mean it that way.” His voice was softer now. Almost apologetic. “I’m not ashamed
of you.”
“Could have fooled me.”
“You know how my father and stepmother can be. They look for any tiny mistake. Any reason to undermine me.” He let go of her wrist. “I’m really sorry.”
Elara crossed her arms. “It’s fine.”
“You weren’t obligated to bring the laptop. But you did.” He paused. “I had the situation under control, but you really saved the day. So thank you.”
“It’s no problem.” She shrugged. “I just know you don’t talk without that laptop in meetings. Figured you needed it.”
The door opened.
Dante walked in. Tall. Good–looking in that effortless way some men had. Designer suit but wearing it like it didn’t matter.
“Our savior today,” he said, grinning at Elara. “You’re a legend.”
Dante was nice. She remembered him from her time at the company. The more approachable one between him and Marcus. But that was deceiving. He was just as ruthless when it mattered. You could be one of the best lawyers in the city and still have a soft heart, but Dante? He had a weird sense of humor. The kind of guy who’d laugh when your whole world was falling apart. But aside from that, he was decent. And he flirted with everyone. Not in a creepy way. Just friendly.
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Chapter 24
“Good evening, Dante,” Elara said.
“Oh, I’ve missed you, my darling angel.” He took her hand and kissed it dramatically.
Marcus made a disgusted face. “Stop that.”
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Dante ignored him. “None of the new hires are as competent as you. Did he tell you he’s fired two assistants in one week already?”
Elara turned to Marcus. “Two?”
“They were competing to see who could piss me off faster.”
His phone rang. Dante pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and winked. “One of my girls is calling. I’ve got to run.” He headed for the door. “Oh, and Marcus? Your sperm donor and evil stepmother are in the lobby.”
He left before Marcus could respond.
Elara sighed. “Like I said. Weird sense of humor.”
Marcus turned to her. “I’m sorry. About earlier. Let’s go grab dinner before heading back to the penthouse.”
He grabbed his suit jacket from the chair and placed his hand on her waist. Guiding her toward the door.
Part of her felt happy. Warm. But she quickly reminded herself it was all for show. Just part of the contract. Just for
appearances.
But his touch still did something to her body. Made her want him to keep it there. Made her wish it meant more than it did.
They walked out to the lobby.
Elara saw them immediately.
An older man in an expensive suit. Silver hair. Cold eyes. And beside him, a woman who looked like she belonged on a magazine cover. Blonde. Polished. Beautiful in that sharp, calculated way.
Penelope.
The moment they spotted Marcus and Elara, Marcus’s hand tightened on her waist. Visible. Deliberate. Making sure anyone who cared to look could see.
His father stepped forward. “You did a good job at the conference today.” He patted Marcus’s shoulder without even glancing at Elara.
Marcus didn’t acknowledge it. Didn’t say thank you. Didn’t say anything.
The air between them was awkward. Suffocating. Like there was a history there that ran deep and ugly.
“Yes, it was fine, Penelope added. Her eyes shifted to Elara. “And who’s this?”
She was looking directly at her now. Studying her like she was trying to figure out where Elara fit into the equation.
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Chapter 24
“Penelope, this is Elara,” Marcus said. “Elara, this is my father’s wife.”
Elara noticed two things immediately.
He didn’t say she was his fiancée.
And he called Penelope his father’s wife. Not his stepmother. Not family. Just his father’s wife.
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“Hmm. Elara.” Penelope repeated the name slowly. Like she was learning how to pronounce it. “What a lovely name.”
Her tone was condescending. Sweet on the surface but rotten underneath.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Elara said, forcing a smile.
Penelope opened her mouth to say something else, but Marcus cut her off.
“If you don’t mind, we’re heading home. We’re exhausted. Right, babe?”
He turned to look at her.
Wait. Babe?
Elara nodded, still smiling. “Yeah. Long day.”
“Marcus.” His father’s voice was sharp. “It’s rude to interrupt someone when they’re speaking. Apologize to your mother.”
Marcus scoffed. “Mother? My mother is dead. Sorry.”
His hand was still on her waist. Firm. Protective.
And just like that, the entire lobby went awkward.
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