mi

I announced, trying to keep my voice soft and stead

runnin

omy, and he most certainly exuded that aura of gloomines

going th

e was softened by a beard that seemed to have grown unchecked. The lines around his eyes dug even deeper. His office wasn't

ain cord, itching to bring some light into his office and his world. As I

closed," he mumbled, his w

couldn't bear to see him wallow in self-pity. "I'm not going to let

antly allowed me to open the curtains, the sunl

on! We're lat

rs froze on

barked, his eyes darting over the financial reports scattered on his de

lvis for his strategic thinking, and ability to remain calm even when stressed. This time, he was

new opportunities or insights. Maybe we can netwo

less. And don't call me E

liness had dwindled over the course of the firm's bankruptcy episode. I had to admit that addressing him by his first name made it easier for me to ease into our working relationship since we were toget

to share our new product idea," I suggested, trying to maintain a

n the other way if they hear about it. It's literally on the headlines

uldn't hurt you, Elvi

dea wasn't guaranteed to attract investors. But I couldn't give u

rustration on the b

ds in the air. "But, if this is a waste of ti

risky gamble, but i

*

ll, that was a disaster," he said, his voice diced wi

my stomach

nough. Our company was sinking, and

nt of him, "I know you think we're failing,

ng nothing. I've been working da

and find a firm we can partner with, one that can resuscitate us. On

t bank on promises, Camilla. I

changer. It's the future! If we can get a fir

lightly. "You really be

h conviction. "I've done my research. I know

his skepticism resurfacing. "What if

st we won't have any regrets. And besides, the wors

. "Elvis, can you trust me on this one?

ghed. "W

o work. We need to start compili

held out my pen and began scribblin

d distracted. His gaze wandered aroun

ing?" I asked, snapping my

rtled. "What? O

what do you think? These are some o

ng investor. I heard he funded thr

rom the sheet I was h

e wasn't even looking in my direction. He was looking

his eyes

. "They're all

n't that Stefano Maddens? What

is knuckles whitening. Elvis wasn't pleased with the sight. He had

s, Stephan

g to the floor. The name Stefano Maddens sent a chill down my spine

ter!" my m

a monster, a be

d figure standing across the room. His piercing blue eyes, chiseled jawline, and the slutty forbidden b

wd. Women couldn't help but swoon over him. It wa

orrible things he's done. Then, they'l

ens, the man who had caused so much

lar jock, always surrounded by a group of adoring fans. I had been a fat, shy, quiet girl, easily inti

ded by women. How could he have changed so much while I was sti

wn into a handsome man, but held the same commanding outlook. His hair w

It was almost as if he were a completely different person. But deep down, I knew tha

the crowd, makin

g here." my

sn't." I

ther, exchanging ple

Just then, Stephano's head whipped in his direction. I

move. The monster's he

ol tormentor, approach Elvis. I couldn't believe he was here, at this v

ed with anger, his fists clenched. "That bullhead," he muttere

those who had crossed him. And now, with our company on the

ng to avoid his gaze. I held my breath, waiting for him to approach. I didn't know what he would do, but I knew it wouldn't

, searching for

ss, p

to a small hallway. I knew it was a

. I heard Elvis call out my name, but I didn't stop.

e wall, my heart po

ns, you devil!"