Chapter 11
Jules waved off the CEO’s apology with a casual gesture. “There’s no need to be sorry. We were early.”
The CEO visibly relaxed, shoulders dropping as he exhaled. His attention shifted to me, eyes curious. “And who is this beautiful woman accompanying you today, Mr. Prime?”
Jules smiled, his arm sliding around my waist and pulling me close against his side. The possessive gesture sent warmth cascading through me.
“This is Monica Wells,” he announced, pride evident in his voice. “Soon to be my wife.”
Lola’s jaw dropped so far I thought it might hit the floor. Her eyes bulged, darting between Jules and me as the color drained from her face. She opened her mouth, clearly bursting with questions, but the CEO cut her off with a sharp gesture.
“Stop embarrassing yourself and this company,” he snapped. “Bring water for Mr. Prime and his fiancée immediately.”
As the CEO led us into his office, I couldn’t resist glancing back at Lola. I flashed her a satisfiec smile, savoring the shellshocked expression frozen on her face.
Inside the lavish office, the CEO gestured toward plush leather chairs. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. Now, Mr. Prime, what can we do for you today?”
Jules’s expression darkened slightly. “Actually, my mood has been somewhat soured by your assistant’s behavior. She spoke quite disrespectfully about my fiancée just now.”
The CEO paled. “I deeply apologize for that inexcusable conduct. I’ll summon her right now and terminate her employment in front of you if that would satisfy-”
“That won’t be necessary,” Jules interrupted with a chuckle. He turned to me, eyes glinting with mischief. “Don’t ask me what should happen. Ask Monica.”
I blinked, caught off guard by suddenly being put on the spot. “Jules…” was all I managed to say. To my absolute shock, the CEO dropped to his knees in front of me, panic written across his face. “Ms. Wells, please. What must I do to make this right?”
Just then, Lola walked in carrying a tray with water glasses. She froze in the doorway, mouth agape at the sight of her boss kneeling before me.
“Lola!” the CEO barked, “Serve them water and then kneel!”
She stood motionless, tray trembling slightly in her hands.
“NOW!” the CEO roared.
The command jolted her into action. She approached Jules first, offering him water with shaking hands, then turned to me. I accepted the glass with a smile, enjoying how the tables had turned. “Please stand,” I told the CEO as Lola reluctantly lowered herself to her knees in front of me. The position seemed to physically pain her, her jaw clenched tight.
The CEO rose, smoothing his suit. “Ms. Wells, just say the word and I’ll fire her immediately.”
“What?” Lola shrieked, head snapping up.
“Shut up!” the CEO hissed.
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But Lola, apparently pushed beyond her limit, jumped to her feet. “This is ridiculous! Monica is nothing but an unemployed bitch! Her fiancé is the important one–why should I kneel to her?” Jules laughed, the sound rich and dangerous. “Well, if that’s the case…” He turned to the CEO with a predatory smile. “I have a better proposition. Come work for my company instead. And this one?” He gestured around the office. “I’ll buy it. And I’m appointing Monica as the new CEO.” The room fell silent. I stared at Jules, stunned. The CEO’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly. Lola looked like she might faint.
Then the CEO broke into a broad smile. “Absolutely! I’ll prepare the documents right away!” He practically sprinted from the room, leaving us alone with a shell–shocked Lola.
I stood and walked to where Jules now stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows behind the CEO’s desk. The city sprawled below us, bathed in morning sunlight.
“What are you doing?” I whispered. “Appointing me as CEO? Jules, I can’t-”
“I’m doing the right thing,” he said simply. “You deserve it. And…” He paused, his smile softening as he looked down at me. “Happy birthday, Monica. I hope you liked my surprise.”
I gasped. My birthday. With everything that had happened–Hank, Lola, the stabbing, meeting Jules–I’d completely forgotten. Yet this man, who’d known me for such a short time, had remembered and planned this incredible gift.
Emotion welled up inside me, a tear escaping down my cheek. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I love
it.”
Jules gently wiped away my tear with his thumb. “Be strong now,” he murmured. “You’ve got business to handle.” He nodded toward Lola, who still stood frozen in disbelief.
I straightened my shoulders, feeling a new confidence flow through me. Jules guided me to the CEO’s chair, and I sank into it, the leather cool against my back. It felt right. I belonged here.
I leaned forward, folding my hands on the desk as I met Lola’s terrified gaze.
“Now, Miss Lola,” I said, my voice steady and commanding. “You were saying something?”
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