The next morning, Mandy woke up early, stretching as
the soft morning light filtered through the curtains. She quickly tidied her
bed before heading straight to the shower. Unlike at Vienna Suites, where she
had worked previously and had a strict uniform code, here she was allowed to
wear any color as long as it was professional.
After freshening up, she stepped out wearing a
navy-blue skirt that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with a beige
long-sleeved blouse and matching high-heeled silhouette shoes. The outfit
exuded elegance, confidence, and just the right amount of charm.
As she descended the stairs, her heels clicking
softly against the polished floor, she caught Nathan staring at her. His eyes
held an unreadable expression—admiration, curiosity, or something else
entirely.
"Good morning, Nathan," she greeted him warmly,
taking a seat in the living room.
Nathan, standing by the sofa, nodded, his voice
smooth and deep. "Good morning, Mandy. Hope you slept well?"
"I… errm…" She hesitated for a moment, feeling a
little flustered under his gaze. "My night was splendid. Thanks for asking. How
was yours?"
A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips, his
eyes still on her. "Quite good, thanks."
Before Mandy could say more, one of the staff
approached Nathan and leaned in, whispering something in his ear. Whatever it
was, Mandy couldn't make out a word. Nathan simply gave a slight nod, and the
staff disappeared.
A few minutes later, the same staff returned,
carrying a backpack, which she handed to Mandy.
Curious, she unzipped it slightly, and her eyes
widened. Inside was a neatly packed meal—freshly prepared food, a bottle of
grape juice, and a crisp apple.
She looked up at Nathan, surprised. "Nathan… you
didn't have to do this." A small smile played on her lips. "Thank you."
He smirked. "And you're welcome."
They both rose from their seats and made their way
toward the door. Nathan reached it first, pulling it open and gesturing for her
to go ahead.
Outside, a sleek black BMW 7 Series rolled up
smoothly. Nathan stepped forward, opening the door for her. Mandy's eyes widened
in surprise with the expensive car parked in front of them, but she composed
herself so Nathan wouldn't notice.
"Please," he said, his voice low and inviting.
Mandy hesitated for just a second before stepping
in, smiling softly. "Thanks."
As the car pulled away, she couldn't shake the
feeling that this was just the beginning of something much more than she had
anticipated.
Mandy Morgan had always prided herself on being
adaptable, but stepping into De Globes felt like diving headfirst into a world she wasn't entirely prepared
for.
But nothing had unsettled her more than Nathan Hydes.
From the moment she met him, something about him
pulled at her—an unspoken intensity in the way he looked at her, the weight of
his presence in a room. He wasn't just powerful. He was dangerous, in a way that had nothing to do with his wealth.
The ride to De Globes was quiet, yet there was an unspoken
energy lingering between them. An hour later, the car pulled up at the grand
headquarters of De Globes Firm.
The sleek black BMW 7 Series pulled up smoothly in
front of the entrance. Nathan stepped forward, opening the door with a subtle
nod.
"Please," he said, his voice effortlessly smooth as
he gestured for Mandy to step inside.
She slid in gracefully, offering him a small smile.
"Thanks."
The office buzzed with energy—polished executives
moved with purpose, glass walls reflected the power within, and whispered
conversations carried undertones of ambition. It was exhilarating.
Intimidating.
As soon as Mandy stepped out, her breath hitched.
Towering in front of her was a striking glass building, its modern architecture
gleaming under the morning sun. She stood still for a moment, eyes wide with
awe.
Nathan, watching her reaction, smirked slightly.
"Shall we?" His tone was calm yet held an underlying authority.
Mandy quickly nodded, falling into step beside him
as they walked into the grand structure.
As they passed through the anteroom, whispers and
greetings rippled through the employees, their gazes flickering toward Nathan
and Mandy. Some murmured among themselves, eyes filled with curiosity.
Nathan, sensing Mandy's unease, leaned slightly
toward her. "Miss Morgan, pay no attention to them. They're just surprised." He
paused, amusement lacing his voice. "They've never seen me this…close to any
woman before."
Her stomach flipped slightly at his words, but she
quickly pushed the thought away.
"I'll show you to your office."
They continued down the sleek hallway until Nathan
stopped in front of a door. He pushed it open, revealing a well-decorated
office adorned with elegant artifacts, artificial plants, and an architectural
painting on the wall. The artwork depicted a stunning visual of two intertwined
figures, symbolizing pure love and affection.
Mandy's jaw nearly dropped. "Wa-it… Nathan, is
this—my office?" she asked, an astonished smile lighting up her face.
Nathan nodded smiling. "Yes. From now on, this is
your space. I had it decorated for you."
She turned to him, eyes filled with disbelief. "Wait
a minute… Did you already have all this planned out? Like—you knew I would accept this job as your executive
assistant?"
Nathan let out a low chuckle, his hazel eyes locking
onto hers. "Well… let's just say, I had a feeling you would." His gaze lingered
for a moment, unreadable yet intense. "I wanted everything to be ready before you
arrived."
Mandy swallowed, feeling the weight of his words
settle between them.
Nathan finally straightened, his tone shifting back
to business. "I'll leave you to get settled. My office is just next door." With
that, he turned and walked out, leaving Mandy standing in the center of her new
office—still trying to process everything that had just unfolded.
Thirty Minutes Later
Mandy stood from her chair and made her way to
Nathan's office.
NATHAN HYDES' OFFICE
(Knocks softly)
"Come in," Nathan's deep voice commanded.
Mandy pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Oh, Mandy. It's you." His expression softened. "Do
you need anything?"
"Um… yeah, I do." She hesitated briefly before
continuing. "I just wanted to know how to arrange your schedules."
(Clears throat) "Come sit,"
Nathan said, his gaze subtly tracing the curves of her figure as she walked
toward the chair. As she settled in, he leaned forward. "You don't need to
stress too much, maybe at first—just be observant and calculated."
Mandy nodded, her fingers nervously gripping the
notepad in her lap.
"Meanwhile," he continued, "I have a board meeting
with my financial executives and some foreign investors at noon. You'll be
joining me."
Mandy's eyes widened slightly.
"Then, we have a meeting with Thomas Jonas at his
hotel by 3 PM. After that, you'll need to arrange a meeting with the director
of Hawks—Williams Hawks—by 5 PM."
She felt her mind spinning. So much information at
once. So many responsibilities. There was barely enough time to jot everything
down, but she steadied herself. She refused to let Nathan see any sign of
doubt.
"Nath-an," she started carefully, "I heard you say
I'd be joining you in the board meeting… and also in your meeting with Mr.
Thomas Jonas?"
Nathan chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Mandy,
Mandy… Being an executive assistant is far more demanding than your previous
job as a manager at Vienna Suites."
His voice carried a sharp edge.
His words cut through her like a blade.
The way he said it—so dismissive, as if her previous
role had been insignificant—made her chest tighten.
In that moment, Mandy realized something. No matter
how close they were before, this was different. Here, she
wasn't just Mandy. She was his employee. And he was her boss.
She inhaled deeply, pushing aside her emotions.
Clearing her throat, she said evenly, "I understand,
Mr. Hydes." Her voice was steady, but quiet.
Nathan's expression shifted slightly, as if he
regretted his words.
"Mandy, I didn't mean it like—"
She didn't let him finish.
"You don't have to explain, Mr. Hydes." She rose
from her chair, keeping her composure intact. "I'll leave you to your work now.
Let me know if you need anything."
Before he could say another word, she turned and
walked out.
As she stepped back into her office, she sank into
her chair, replaying his words in her mind.
She had come here to work—nothing more, nothing
less. And that was exactly what she was going to do.
LATER THAT AFTERNOON…
Mandy stood from her chair, adjusted her skirt, and
made her way toward Nathan's office. But before she could reach the door, it
swung open—Nathan was already stepping out.
The moment his eyes met hers, guilt flickered
across his face. The sharpness of his earlier words still echoed in his mind.
"Fuck," he muttered under his breath.
Clearing his throat, he forced a small grin.
"Mandy, you're here already," he said, though there was an unmistakable note of
regret in his tone. "Shall we?"
Mandy nodded, her expression unreadable, and
followed him down the hallway.
AT THE BOARD MEETING…
As they entered the vast, elegantly designed
boardroom, Mandy's attention was immediately drawn to the large gathering of
foreign investors and high-ranking executives. A low murmur rippled through the
room as they took their seats, eyes discreetly observing her presence beside
Nathan.
"Good morning, Nathan," a smooth, sultry voice
called out.
Mandy turned just in time to see a striking woman
step forward—Sophia Amore.
With her flawless features, signature designer
ensemble, and the confidence of someone who owned every room she walked into,
Sophia exuded sophistication. She was not only one of De Globes' top investors
but also a world-renowned fashion model.
And, more importantly, Nathan's ex-girlfriend.
She flashed him a knowing, seductive smile.
"Morning to you too," Nathan responded, his lips
curving slightly.
Mandy's stomach tightened. There was something
about the way he responded to Sophia—polite, but not distant. A familiarity
that hinted at unspoken history.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Nathan gestured
for her to sit beside him. She did, but the moment she glanced up, she caught
Sophia glaring at her—cold and possessive, like a predator marking its
territory.
Mandy stiffened.
So, that's how it is.
The tension was quickly broken when one of the
investors, James Souyer, stood up.
"Good day, Mr. Hydes," he said, his voice carrying
authority. "We're glad to finally have you back."
Mandy took a deep breath and straightened her
shoulders. She wasn't here for personal drama—she was here to work. And she
would prove she belonged in this room, no matter who tried to intimidate her.
DE GLOBES FIRM
De Globes Firm is a multinational beauty and
fashion conglomerate renowned for its high-quality, innovative products that
seamlessly blend luxury with accessibility. A pioneer in the cosmetics and
fashion industries, the company has built a prestigious reputation by setting
global trends through cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and
strategic collaborations with top designers, celebrities, and influencers.
At the helm of this empire is Nathan Hydes, the
visionary billionaire CEO whose sharp business acumen and passion for
innovation have propelled De Globes to exponential growth. Under his
leadership, the firm has secured its status as a dominant force in the
industry, constantly redefining beauty and fashion.
Beyond its products, De Globes takes pride in its
diverse and inclusive workforce, fostering a dynamic and creative environment
where talent thrives. More than just a brand, it has become a symbol of luxury,
confidence, and self-expression, continuously evolving to stay ahead of market
trends.
Boardroom
Discussion
James Souyer, one of the firm's key investors,
stood up and cleared his throat.
"Looking at our latest financial reports, De Globes
has shown consistent revenue growth," he began, his tone measured and
analytical. "However, we need to take a closer look at our profit margins." He
glanced around the room. "The real question is—how do we improve them?"
Silence settled momentarily over the room. Then,
Nathan leaned forward, his commanding presence filling the space.
"Any ideas?" he asked, his voice authoritative, his
sharp gaze scanning the room expectantly.
Meanwhile, Mandy focused intently, jotting down
notes on key discussion points, ensuring she was prepared for future board
meetings.
A man stood up—a foreign executive and investor in
De Globes. He was of average height, sharp-eyed, and carried an air of quiet
authority. His name was Garry Couper. Clearing his throat, he adjusted his suit before speaking.
"To improve our profit margins, we need to focus on operational efficiency," he began. "Identifying
areas where costs can be reduced without compromising quality is crucial. This
includes optimizing logistics, streamlining processes, and renegotiating
supplier contracts."
He paused briefly before continuing, "We also need
to embrace technology integration.
Implementing AI, automation, and cloud solutions can significantly reduce labor
costs and improve efficiency."
Couper's voice grew firmer as he moved on to his
next point. "Another key strategy is outsourcing and
strategic partnerships. By outsourcing non-core
functions, we can cut down on overhead expenses and reallocate resources more
effectively."
He then shifted to revenue
optimization. "We need a dynamic
pricing strategy—analyzing market trends to ensure
competitive yet profitable pricing. Implementing flexible pricing models based
on demand will give us an edge."
He glanced around the room before adding, "Product and service upselling is another area to
explore. We should introduce premium services, cross-selling opportunities, and
bundling strategies to increase customer spending."
"And finally," he concluded, "we must prioritize customer retention. Strengthening our loyalty
programs will encourage repeat business and increase lifetime customer value."
With that, he gave a satisfied nod. "That's all from
me."
The room erupted in applause, a clear indication
that his insights had struck a chord.
"Any other ideas?" Nathan asked, his sharp gaze
scanning the room, seeking contributions.
Sophia Amore stood up, her posture poised and
confident. But before she spoke, she shot Mandy a cold, assessing stare—a
silent warning, as if marking her territory.
"I'd like to add something," she began smoothly.
"Let's talk about Expense Management. We need to reduce unnecessary expenditures—cut back on excessive marketing costs, limit corporate travel, and
phase out underperforming product lines."
She paused, letting her words settle before
continuing.
"Next, we should optimize
inventory management. By utilizing data-driven systems,
we can prevent overstocking and understocking, ensuring efficiency in supply
chains."
Sophia's gaze flickered toward Nathan as she
proceeded. "We also need to address workforce
productivity. Implementing performance-based
incentives will boost efficiency and align employee goals
with business profitability."
She straightened slightly, her tone firm. "Moreover,
Lean Management is essential.
Restructuring teams will ensure maximum productivity with minimal redundancy."
There was a brief silence before she delivered her
final points.
"And finally, Financial &
Tax Strategies. Under debt
management, we should explore refinancing and
restructuring debts to secure lower interest rates. As for tax optimization, leveraging legal tax
incentives, credits, and deductions will help us maximize savings."
As she concluded, she cast a quick glance at Mandy
before gracefully taking her seat.
"Well said, Sophia," Nathan remarked, clapping in
approval, his expression unreadable.
A subtle tension lingered in the air. The connection
between Nathan and Sophia was undeniable, their history evident in the way they
interacted.
Mandy sat quietly, gripping her pen a little
tighter.
Wasn't Nathan interested in her? Or was this his
idea of trying to get her to want him?
TWO HOURS LATER….
After the meeting, Mandy and Nathan walked out of
the boardroom, their strides in sync. Just as they reached the hallway, a
familiar voice called out from behind.
"Nathan?"
They both turned. It was Sophia.
With a practiced elegance, she closed the distance
between them, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor. Ignoring
Mandy's presence entirely, she reached for Nathan's hand, her fingers brushing
his with deliberate softness.
"It's been ages! Where have you been?" she asked, her voice laced with a familiar intimacy.
Mandy felt an uncomfortable twinge in her chest, but
she remained silent, watching the interaction unfold.
"Mr.Hydes…. She finally spoke, I'll be at my office if you need
anything." But before Sophia could say anything, she turns and walks away.
Mandy gets to her office, before she could settle down, her
colleague Natalie sneaked in startling her.
"Jeeez!! Natalie, you startled me," she exclaimed.
(Grins) "Sorry" Natalie apologized.
You survived your first morning," Natalie said with
a smirk. "That's an achievement."
Mandy let out a breathy laugh. "Barely. Is it always
this intense?"
"With Nathan Hydes as your boss? Absolutely."
Natalie lowered her voice. "And it doesn't help that Sophia Amore just walked
back into the picture."
Mandy frowned. "Sophia?" I think she's the woman
that stopped us along the way, when Mr. Hydes and I were returning from the
meeting. Who is she?
His ex," Natalie whispered. "And not just any ex.
The ex."
Mandy felt a strange, unwelcome pang in her chest.
It wasn't jealousy—was it? No, that would be ridiculous. She barely knew
Nathan. And yet, something about the way Sophia carried herself, as if she
still had a claim over him, made Mandy's stomach twist.
Before she could dwell on it, Nathan's voice cut
through the room.
"Mandy, in my office."
Mandy turned to Natalie, "And the Devil has roared.
Have to go"
"Alright. Be off to my desk as well," Natalie said
before exiting Mandy's office.
She swallowed and stood, smoothing out her blouse
before stepping inside. The door clicked shut behind her, sealing them in an
atmosphere thick with something unspoken.
Nathan leaned against his desk, arms crossed,
watching her with an unreadable expression. "How are you adjusting?"
"I'm… managing." She met his gaze, trying to ignore
the way her heart picked up speed. "It's a lot to take in."
He studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Good. I
need someone who can handle pressure."
His words were firm, but his tone was softer than
before.
"I'll leave you to go rest a bit,"
he said, his voice soft.
Mandy pulled away from Nathan's embrace, her voice
steady but distant. "I'll be in the office. Let me
schedule the appointment with Thomas Jonas."
"I'll send you Thomas's and Williams's assistant's
number." Nathan concluded.
Without responding, just nodded. she turned and
walked away.
Nathan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his
hair. "Damn," he muttered under his
breath.
Back at her desk, Mandy let out a tired sigh. The
board meeting had been exhausting, and she needed a moment to gather herself.
She reached for the backpack Ella had given her, pulling out the packed meal
and unwrapping it. The food was still warm, and as she took a bite, she allowed
herself a brief moment of comfort.
Once she finished eating, she wiped her hands, took
a deep breath, and refocused. There was no time to waste. She needed to confirm
Nathan's meeting with Thomas Jonas. Retrieving the number Nathan had sent to
her email, she quickly dialed.
Denzel Letch picked. She quickly relayed the message
to her.
At Jonas's Hotel – A Business Move
At Jonas's Hotel, inside Thomas Jonas's private suite, Denzel Letch walked up to the door and knocked.
"Yeah, come in," came the
deep, relaxed voice from inside.
She stepped in, giving a polite nod. "Good day, sir."
Thomas Jonas, a man in his early forties with a
sharp gaze and an air of authority, looked up from the documents on his desk. "Good day, Denzel. Something wrong?"
She hesitated briefly before speaking. "Uh… Mr. Hydes' assistant just called. She scheduled an appointment
for you and him at 3 PM."
A slow, knowing smile spread across Jonas's face. "So, Nathan Hydes is finally back in the country, huh?" He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. "Interesting."
After a moment of thought, he nodded. "Alright. Schedule it."
"Understood, sir." Denzel
turned and left, walking briskly to her desk. Picking up the phone, she dialed
Hyde's office.
The phone rang once before Mandy answered.
"Hello, this is Hydes' office."
Denzel's voice came through, professional but
slightly muffled. "Hello again. Just calling to
confirm—the appointment with Mr. Jonas is set for 3 PM."
"Noted. Thank you for the confirmation." Mandy replied before the call ended.
She exhaled, jotting down the final details, then
stood up, straightened her blouse, and walked toward Nathan's
office.
Just as she raised her hand to knock, a female voice from inside called out smoothly—
"Come in."
Mandy froze for a second.
That wasn't Nathan's voice.
Slowly, she pushed the door open—and there, sitting
across from Nathan's desk, was Sophia Amore.
As Mandy stepped into Nathan's office, she froze.
Sophia Amore stood dangerously
close to Nathan, one arm draped around his neck, her manicured fingers gently
caressing his skin. The sight sent an uncomfortable jolt through Mandy's chest.
Nathan's eyes darted toward her, and as if caught in
the act, he swiftly removed Sophia's hand from his neck.
Mandy's expression darkened, a prickle of irritation
crawling up her spine. But she refused to let it show. Instead, she took a deep
breath, choosing composure over confrontation.
Nathan cleared his throat, his voice carrying a hint
of unease. "Mandy, you're here already." His tone was laced with something she couldn't quite place—guilt?
Regret?
Sophia smirked, her gaze flickering between them,
clearly enjoying the tension.
Nathan cleared his throat, visibly unsettled. "Erhmm… Sophia, this is Mandy—my friend and executive assistant.
Mandy, this is Sophia—my ex-girlfriend and she's also an investor here."
As he spoke, he stood up subtly pulled away from
Sophia's grasp, creating space between them.
Mandy's gaze flickered between them, her expression
unreadable. Ex-girlfriend. The
title hung in the air, laced with unspoken history.
Sophia, unfazed, offered a slow, knowing smile. "Oh, Nathan, you make it sound so formal." She
turned her attention to Mandy, eyes sweeping over her appraisingly. "It's nice to meet you… finally."
Mandy forced a polite nod. "Likewise."
But the weight of Sophia's presence lingered, and
deep down, Mandy knew—this wasn't just a simple introduction.
Nathan exhaled sharply. "Sophia,
please leave us."
For a brief moment, the room was thick with silence.
Then, slowly, Sophia's smirk faltered. With a feigned pout, she straightened,
tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Oh, Nathan…" she purred, "You always did have a habit of dismissing things too soon."
She cast one last glance at Mandy, her eyes gleaming
with silent challenge, before gracefully striding toward the door.
As she passed Mandy, she whispered just loud enough
for her to hear—
"Careful, sweetheart. He's a hard habit to break."
Sophia let out a low, amused chuckle, flipping her
hair over her shoulder as she left his office.
Mandy's fingers curled into a fist at her side, but
she refused to react. She wouldn't give Sophia that satisfaction.
The door clicked shut.
Mandy turned to Nathan, her face unreadable. "Your ex? What was she doing here?"
For the third time that day, Sophia had been around
Nathan like a pest. She thought.
Nathan, shaking his head, turned his attention back
to Mandy. "Pay no attention to her, Mandy. She can be a
handful," he said, stepping closer.
Before Mandy could react, his fingers brushed under
her chin, tilting her face slightly upward. His touch was light, teasing—yet it
sent a surge of warmth through her.
His lips curled into a devilish smirk, eyes locked
onto hers. "You're not intimidated, are you?"
Mandy swallowed, her breath hitching for just a
second. No one knew what his bare touch did to her. Not even Nathan himself.
Nathan studied her face, searching for any hint of
emotion, but Mandy's expression remained composed—too composed.
"Mandy…" he started, his voice
softer this time.
"It's fine," she interrupted,
forcing a small smile. "You don't have to explain,
Nathan. I get it."
For some reason, her words unsettled him.
She straightened her posture, keeping her tone
professional. "I just came to inform you that your meeting
with Mr. Thomas Jonas is scheduled at 3 PM. I've already made the appointment."
Nathan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Alright… thank you."
Mandy gave him a small nod before turning to leave,
but as she reached for the door, his voice stopped her.
"Mandy."
She hesitated, gripping the handle a little tighter
before looking back at him. His gaze was unreadable, yet there was something in
it—something unspoken.
But whatever it was, she wasn't ready to hear it.
"I'll see you at the meeting,"
she said instead, then walked out, closing the door behind her.
THREE HOURS LATER…..
Mandy and Nathan arrived at Jon's Hotel. As they
stepped out of the car and walked into the grand building, Mandy's eyes widened
at the sheer luxury before her. The walls shimmered under the soft glow of
chandeliers, and the air smelled of fresh roses and expensive cologne.
Everything about the place exuded opulence, but even this grandeur paled in
comparison to Nathan's mansion. That place still felt like something out of a
dream.
They reached an elegant anteroom where a woman
approached them with a professional smile.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hydes,"
she greeted.
Nathan returned the smile. "Good
afternoon, Denzel."
Then, turning slightly, he gestured toward Mandy. "This is Mandy Morgan, my executive assistant—and my friend. Please
treat her well."
Mandy's stomach fluttered at the emphasis he placed
on the word friend, but she quickly
pushed the feeling aside.
Denzel gave her a warm smile. "Oh,
hello, Miss Morgan. I'm Denzel Letch."
"Nice to meet you," Mandy
replied politely.
Nathan's gaze shifted back to Denzel. "Where's Thomas?"
Denzel nodded toward the hallway. "He's expecting you in his suite. This way, please."
"I'll wait here," she said,
settling onto one of the plush sofas in the anteroom.
Nathan hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on
her as if he wanted to say something, but then he simply nodded before
following Denzel down the hall.
Mandy exhaled and leaned back against the sofa. The
room was stunning, filled with sleek furniture and modern art pieces, but her
mind wasn't focused on the décor. She pulled out her tablet, pretending to
review notes from the board meeting, but her thoughts kept drifting back to
earlier.
To Sophia. To the way she had draped herself over
Nathan. To the unreadable expression in Nathan's eyes when she had walked in.
She clenched her jaw. Why do I
even care?
Thomas Jonas's Suite
Denzel knocked on the door, and a deep voice from
inside responded.
"Come in."
She pushed the door open, stepping aside to let
Nathan enter. Inside, Thomas Jonas stood from his chair, adjusting the cuffs of
his crisp designer suit. His sharp gaze landed on Nathan, and a smirk played on
his lips.
"Nathan Hydes in person! It's good to finally have
you back."
He extended his hand, and Nathan took it, their
handshake firm and familiar, accompanied by a shared laugh.
"Yeah," Nathan said, flashing
a small smile. "Feels good to be back. We've got a lot of
catching up to do, man, but for now, I'm strictly here for business."
Thomas nodded in understanding. "Of course." He turned to Denzel. "You may leave us."
"Okay, sir." Denzel nodded
before exiting the suite, shutting the door softly behind her. She joined Mandy
shortly. Both decided to engage in a friendly conversation.
Nathan and Thomas settled into a deep conversation
about De Globes—its recent
performance, strategies for expansion, and the competitive market. The
discussion stretched on for over an hour, both men exchanging ideas and
insights on how to push the company to greater heights.
When they finally wrapped up, Nathan stood and
extended a hand once more.
"Thanks for having me, man,"
he said with a smile.
Thomas chuckled. "Anytime.
Let's make sure this won't be the last meeting."
Nathan nodded before stepping out of the suite.
As Nathan walked down the hallway, he spotted Mandy
and Denzel, Denzel now seated on the
sofa, both engaged in what seemed like a lively conversation. Their laughter
filled the space, but the moment they noticed his presence, they fell silent.
Mandy's smile lingered as Nathan approached, a
telltale sign that they had been talking about him. He could see it in her
eyes—the way they sparkled with amusement, the slight flush on her cheeks.
She likes him. He knew it.
She didn't know why. She had told herself she
wouldn't, convinced that working for a man like Nathan Hydes—powerful,
unpredictable, and now entangled with his ex—was dangerous. But despite her
better judgment, she couldn't bring herself to stop.
Nathan smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Hmm… Miss Morgan, I see you've made a new company already?" His gaze lingered on her, amused.
Mandy smiled softly. "Yes! I
have, and Denzel is quite interesting to be with," she
replied, throwing a playful glance at Denzel.
Nathan chuckled. "Alright,
chop-chop. Sorry to cut your little girl-talk short, but we have to go." His grin was teasing.
Mandy turned to Denzel. "Later
Denz. It was nice talking to you."
"Likewise," Denzel replied
with a wink.
With that, Mandy followed Nathan out of the hotel,
trying to ignore the way her heart raced just a little faster when he walked
beside her.
As they stepped out of the building, Nathan glanced
at his wristwatch. "Shit!" he
muttered under his breath. It was already a few minutes past six, and he had an
appointment with Williams Hawks.
A sleek black car pulled up moments later, and they
both slid into the backseat.
"Mandy, cancel my appointment with Williams Hawks
and reschedule it—maybe tomorrow or the next day," Nathan
instructed, his gaze settling on her.
"Alright, I'll handle it now,"
Mandy replied, pulling out her Apple tablet. With swift precision, she sent a
message to Williams Hawks' assistant, Rosa, requesting to reschedule the
meeting for Wednesday.
A moment later, Rosa responded: "Got it. I'll relay the message to Mr. Hawks."
Mandy smiled, satisfied. "And…
done!" she announced.
Nathan raised a brow, smirking. "Quite fast, Miss Morgan," he teased.
Mandy met his gaze with a small smirk of her own. "Efficiency is part of the job, Mr. Hydes."
Nathan chuckled, shaking his head. "I like that."
And with that, the car drove off, the tension
between them thick with something unspoken.
The sleek BMW 7 Series pulled up in front of De Globes, its headlights cutting through the evening haze. As the car came to
a smooth halt, Nathan and Mandy stepped out, their footsteps echoing softly
against the polished pavement as they made their way inside the towering glass
building.
Mandy reached her office, exhaustion weighing on her
shoulders. With a sigh, she slipped off her heels, letting her toes press
against the cool tile floor. Tilting her head back against the chair, she
closed her eyes for a brief moment, savoring the silence.
When she finally checked the time, it was 7:01 PM. Letting out another sigh, she packed up
her bags and laptop, ready to call it a night. But just as she stepped out of
her office and took a few steps down the hall, a deep, teasing voice stopped
her in her tracks.
"Miss Morgan, were you really going to leave without
me?" Nathan drawled.
Mandy's breath hitched slightly. She turned, caught
off guard by his intense gaze.
"I…uhm…no, not really… I—" she
stammered.
Nathan chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Relax, I'm just kidding. But since we're already living together, I
think there's no running from me this time." His smirk
was almost dangerous, filled with
something that sent a shiver down her spine.
Mandy swallowed, feeling her pulse quicken at the
way he said it—so freely, as if the
idea of them sharing a space was something far more intimate than just an
arrangement.
HYDES MANSION
The car came to a smooth stop in front of Nathan's grand mansion, its towering presence even more imposing at night. As they stepped out, the soft
glow from the massive chandeliers inside cast a warm light through the windows.
The butler and several staff members were already waiting at the entrance.
"Welcome home, Mr. Hydes. Welcome, Miss Morgan," they greeted in unison, bowing slightly.
Nathan responded with a small nod, his eyes flicking
toward Mandy as she whispered a polite, "Thank you."
Just as they parted ways, Nathan suddenly reached
out, gently catching her wrist, halting her in place. Mandy sucked in a sharp
breath, her heart hammering against her ribs.
"Goodnight, Mandy," he said,
his voice softer now, his thumb brushing lightly against the inside of her
wrist—a fleeting touch, but enough to make her stomach
tighten.
She hesitated, unsure if she was imagining the shift
in his tone, the way his eyes lingered on her a second too long.
"Goodnight, Nathan," she
finally whispered, pulling away, but not without feeling the ghost of his touch
long after she walked away.
Mandy entered her room and plonked
herself onto the bed, letting out a long sigh of relief
and exhaustion.
The day had been a whirlwind—the
tension in the boardroom, Sophia's sudden reappearance, Nathan's lingering
presence—torment. Every moment had been emotionally
charged, leaving her drained.
She lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling,
letting her thoughts drift. But even in the silence, her
mind refused to quiet down.
With a tired groan, she forced herself up and headed
for the shower. The warm water cascaded down her skin, easing the tension from
her shoulders. She let herself sink into the comfort of it, allowing the steam
to wash away the weight of the day.
Just as she was slipping into her silky nightgown, a knock at the door pulled her
out of her thoughts.
She hesitated for a moment before calling out, "I'm coming."
Opening the door, she found Ella, the head maid, standing there with a silver
platter filled with turkey, chips, and a tall glass of orange juice.
Here you go, Miss Morgan,"
Ella said with a warm smile, handing over the food before taking the emptied
backpack Mandy had brought earlier.
Mandy returned the smile, accepting the food. "Thank you, Ella." She passed the empty backpack
she had brought earlier, and Ella gave a small nod before heading out.
Shutting the door, Mandy settled back onto the bed,
pulling the tray onto her lap. She ate in silence, savoring the meal, though
her thoughts were far from settled.
Few minutes later, she was
done, lazily pushing the empty platter onto the bedside armoire before reaching for her phone.
She dialed Hazel Jones, hoping to
talk to her best friend, but after a few rings, it went to voicemail.
She sighed, figuring Hazel
must've already fallen asleep.
Leaning back against the pillows, she exhaled
deeply.
"What a day…" she muttered to
herself, her eyelids growing heavy.
And before she knew it, sleep
pulled her under.