Chapter 31 31
He turned to look at her, Juliana still in his arms, “I didn't see why,” he retorted, “Last time I was here you made it clear you weren't obligated to tell me anything and that I had no right to tell you what to do. I see no reason why I can't apply the same rule,”
Alana's arched eyebrow lifted higher, her expression incredulous, and Stefan, angry as he was at her, didn’t think she’d ever looked so fierce, or so desirable. The fierceness was new, as was the crackling energy. She hadn’t been this fierce months ago. She hadn’t burned with this intensity, either. Becoming a mother had changed her. He liked it. He liked her on fire. But then, he’d always loved a good fight, and she was itching for a fight now.
Temper flashed in her eyes, “That was a different situation, Stefan and you know it,” she told him, “As for your sudden decision to postpone going back to your work and staying in town, you have an agenda—that’s clear enough—but it’s not my agenda. So do as you wish, but keep in mind that I’m not going to be bulldozed into going along with your plans or schedules.”
He’d found her impossibly lovely months ago. Challenging. Now there was an entirely different challenge before him. A different woman. And he understood why she’d changed. She’d had to be everything for Juliana—mother and father, protector and nurturer.
It had reshaped her, giving her an edge, giving her strength. This woman standing before him was no doormat. This new woman exuded power and resolve. This new woman was sexual, too, dressed head to toe in black, the light of battle blazing in her eyes, illuminating her stunning features.
“I don’t want to bulldoze you. That wouldn’t be fair to you or our daughter.” He saw her tense when he said our daughter. “She is our daughter.”
“She’s not a bargaining chip.”
“I would never make her one.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe that for a second and neither should you. You are angry with me right now, so you're trying to get at me, but Juliana is my daughter. Lovely and everything that is best in the world, and I will protect her from those who’d hurt her, and that includes you, Stefan.”
“You don’t need to protect her from me.”
“I wish I could believe that.”
Where the hell was this coming from? “I’m her father. Not a monster.”
Alana looked away, lips compressing, a sheen of tears in her eyes. They'd been getting along so well, she thought helplessly, and now…
“I'll come over tonight so we can discuss arrangements for me to spend time with her as soon as I'm settled,” Stefan continued, “Like it or not, I'm staying, and be prepared Alana, because you and I are going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on.”
__________
The Maynard Group’s headquarters stood like a fortress of glass and steel — a statement of power and legacy. Inside, the energy buzzed with the usual Monday rhythm: heels clicking against marble floors, murmured greetings in sleek hallways, and the subtle scent of espresso from the executive lounge.
Alana Jackson adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder as she stepped out of the elevator, her heels clicking a brisk tempo. She hadn’t fully shaken off the morning’s argument with Stefan — his arrogance, his infuriating calm, the way his eyes had burned into hers when he’d said “our daughter.”
She wanted him in Juliana's life of course, but it was clear now that Stefan had drawn a battleline. She could feel it, and it scared her. She'd wanted Stefan to stay in town for Juliana's sake, but now that he'd decided to, she was agitated.
She’d barely made it through the first hour of work before her assistant, Tessa, poked her head into her office. “Ms. Jackson, Mr. Maynard has called for a meeting of all departmental heads. It’s in the main conference room in ten minutes.”
Alana frowned. “Mr. Maynard?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
That was odd. Richard Maynard didn’t usually attend departmental meetings — not unless it was something significant.
Minutes later, Alana grabbed her tablet and straightened her clothes, trying to push her irritation aside. She had no idea what the meeting could be about, but she sure as hell wasn't in the mood for it after the morning she'd had.
But she was in for worse, she realised when she stepped into the conference room and the first person she saw was him.
Stefan stood at the far end of the room beside his father and sister, looking every inch the man she’d spent the last few hours trying to get out of her mind.
Tall, commanding, dressed in a charcoal suit that fit him too well. Completely different from the man who'd been at her house this morning, holding their child in his arms. Now he looked intimidating. Dangerous. His expression was neutral, but his eyes flicked to her as she entered, unreadable yet intense enough to send a pulse of heat through her chest.
She hesitated only for a second before schooling her face into polite professionalism. She walked to her seat — across the table, diagonally opposite from him — pretending not to notice how his gaze followed her.
Emily caught her eye and offered a small, warm smile — the kind that usually settled her nerves. Not this time.
Richard Maynard rose from his chair at the head of the table. His presence commanded silence immediately. “Good morning, everyone,” he began. “I appreciate you all coming on short notice. Today’s meeting is brief but important.”
He rested a hand on Stefan’s shoulder. “As most of you know, my son Stefan has recently returned from… extended leave. After careful consideration and discussion, I’m pleased to announce that effective immediately, he will be assuming an executive role within the company.”
A ripple of murmurs passed through the room.
Alana’s spine stiffened. For a man who'd rejected this position several times, Stefan wasn't wasting any time at all settling in. Infiltrating her life. Making himself seen. He'd definitely meant it when he said they were going to be seeing a lot of each other. She'd thought he meant when it came to Juliana, but obviously her office wasn't left out.
Richard continued, “Furthermore, given the company’s size and current growth trajectory, I’ve decided that the most efficient way forward is through shared leadership.” He turned toward both his children, pride softening his usually stern features. “Therefore, Emily and Stefan will serve as co-Chief Executive Officers of Maynard Group.”