Chapter 19 Damien

Chapter 19 Damien
I woke up feeling unusually light, the kind of refreshment that comes from a night of deep, undisturbed sleep. A small, involuntary smile curved my lips as I replayed yesterday in my mind. Meeting Ella… it was the highlight of my day. Her laugh, her soft insistence on the pizza being the best, the way her eyes sparkled when she teased, it lingered in my mind like a melody I couldn’t forget.

The pizza had been delicious, yes, but I hadn’t needed to boast about mine being better. Camille would vouch for my skills, of course—I didn’t need to remind anyone. The time had slipped by too quickly, and listening to her voice, every word almost intoxicating, had made the hours feel impossibly short. I forced myself to shake off the thought, refocusing on the day ahead.

The morning dragged like molasses. My phone buzzed incessantly since dawn, calls, updates, messages—all demanding pieces of my attention. Running multiple businesses meant my life was a string of endless decisions, some thrilling, some exhausting. Today, it felt draining.

I loosened my tie and stared at the digital clock flashing 9:12 a.m. The board meeting was scheduled for ten. Files were scattered across my desk—project proposals, performance reports, and the new partnership draft that could change everything.

Lilly walked in, calm as ever. “Sir, the board members have started arriving.”

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “And Mr. Huston?”

“He’s here. The investor’s team arrived five minutes ago. They’re setting up in the conference room.”

“Good. Make sure the audio connection is tested before I join.”

She nodded and slipped out. I preferred remote participation for meetings like this—not arrogance, it was mainly to protect my identity. I also enjoy the sense of control it gives. When they couldn’t see me, they couldn’t read me. They could only hear my voice. That was enough.

I sipped my black coffee, the bitter warmth grounding me as I scanned the agenda. Today, we were presenting a project unlike anything we’d done before: a luxury hotel chain built around sustainability and cutting-edge technology. It was time to expand my business and multi-billionaire Henry Huston wanted in. His money would grease the wheels. His reputation would open doors I’d been knocking on for years.

The intercom buzzed. “Sir, everything’s ready,” Clara’s voice said.

“Patch me in.”

The screen on my desk flickered to life, showing the boardroom. The long oval table gleamed under soft, diffused light. Executives sat perfectly aligned, eyes fixed on the central speaker. I could see them, but they couldn’t see me. Only my voice would fill the room.

I tapped the mic. “Good morning, everyone.”

Heads turned; a few murmurs died immediately.

“Mr. Huston,” I continued, even and controlled, “thank you for joining us today. I trust your trip went smoothly?”

His deep laugh resonated faintly through the speakers. “Smooth enough, Damien. Your company’s reputation precedes you.”

“I appreciate that,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Let’s get right to it, shall we?”

As the meeting unfolded, I spoke with practiced confidence—projections, expansion plans, profit margins. Every word was precise, every pause intentional. I had built this empire from nothing; I would not allow anyone to think otherwise.

Pens tapped. Papers rustled quietly. My team knew better than to interrupt unless prompted.

“Now,” I said forty minutes later, “the most important part of this collaboration isn’t just financial. It’s about vision. The Lefevre Group has always been about innovation—from our kitchens to our hotel suites. We don’t follow trends; we set them.”

Huston chuckled. “That’s quite the statement, Damien.”

“It’s not a statement,” I replied, cold and measured. “It’s a promise.”

A brief, weighty silence followed, then the faint scrape of his chair. “I like promises that come with results. I’ll review your proposal further, but I can tell you this—I’m interested.”

The moment I had waited for had arrived.

“Glad to hear it,” I said, a subtle smile brushing my lips. “My team will stay in touch with your advisors to finalize the terms. I’ll personally oversee the shares arrangements once the documents are signed.”

The meeting dragged on for fifteen more minutes, polite exchanges, minor questions, nothing unexpected. When it ended, I exhaled and shut the screen. Silence settled over my office.

I loosened my cufflinks and stared through the tall glass windows. The city was alive—cars weaving through traffic, people moving with purpose. Years of building, climbing, sacrificing, had earned me this view, this peace. And yet, every milestone brought a new battle around the corner.

Lilly reentered. “The meeting went well?”

I nodded, a faint trace of satisfaction in my expression. “Better than expected.”

She smiled faintly. “Mr. Sebastian called earlier. He said he’ll be available anytime today.”

I picked up my phone. “Good. Connect me to him.”

His voice, smooth and steady, filled the room moments later. “Damien. I take it the meeting’s done?”

“Yes,” I said, sitting back down. “It’s time.”

“For what?”

“For us to buy shares in the Dubois company.”

A pause. “You’re sure about this?”

“I don’t move without certainty, Sebastian,” I said quietly. “Huston’s investment is solid, but I want control over how this expansion unfolds. If we secure a portion of Dubois now, we’ll be ahead of every competitor in the next five years.”

He whistled low. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“I always am.”

I reached for my glass of water, watching ripples dance as I spoke. “I’ve seen men like Huston before. They invest for power, not passion. He’ll want influence. I’ve inserted a clause in the contract to limit him. We stay untouchable.”

Sebastian laughed softly. “Still the same strategist I knew years ago.”

“Old habits keep me alive,” I muttered. “Make the arrangements quietly. No announcements yet. I want paperwork ready before week’s end.”

“Consider it done.”

I ended the call, letting the hum of the air conditioner fill the silence. The adrenaline from the meeting faded, replaced by a familiar, calculated calm. This was my element—control, invisibility, always one step ahead.

I rose and walked to the window, watching the skyline bathe in gold sunlight. Below, one of my hotels stood proud, its logo glinting. The boardroom thought today was about investment. For me, it was ownership—quiet, relentless, piece by piece. I never played to lose.

“You have a dinner meeting with Mr. Adrien at 8 p.m.,” Lilly announced.

“Anything else?” I asked.

“No, sir.”

“Leave then.” She nodded and left.

The day slipped by in a blur of decisions and emails. By 7:30 p.m., I was ready to leave for dinner at one of my restaurants.

The VIP section of the restaurant was a private world of soft classical music, warm lighting, and elegantly spaced tables. Each step across the plush carpet muffled the click of my shoes. Mr. Adrien waited at the center of the long table, a faint smile on his face.

“Damien,” he greeted sincerely, holding out his hand. “Thank you for making time tonight.”

I nodded, sliding into the seat across from him. “The pleasure is mine. You’ve done me the honor of hosting.”

“This dinner,” he began, lifting his glass, “celebrates our collaboration. The new menu was well received, and I wanted to thank you personally for your vision and dedication.”

I allowed a small smile. “Our success is teamwork, Adrien. Yours included.”

“To continued success, Damien,” he toasted.

“To our partnership,” I replied, the words heavy with more weight than any contract.

We ate slowly, conversation flowing effortlessly—a rare, genuine acknowledgment of achievement.

When dinner ended, I insisted on escorting him to his car. But a voice froze me mid-step. Ella. What was she doing here?

I cleared my throat. “Sorry, Mr. Adrien. I won’t be following you, something unexpected came up.”

“That’s completely understandable,” he said with a warm smile. We shook hands, and he left.

I followed the laughter to the source, peeking around the corner. There she was—Ella, radiant, smiling with Sophia and a man I didn’t recognize. My chest tightened, fingers curling into a fist. Envy and
something darker flared inside me.

I froze. Anger, jealousy, and possessiveness collided, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.