Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Lena's POV

I froze.

There was Rossa, standing in the center of the room with a bowl of fried chicken in one hand and a piece halfway to her mouth, staring at me like I’d grown two heads.

I quickly straightened up, brushed my hair back with my fingers, and cleared my throat like nothing had happened.

“What’s up?” I asked, trying to sound casual as I made my way to the bedroom.

But of course, she stopped me.

“What the hell was that?” she asked, eyes narrowed at me. “Were you… reminiscing about sex or something?”

I pretended not to hear her and kept walking, hoping she’d drop it.

Unfortunately, I knew Rossa too well.

Once she got curious, she wouldn't stop until she had answers. And right now? She was in full-on nosy mode. But how could I even tell her the truth? That I had been lost in a memory—no, not just any memory, but his touch? Vincent Tyler.

That moment in the restroom… the way he grabbed me, the way my body reacted it was all wrong. I shouldn’t have felt anything. But instead, I felt a spark, a heat I couldn’t explain. And worse, I didn’t want him to stop.

“Come on,” Rossa continued, following me into the bedroom. “Did you have a one-stand or something? Was it that good that you’re still thinking about it?”

I sighed and glanced at her. She looked way too excited, as if she was waiting for juicy gossip. But I couldn’t give her that, not now.

“Rossa, I’ve got a lot of work to do,” I muttered, hoping she’d get the hint.

Her smile dropped instantly. With a dramatic hiss, she stood up and stormed out of the room.

I felt a wave of relief.

Yes, I knew I’d hurt her feelings. But right now, I needed space. Something wasn’t right. That feeling… that moment… It was like déjà vu. Like I’d been touched like that before.

Why did it feel so familiar?

The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. Rossa hadn’t said a word to me last night, and she’d left for work before I even got out of bed. She was still pissed. I could tell.

But honestly? That wasn’t my biggest concern right now.

I needed answers. And strangely, I was excited.

Way too excited.

For the first time in forever, I was actually putting effort into how I looked for a man.

I’d never tried to dress sexy for anyone before. Not even back in college when every girl was flaunting herself to get noticed. But for Vincent… it was different. I didn’t even understand why, but I couldn’t help myself.

The gown I wore hugged my curves perfectly. I stood in front of the mirror, stunned by how good I looked. My figure popped in all the right places, and for a moment, I just admired myself.

Then my phone buzzed.

I picked it up and frowned. It was a message from an unknown number.

A black SUV is waiting outside your gate. Be at the office by 8:30 AM sharp. I don’t tolerate lateness.

I scoffed. The audacity.

This man really thought he was some kind of mafia lord or king. The way he gave orders like the world belonged to him was honestly irritating and weirdly attractive. Ugh.

I grabbed my bag and all the necessary documents I could think of. Honestly, I had no idea what this meeting was about. I should’ve told James, but my mind had been too clouded yesterday with memories I didn’t ask for.

I hurried out of the apartment, and to my surprise, there it was.

A sleek, black SUV parked right in front of my gate. A man in a crisply ironed black suit was already waiting. The moment he saw me, he stepped forward and opened the back door.

“Miss Lena,” he said with a bow.

I slid into the car without a word, and the moment the door shut, we took off.

The ride was silent, but I could feel the man in the front seat glancing at me through the rearview mirror every now and then. I pretended not to notice, but the tension in the air was thick.

Finally, the car rolled to a smooth stop.

I stepped out and looked up.

There it was, The Tyler Empire.

A towering skyscraper of glass and steel that screamed money, power, and danger.
And somewhere inside… was him.
Vincent Tyler. The most dangerously handsome man in the city maybe even the entire country. The kind of man who made you forget your own name just by looking at you.
The driver didn’t say a word as he led me through the massive glass double doors and into the lobby. And wow.
My feet nearly stumbled.
The interior was breathtaking. High ceilings, gleaming marble floors, gold accents, and soft ambient lighting that gave the whole place an otherworldly glow. It felt like walking into a billionaire's private palace. This was my first time stepping into the Tyler Empire building, and every single rumor I’d ever heard about it suddenly felt understated.
It was more than luxury—it was power carved into every inch of marble and steel.
The driver led me to the reception desk, where he leaned in and whispered something to the stunning woman behind it. Her eyes widened the moment she glanced at me, and the next thing I knew, she bowed and practically sprinted out from behind the desk.
She motioned for me to follow, and I did—though not without noticing how every single person we passed either stared or nodded respectfully.
It was… strange.
As if I were someone important. Like I was a queen walking through her court. I wasn’t used to this. Not at all.
Soon, we reached a private VIP elevator, and I nearly gasped when I stepped inside.
This wasn’t just an elevator, it was a mobile lounge. Plush white seating, chilled air that smelled faintly of vanilla and expensive cologne, and a silent hum of luxury all around. It was ridiculous… and yet I couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Please, have a seat,” the receptionist said sweetly, pouring a glass of sparkling wine and placing a tray of gourmet finger food in front of me.
I declined the food politely but took the wine.
The moment it touched my lips, I almost moaned.
Was this wine even made on Earth? Because it tasted like it came straight from heaven’s own vineyard.
Before I could get too comfortable, the elevator doors opened onto a silent hallway, long and majestic with a single massive black door at the very end. She walked ahead, her heels clicking softly, and I followed behind.
We stopped in front of the door, and she knocked lightly.
“Come in,” came a deep, gravelly voice from inside—one that sent a chill racing down my spine.
She glanced at me and bowed again before pushing the door open just enough for me to slip in.
I stepped inside, and the door shut behind me with a soft click, sealing me in.
And there he was, Vincent Tyler.
Seated behind a sleek, obsidian desk, his attention buried in a stack of files. His dark hair was slightly tousled, a few strands falling across his forehead, making him look even more dangerous, more wild… more irresistible.
He looked like a cursed prince out of a forbidden tale, the kind of man your mother warned you to run from, but your heart begged you to chase.
And me?
I stood there, silently biting my lip, already falling deeper into whatever spell he’d cast on me.
Then his voice snapped through the air, sharp and cutting.
“You’re late!”I flinched.