Stella's POV
I stopped the recording, watching Adam's face for any reaction. His expression remained carefully neutral, but I noticed the slight tightening of his jaw.
"Interesting timing," he finally said, his voice dangerously soft. "Bringing this to me now, after everything's settled."
"Is it?" I kept my tone professional despite the way his proximity made my pulse quicken. "I thought the CEO might be interested in potential reputation risks to his company."
His laugh held no humor. "Reputation risks?" He moved closer, backing me against his mahogany desk. "Are you threatening GT Group, Mrs. Lancaster?"
"Pure business." I met his gaze steadily. "Your board accepted a bribe to override merit-based hiring. The implications for GT Group's corporate governance—"
"My troublesome wife." His fingers traced my jawline, the gesture at odds with the dangerous edge in his voice. "Always making things so complicated."
"I prefer thorough." I tried to ignore how his touch sent electricity dancing across my skin. "Would you like to hear the rest of the recording?"
His other hand found my hip, effectively trapping me against the desk. "What exactly do you want?"
"Two things." I forced myself to focus despite his distracting proximity. "First, terminate all contracts with Lucy Winston."
"And second?" His thumb traced circles on my hip, making it really hard to maintain my professional demeanor.
"Compensation." I pulled out a folder containing detailed calculations. "For lost opportunities and potential damage to my professional reputation. After all, talent should be rewarded on merit, not family connections."
"Interesting perspective." His thumb brushed my bottom lip, making my breath catch. "Tell me, Mrs. Lancaster, did you plan this from the start?"
"Plan what?" I blinked up at him with perfect innocence. "I simply participated in a fair competition. Everything else was Lucy's doing."
His laugh rumbled through his chest. "My troublesome wife. Always finding new ways to keep me entertained."
"So you'll handle it?" I tried to sound businesslike, but it came out breathier than intended.
"Handle it?" His smile was pure predator.
"What do you mean?"
"The CEO's wife has certain... privileges." His eyes darkened with something that made heat pool in my stomach.
Understanding dawned. "You mean..."
"Congratulations on your new position, Fashion Director." His hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer. "Though I expect regular... progress reports."
"Taylor." His voice carried that edge of command. "Have legal draft termination papers for all Winston contracts. And prepare Mrs. Lancaster's director appointment documents."
"Right away, sir."
I blinked, caught off guard by his quick capitulation. "Just like that?"
His laugh rumbled through his chest. "Did you expect more resistance?" His hand came up to cup my face, forcing me to meet his gaze. "My wife proves herself capable of corporate warfare, and you think I wouldn't be... pleased?"
Heat pooled in my stomach at the way he said "pleased."
"Though," his thumb brushed my bottom lip, "we should discuss your negotiation tactics. Threatening your husband with corporate scandals?"
\---
Lucy's POV
My heels struck the marble floor of GT Group's reception area like gunshots. Each click echoed my mounting rage as I stormed through the lobby, ignoring the way other visitors scrambled out of my path. How dare they?
"This has to be a mistake." I thrust my phone at my agent, displaying the contract termination notice that had ruined my perfect morning. The screen's harsh light illuminated her carefully neutral expression. "Call them again. Right now!"
"Lucy..." Her's professional calm was cracking – I could hear it in the slight tremor of her voice. "I've already called three times. The decision is final."
"Final?" My laugh sounded strange even to my own ears. Stay composed, I told myself. You're Lucy Winston. You don't lose control in public. "Do they have any idea who I am? The Winston name—"
"Means nothing to GT ," She cut in, her voice barely above a whisper. The pity in her eyes made my blood boil. "Please, we need to handle this professionally. Making a scene will only—"
"Making a scene?" My voice rose despite my best efforts to maintain composure. "They're terminating my contract without cause! After I offered them that ridiculous discount that you insisted would seal the deal!"
Movement caught my eye – the receptionist's perfectly manicured hand inching toward what I knew was the security button.
"Lucy." My agent's fingers dug into my arm as she pulled me aside, her voice dropping urgently. "Think carefully. GT Group isn't just another fashion conglomerate. They have influence in every major market. If you antagonize them—"
But I wasn't listening. My mind was already racing with possibilities for revenge. Stella might have won this round, but she had no idea what I was capable of when cornered.
"Just wait," I whispered to myself. "I'll make you regret ever crossing me, dear sister."
The elevator's soft ding cut through my fury like a knife. My words died in my throat as Stella , that bitch,emerged, looking infuriatingly perfect in her designer suit.
Of course she's behind this, I thought, watching her glide across the lobby like she belonged here. She's probably loving every second of my humiliation. My nails dug crescents into my palms as I fought the urge to wipe that subtle smile off her face.
I wanted to tear her off instantly!