Chapter 27 Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Lena’s POV
The boardroom is still buzzing when the applause finally dies down, a chaotic symphony of brilliant, innovative, groundbreaking ricocheting off the glass walls like fireworks. Hands reach across the mahogany table—firm shakes, pats on the back, smiles that feel genuine for once. My pulse is a wild drumline, cheeks flushed hot, but it’s the good kind of burn, the kind that screams I did it. I just salvaged a trainwreck and turned it into a masterpiece. Sebastian’s gaze locks on mine from the head of the table, dark eyes smoldering with something deeper than approval—pride, raw and unfiltered, a slow, dangerous smile curving his lips. My stomach flips, heat pooling low. God, that look.
Sienna stands beside me, emerald dress hugging every curve, smile plastered on like it’s superglued, but her eyes are pure venom, slicing sideways. She recovers in a blink, turning to Sebastian with that syrupy, manipulative voice she wields like a weapon. “Mr. Lancaster, this calls for a celebration! Nothing grand—just a little company party to toast the amazing pitch we just delivered.” She tilts her head, lashes batting like butterfly wings, voice dripping honey. “Besides… you haven’t exactly welcomed Lena and me to Lancaster Industries properly, have you? A girl could feel neglected.”
The room quiets to a hush, forks pausing mid-air, eyes darting between us. Sebastian and I share a look—charged, electric, loaded. It’s barely a second, but it feels like a lifetime, memories of his voice low in the dark flashing through my mind. Heat crawls up my neck, settling in my ears.
He leans back in his chair, fingers drumming once on the armrest, voice smooth as aged scotch. “Technically, you were both on probation. A welcome was… premature. But Sienna’s right. A formal induction is overdue. We’ll plan something appropriate—later.”
Sienna’s smile falters, lips parting in protest. “But Mr. Lancaster, the momentum—”
“Well done, both of you,” he cuts in, standing with finality, coat swirling like a cape as he buttons it. “I expect to see more of this collaboration moving forward. No more solo acts.” His eyes flick to Sienna—warning—then to me—something softer. “Dismissed.”
He strides out, the door clicking shut behind him. I follow on shaky legs, heart pounding like I’ve run a marathon.
Later that afternoon, I’m in Tessa’s office—glass walls, arctic AC blasting, her desk a fortress of spreadsheets and disdain. She looks up from her monitor, expression carved from ice. “Congratulations,” she says, stiff as cardboard, lips barely moving.
“Thank you,” I reply, matching her tone but layering on sugar. “Really means a lot coming from you.”
She snorts, returning to her screen. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“By the way…” I lean against her doorframe, casual, twirling a strand of hair. “I have a neighbor who might be very interested in you.”
Tessa raises one perfectly arched brow, not looking up. “A neighbor. How… quaint.”
“Yeah, Diego Morales. Dropped me off at work once, saw you striding through the lobby like you owned the place. Hasn’t shut up since. Keeps asking about the ‘ice queen in the power suit who could freeze a man with one look.’ His words, not mine.” I grin, wide and wicked. “Single, owns three restaurants—Argentinian steakhouse in SoHo, tapas bar in Chelsea, fusion spot in Miami. Speaks four languages, dances like he was born in Havana. Very persistent. Like, relentless.”
She finally glances up, eyes narrowing, but there’s a flicker—curiosity, maybe. “Pass. I don’t do neighbors.”
I pull out my phone, scrolling with exaggerated nonchalance, biting my lip to hide a smirk. “You sure? Because I wasn’t going to say anything, but…” I lean in, whispering like we’re sharing state secrets, “you might want to see his picture. Just… prepare yourself.”
I slide the phone across her desk, screen glowing. Diego—navy suit tailored to perfection, salt-and-pepper hair swept back, jawline sharp enough to cut glass, that half-smile screaming trouble in the best way. He’s leaning against a bar, sleeves rolled up, forearms corded, eyes smoldering straight into the lens like he knows exactly what he’s doing to whoever’s looking.
Tessa chokes on her sparkling water, a rare, undignified sputter escaping before she slams the glass down, coughing into her fist. Her cheeks flush—actually flush—eyes wide, pupils blown. She straightens her blazer with trembling fingers, voice cool as ever but cracking at the edges. “Jesus, Lena. Warn a girl.”
I burst out laughing, clutching my stomach. “Right? Told you. He’s been texting me nonstop—‘Introduce me to the brunette with the killer heels.’ I swear he’s memorized your schedule.”
Tessa snatches the phone, zooming in, lips parting slightly. “He’s… acceptable.”
“Acceptable?” I echo, mock-offended. “He’s a walking fantasy. Look at those hands—bet he could—”
“Lena,” she hisses, but her voice wavers, eyes still glued to the screen. “Fine. He’s… intriguing. What’s his deal?”
“Divorced, no kids, loves control but hates games—unless they’re in the bedroom.” I wink. “Said he saw you bark an order at security and nearly dropped to his knees. Quote: ‘That woman could ruin me, and I’d thank her.’”
Tessa’s breath hitches, just barely. She hands the phone back, fingers brushing mine, voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Text him my number. Tell him… I’m free Friday. Eight. Le Bernardin. If he’s late, I walk.”
I grin, victorious. “Done. Operation Thaw the Ice Queen is officially green-lit.”
She rolls her eyes, but there’s a spark—hunger—in them now. “Get out before I change my mind.”
I’m practically skipping down the hall, victory buzzing in my veins, when I turn the corner and nearly collide with Wes. He’s here—to see his father. Blond hair tousled, that stupid charming grin, suit rumpled like he rolled out of someone’s bed. My heart slams into overdrive, breath catching.
He doesn’t see me—yet. Through the glass of Sebastian’s office, I spot him laughing, clapping his dad on the shoulder. Then he turns toward the door.
I duck behind a pillar, pulse racing, panic clawing up my throat. He almost saw me.