Chapter 102: the face-off
MONALISA'S POV
Jayden's car pulled up to the company entrance, sleek and spotless like always. The morning sun bounced off the glass walls of the building, casting a golden reflection that matched the fire in his chest. He stepped out of the car looking calm on the outside, but his eyes carried the storm of a man who was tired of betrayal and done playing nice.
Athena stood by the lobby entrance, her tablet clutched in her hands. She'd been there for a while, waiting. The moment she saw him step out of the car, her heels clicked against the floor as she rushed over.
"Good morning, sir," she said, almost breathless, reaching to take the black leather laptop bag from his hand.
Jayden nodded briefly, barely making eye contact. "Let's go."
The two walked side by side through the hallway. The moment Jayden entered the company, a wave of silence washed over the place. Laughter stopped. Whispers died. Heads lowered back to screens. Everyone knew Jayden Bruno had arrived, and these days, he wasn't the same man they once joked around with at lunch.
He didn't smile.
He didn't joke.
He barely even looked up from his work.
He was colder now. Meaner. Sharper than ever.
As they entered his office, Jayden tossed his phone on the table and sank into his leather chair with a sigh. Athena placed his bag carefully beside his laptop and stood by, waiting for instructions.
Jayden rubbed his temples for a second, then looked up.
"I need you to do something for me," he said.
"Yes, sir?" Athena straightened.
"I need full information on someone. Everything. Not the fake crap online. I want the truth. Real things. Dig deep. Understand?"
Athena nodded. "Yes sir. Who's the person?"
"You'll find his name in the file labeled Ashes. Get it. And be fast about it."
Just then, a soft knock interrupted.
"Come in," Jayden called, voice sharp.
A junior staff peeked in nervously. "Good morning, Jayden sir. You... you have a visitor."
Jayden's eyes narrowed. "Visitor?"
Athena turned to look at him, confused. "You expecting someone?"
Jayden shook his head. "No. Let them in."
The staff nodded and left.
Seconds later, the door opened.
And there he was.
Donald.
Tall. Arrogant. Wearing a smug grin like he owned the world.
"Well well well... if it isn't Jayden James Bruno," Donald said, stepping in like he was on a red carpet. "Feels good to be in the Almighty Jayden James Bruno's office."
Jayden's face changed instantly. He stood up, slamming his hand against the table.
"What the fuck are you doing here?!" he barked. "Get the hell out of my office!"
Donald chuckled and raised his hands like he was innocent. "Hey, chill, bro. I'm not here to fight."
"I don't care. Get out. Now." He turned to Athena. "Make sure he leaves my office and the building."
Athena started walking toward Donald. "You heard him, sir. Please leave."
But Donald raised a finger. "Not so fast."
Jayden narrowed his eyes. "What now?"
Donald smirked and slowly walked to the table. "I came to invite you to something."
"Not interested."
"You don't even know what it is yet."
Jayden crossed his arms. "I said I'm not interested."
Donald pulled a glossy card from his pocket and placed it on the table with a little tap. "I'm inviting you to the launch of my company's new fashion line."
Jayden didn't even look at the card. "Still not interested."
Donald leaned closer, just enough to whisper but loud enough to hurt. "It's called MONALISA."
Everything in the room went quiet.
Jayden's lips parted slightly, like he needed air. "What... what did you just say?"
Donald sat down in the chair opposite Jayden, crossing his legs like he owned the room. "That's right. Monalisa. She's doing amazing with me. You ruined her. Broke her down like she was nothing. But with me?" Donald smirked. "She shines. She's finally getting everything you failed to give."
Jayden's hands balled into fists.
"You don't get to talk about her like that," he said, voice tight with fury.
"Oh, I get to," Donald leaned forward, eyes gleaming with pride. "You lost her, Jayden. I didn't steal her. You pushed her away. And now? She's the face of my empire."
Athena stood frozen beside the door, watching every second of the silent war between two men. She had seen Jayden angry before, but not like this. His chest was rising and falling faster. His jaw clenched tight.
Jayden pointed at the door. "Get out before I make you leave."
Donald stood, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeves. "I'll see you at the launch. Whether you like it or not. And hey... maybe bring some tissues. It might sting."
He winked at Athena and strolled out like a king who just won a battle.
Jayden stood there, still breathing heavily, his chest burning.
Athena turned to him, voice soft. "Sir... are you okay?"
Jayden didn't answer.
He just stared at the card Donald left on his table, the name "MONALISA" written in bold gold letters that felt like knives in his heart.
And in that moment, Jayden James Bruno knew... he wasn't done with Monalisa.
Not yet.
"That's the bastard you are to investigate. Find everything I need to know. He's too clean for my liking and I so hate him"
"Yes sir. Sir, will you be attending the launch? I guess not"
"Yes I will and you will be my date. Go do what I asked you to do"
"Yes sir, but I can't be your date"
"It's an order,! Not a request"
"Yes sir"
Athenas turned and walked out of the office.
"I'll ruin you! You bastard!!
Jayden slammed the table and leaned back, adjusting his tie.
"Calm down bro, calm down. Monalisa... we'll see soon" he smirked