Chapter 301
Melissa’s POV:
I walked out of the hospital feeling lighter, as if my leg had fully healed. I’d finally done something that would earn Blake’s gratitude–handling Claire, who had been nothing but trouble.
When I reached Blake’s car, the door wouldn’t open. The driver stared ahead, ignoring me. Understanding dawned on me like ice water. I stepped back and waited at the curb.
The tinted window rolled down. Blake sat inside, his expression unreadable.
“How long have you been working for me, Melissa?” His voice was dangerously quiet.
“Fourteen years, sir.”
“Your leg became like this because of me, so I won’t hold this incident against you. Send your transfer request tomorrow. You’ll be stationed at a subsidiary Your benefits and salary remain unchanged.”
My world collapsed. “I’m sorry, Mr. Wright,” I managed as the window rolled up and the car pulled away.
Once alone, I crumpled to the ground. For the first time in my career, I sobbed openly.
I had always been drawn to Blake’s power. Years ago, emboldened by alcohol, I confessed my feelings. His response was swift–three months of mandatory leave. With family depending on my income, I returned after one week, my feelings buried deep.
I witnessed his wedding to Anna, their relationship. I’d made a bet with myself that Blake would never truly fall for any woman.
Then everything changed. I saw that look in his eyes–but directed at Anna.
I had schemed against her. I had ensured Anna and Blake’s relationship would deteriorate further after last night’s incident.
And now, this result was only fair.
Anna’s POV:
A week had passed since I’d slapped Blake, and I’d been walking on eggshells ever since, waiting for retaliation that never came. Blake had simply vanished- no calls, no messages, not even a mention of our agreement.
I invited Emily and Daniel to my apartment to review the contracts Blake had signed with Blue Wave Technologies‘ former shareholders.
“I can’t find anything suspicious,” Emily said, spreading the twenty–four contracts across my coffee table. “If anything, these contracts show Blake was being tough on the other parties. You can tell these agreements took serious effort to draft.”
She looked up at me. “Anna, do you think Blake might be playing you? Maybe he just wanted to throw you off balance.”
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “What would he gain from that? It would only make me hate him more…*
“How’s Nora doing back home?” Daniel asked, changing the subject.
“Not great. I’ve decided to bring Martha with me when I go. Daniel, can you help with her passport?”
“Already working on it,‘ he replied without looking up from his laptop.
Emily squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry too much. Monica’s consulting with her senior colleague about an intervention plan for Nora.”
After they left, I sat alone on the couch, wrestling with my thoughts. My most urgent task was to address whatever “hidden dangers‘ Blake had mentioned. I couldn’t risk leaving Blue Wave vulnerable.
1/3
Chapter 301
Why would Blake sign such aggressive contracts with former shareholders? Was he burning bridges intentionally? I couldn’t believed was important to him for this to be about me–especially after seeing him with Claire.
The image of them together tormented me at night. I wasn’t over it. I wasn’t okay, I wasn’t as detached as I pretended to be.
noticed Seth waiting outside my building. He’d been there for an hour. I drew the curtains closed. I couldn’t deal with anyone else right now.
*Enough, I muttered to myself. “If I can’t figure it out by looking at papers, I’ll host a dinner party and see for myself.”
I called Daniel. “Tell everyone I want them at my dinner party. All of them.”
Two days later, I hosted the dinner at my father’s most expensive property–a hillside villa in Boston’s outskirts. The guests‘ surprised expressions as they arrived validated my choice of venue.
I wanted to make a statement: Anna Anderson had wealth and status of her own. Anyone thinking of moving against BlueWave needed to think twice.
Standing at the center of the room in a midnight blue dress, I adopted a confident, assertive persona as I discussed BlueWave’s development plans. I highlighted Daniel’s efforts and casually mentioned the current status of our twenty–four former shareholders.
My gaze locked onto Richard Thompson–Blue Wave’s former VP who had left to start his own company, taking several team members with him.
“You’ve got this,” Seth whispered from behind me. “Keep going. Don’t be afraid.”
I turned my attention directly to Richard. “Mr. Thompson, do you have questions about what I’ve said? I hope we’ll have opportunities to collaborate in the future.”
Someone in the crowd snickered. “This is hilarious. Blue Wave must really be desperate if they’re letting a woman take charge–and with the half–dead Price family as backup.”
Richard’s eyes flashed dangerously, but he was the first to applaud. “My wife’s birthday is coming up soon, Anna. The Anderson girl should join us for the celebration. My wife has been missing you terribly…”
The sound of shattering glass interrupted him.
Blake stood in an inconspicuous corner of the ballroom, casually playing with a wine bottle. “Slipped from my hand,” he said softly. “Please, continue.”
He leaned against the wall, his posture radiating danger and defiance.
Richard’s demeanor changed instantly. “Haha, just joking, Ms. Anderson. We certainly know we don’t have that privilege.”
I circulated through the room, avoiding Blake. His unexpected appearance made it impossible to gauge anyone’s true attitudes.
I escaped to the bathroom, sighing heavily. Seconds later, Blake slipped inside, locking the door.
“Anna, are you trying to create trouble for yourself?” he asked intensely. “Didn’t I tell you no one would dare move against you while I’m around?”
I laughed coldly. “Mr. Wright is truly omnipresent. You’ve perfected the art of showing up uninvited.”
“No one can stop me from going where I want,” he replied, his eyes sweeping over my body.
“There are people outside,” I warned.
Blake stepped closer. “You’re my ex–wife. What do you think people will assume?”
“If you wanted to cause me trouble, you didn’t need to come specifically today.”
“So you know I came specifically for you.”
“Let go! That hurts!” I hissed as his fingers dug into my arm. “Blake, remember this–there is nothing between us anymore.”
2/3
Chapter 301
His hand moved to my waist, finding that sensitive spot.
“Blake, what are you doing??”
He leaned closer. Someone who has nothing to do with you knows every sensitive spot on your body. If I kissed your earn right now, you’d melt the Ary
arms.
I felt desire rising, but knowing he had been with another woman made me sick with revulsion.
“Richard is a jerk,” he warned. “If I find out you went to his wife’s birthday party, I will fuck you right then and there.”
You’re an asshole–just like him!” I spat.
Blake’s POV:
I felt rage building at being compared to Richard. She’s been with other men, so why am I the one being condemned?
Without thinking, I bit down on her earlobe. Anna bit her lip, suppressing her reaction.
Then her hand connected with my cheek in a stinging slap before she stormed out.
I didn’t try to stop her. Anna… now that she’s hit me, she can’t complain about me anymore…
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