Chapter 102 Meeting The Storm
Chapter 102 Meeting The Storm
Evelyn
"Is this your idea of an office?" I looked at him in utter disbelief, "This is literally better than your house."
Yeah, I meant every word. Jacob's apartment was impressive no denying that. But this, this was majestic. A colossal thirty-five-story building, meticulously adorned from every nook to the carpets and even the vases.
It was a marvel of architectural brilliance and corporate elegance. An entrance adorned with sleek, brushed steel doors welcomed visitors into a foyer awash in opulent tones. Polished marble floors reflected the soft illumination cast by crystal chandeliers overhead, infusing the space with an air of refined sophistication. And those floor-to-ceiling windows? They drenched the office in natural light, offering sweeping views of the bustling city below. Past the reception area, the workspace unfurled like a perfectly orchestrated symphony-just as composed and beautiful as Jacob himself. Open- concept workstations boasted ergonomic chairs and cutting-edge desk arrangements. The air buzzed with the symphonic cadence of fingers tapping on keyboards, intermingling with the subdued hum of collaborative discussions. There were just too many employees bustling about here. "Hey, that's kind of offensive," Jacob chuckled as he pressed the lift button for the twenty-seventh floor. "I prefer my home to be simple. Offices are where you flaunt the fancy stuff to attract investors and such."
"This isn't just fancy, it's grand," I countered. "Have you seen my dad's office? It's more like a bird's nest compared to what you have here."All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
"I've seen his office; it's not that bad, just needs a bit of sprucing up. But I'm glad you liked mine," he grinned mischievously. "Wait until I show you the penthouse after we catch up on everything."
"There's nothing not to like about it. You've certainly constructed it like some wonder."
"Believe me, mine's the least fancy compared to some I've personally seen. There are businessmen who've turned their spaces into palaces, albeit with modern decor, not cluttered with sick old paintings," he slid his arm around my waist, drawing me closer. "I'm not keen on exaggeration and spending a fortune on decorations. I did what was necessary."
Was he serious? How could there be something better than this? Who could possess such wealth? I hadn't cared to find out. As long as I had my favorite snacks, especially a tub of chocolate ice cream, everything I owned was more than enough.
"It still baffles me how someone could have a better workplace than this," I sighed, shaking my head.
"Well, there are plenty. Remember the Tyler guy I mentioned?" Jacob chuckled. "That spoiled brat has an office twice the size of mine, dripping with luxury. If I were in his shoes, I'd use my wealth more wisely, maybe invest in growing my business instead of squandering it on women and frivolous things."
"Maybe that's why he can't stand you? Because he knows you'd handle his riches better than he ever could," I queried, arching my eyebrows.
"I never considered it like that," a hint of a smile played on his lips. He then cupped my face in his hands. "I didn't know you were this smart." His lips met mine, and just as swiftly, the lift doors burst open.
My eyes widened, and I hastily drew back, my cheeks fucking ablaze as I noticed a few employees waiting to board the lift.
Their expressions said it all-they had seen it. Shit!
"Good morning, sir," they greeted Jacob as they entered the lift. Unlike me, Jacob didn't display a hint of shame on his face.
He offered them a smile before draping his arm around me, and pulling me close. We stood at the back of the lift, our backs against the wall. "What the fuck are you doing?" I hissed under my breath.
He leaned in, brushing his nose against my cheek, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Loving my girlfriend, I suppose?" His voice carried without restraint, disregarding any attempt to keep it discreet.
This man...
"You don't have to do it in front of everyone," I murmured, trying to keep my voice low, aware that the nearby workers' amused smiles indicated they were catching every word.
"I can show my affection whenever I please. I don't give a damn about what anyone else thinks," he whispered into my ear, his voice lowering, his grip tightening around my waist. "And you know what? No one has the right to say a damn thing if I want to do more than show affection here. I could fuck you right now in this lift and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't mind that either."
Despite the soreness lingering down there, his words sparked an unsettling arousal. He didn't need to do much at this point; his mere breath was enough to evoke a response. I mean seriously he'd just fucking breathe and I'd be soaking wet in minutes. That's the power he held over me, and I feared that over time, that influence would only intensify.
"Yes, I... I would mind," I cleared my throat, avoiding his gaze. "Now, get your hands off of me."
"Not happening, sweetheart," he grinned, his hand sliding lower to cup my butt. I almost gasped at the unexpected move but suppressed it swiftly, unwilling to let these people catch a glimpse of what my boyfriend was up to.
"Jacob, listen-"
Abruptly, the lift doors parted.
"It seems we've arrived," he smirked, seizing my hand and guiding me out of the lift. "Folks, isn't my girlfriend stunning?" He addressed his employees before stepping out. My cheeks flamed red, and I found myself speechless at his direct question.
Was he completely out of his mind? Perhaps. But oddly enough, it didn't bother me much. It was more that I wasn't accustomed to being the center of attention.
"Absolutely stunning, sir," one of the girls giggled, whilst the others also joined her, "You've won."
"I knew I was meant to win," he chuckled, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "Alright, I won't keep you all any longer. Have a good day!" With that, he turned away, thankfully taking me along.
"What was that all about?" I demanded, my voice tense.
"What?" Jacob played the innocent card as he led the way past several rooms, the floor alive with the sounds of keyboard clatter, phone conversations, and employees discussing bids and odds. It seemed like the typical hustle and bustle of a real estate business office could sense the stress that came with managing such an empire, and I totally had no idea how he
maintained his composure amidst it
all.
"That thing you did..." Embarrassment reddened my cheeks. "Why did you have to ask them that?"
He chuckled at my question and opened the door. "Well, my girlfriend's gorgeous. What else am I supposed to do? I'm gonna show you off. Anyone in my position would do the same."
He strode into his office, and I followed, trying to protest.
"B-but-" My words trailed off as I noticed an unfamiliar face seated behind Jacob's desk. No, not just seated-claiming the space as his own.
"What are you doing here?" Jacob's voice held an edge, his jaw visibly tense at the side of that unknown man.
The man didn't respond immediately. Instead, his intense gaze locked onto me...
His piercing, dark eyes held a
sharpness that cut through the air,
his lips forming a thin line accentuating the intensity of his gaze. His impeccably styled hair. swept backward, complementing his attire a striking maroon suit against an ensemble of black, extending to his watch. Undeniably handsome, he exuded an aura that was as captivating as it was intimidating. Yet, there was an unsettling storm within him.
The way his dark eyes locked onto mine made me instinctively shrink within myself. It was as though his gaze had the power to strip away layers, teaving me feeling alarmingly exposed. It was an uncomfortable sensation, one that urged me to hide. I wanted to hide from him
already.
Who was he....?
Jacob stood before me, noticing the man's unwavering stare, his grip on my wrist tightening.
"Well, well..." The man chuckled dryly, rising slowly. His height matched Jacob's as he approached us. "Long time no see... I've been curious, how's
life been without my interference? Enjoying your comfort?"
What the hell was happening?
"What are you playing at, Tyler?" Jacob's voice was firm, his jaw clenched.
It finally clicked...
Tyler... Tyler Ricci.
Jacob's enemy. The entitled heir who believed everything belonged to him and him alone....
But, what the heck was he doing here?