Due to her father's untimely death, Elara Harrington, 24, was named CEO of Harrington Industries. She had no idea that the business was experiencing financial problems, which led to Ashford Industries, her rival, acquiring Harrington Industries. Sebastian Ashford, the CEO of Ashford Industries a 26-year-old playboy billionaire, is a self-centered, wicked person who believes that everything revolves around him. He is left to clean up Harrington Industries' mess and baggage after his company acquired the corporation. Elara used to be the CEO of her own company, but now she is a secretary to the most selfish and egotistical billionaire. Elara eventually starts to see the true him as they become closer and barriers fall away. Will she be able to get past the billionaire's secret once his dark secret is revealed, or will the damage be too great to undo? *18+ *Includes mature content, slightly graphic scenes, and cursing*
With a sad expression on his face, my accountant told me, "I'm afraid that's the only solution."
He gave me the most shocking news of my life when we were seated in my office.
"Not at all. I yelled back, "I don't think that's the only option.
I was experiencing my worst nightmare. It seems that my father, the CEO of Harrington Industries, had been struggling financially for some time because of his gambling addiction. Although I've always known he gambles, I had no idea it was so severe that it would require the buyout of our entire business.
It would be an understatement to say that I'm embarrassed and furious. Naturally, even in his grave, my now-deceased father had to leave me to clean up his mess.
"I apologize, but this is the only approach," my accountant said, interrupting my flow of thought.
I squeezed the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes. "Who's the buyer?"
"Ashford Industries."
My eyes snapped open at once. "Over my dead fucking body."
My dad had worked so hard to build this company, and there was no way in heaven or earth that I would let our competitor buy it out.
If I let this agreement go through, all the evenings I spent at home by myself when I was younger, all the school functions dad skipped because of this blasted firm, and missing my high school and college graduations would have all been for fucking nothing.
My father and I have always been in the picture; my mother passed away after I was born.
He was not around when I spent my whole life growing this business. Even though I detest him for not being the parent I always needed and wanted, I had to make sure that I carried on my father's legacy-albeit one that was better-because I owed it to my younger self.
I'm afraid Miss Harrington, you're stuck with no other option. You will become Ashford Industries' new secretary after they buy you out. That's the best I could have done, I apologize. He said, "Your father dug a bottomless hole that even I can't get you out of," as he started arranging papers in front of me.
I slammed my fists on the desk and spat, "I would rather work at McFuckingDonalds before I work for that narcissistic bastard."
My accountant recoiled and straightened his round glasses. "The documents I placed in front of you state that you agree to Ashford Industries buying you out, and if you work with them for two years as their secretary, they will issue a loan for you to be able to build Harrington Industries back up again."
That drew my interest. "So if I work for him for two years, I'm one hundred percent guaranteed that loan?" I inquired slowly.
He gave a nod. "That's correct."
I've always struggled to swallow my pride because I'm such a self-assured and strong-willed person. However, I can tell when I've been beaten-like in this instance, for instance-when it happens.
My father's job can be completed and my company can be bought back if I work for Crap Industries for the next two years. I'm ready to endure it for the sake of my sanity, even though getting relegated to a secretary will probably be worse than breaking up. Should I turn this opportunity down and allow Harrington Industries to be acquired indefinitely, I would never be able to live with myself.
"Where do I sign?" With a defeated tone, I inquired.
With a smile, my accountant gestured to multiple lines on the paperwork that were in front of me.
"Ashford Industries expects you to report to work tomorrow at precisely 6 AM; an employee will be available to provide you with additional information. "Remain optimistic about this company; you will overcome this obstacle," he remarked softly while gathering the signed paperwork and packing it in his briefcase.
I escorted him out of my office with a tiny grin on my face and thanked him for his good remarks. I groaned and leaned my head against the door, wondering what in the world had just transpired. It still amazes me that I essentially gave up my life for the next two years.
My new world will start tomorrow, and I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't feel nervous. This will be the biggest adjustment of my life, and I've always dreaded change. Nevertheless, I'm going to keep my half of the bargain and do whatever it takes to get my company back, even if it means giving the devil my life.
--
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
To outsiders, Aileen was the adopted daughter of the Jefferson family, dismissed and scorned by all. Yet, in the underground racing world, she thrived as the dark rose, savoring the thrill and speed of night races. But her life took a new turn when Derek returned home, leading to a passionate night that diverted Aileen from the Jefferson family's path. Derek, the ruthless heir to the Jefferson legacy, tactfully steered the family's ambitions. Despite his control, he found himself captivated by Aileen-his adopted sister, business partner, and an exceptional racer-drawn to her enigmatic allure.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"