s boardroom was thick eno

ixture of anticipation and ap

crowd. He was about to present the quarterly earnings report, a crucial moment for the company, and his standing. Bu

, to... he wasn't sure what. But he knew he couldn't wait any longer. He felt a pull towards her, a magnetism he couldn'

a major shareholder, and Ruella, as his newly appointed heiress, would undoubtedly attend. He imagined her walking in, her presence commanding the room, her

n, she

adn't seen before. He was tall and well-built, with a quiet confidence that radiated from him. He carried himself with an air of familiarity towards Ruella, a protectiveness that made Oliver's jaw cle

he chair next to hers. "This is Tommy," she announced, her gaze briefly meeting Oliver's. "My assistant." The way she intr

cker of jealousy igniting within him. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between them, something th

umbled over his words a few times, a rare occurrence that didn't go unnoticed by the shareholders. He was distracted, his mind consumed by thought

r voice smooth and cutting. "The quarterly report shows a slight dip in profits. Can you explain this?" Her question wa

deliberate attack. "The dip is temporary," he replied, his voice tight. "We've invested

tment will pay off?" Ruella pressed, her eyes challenging him. She

assure you, Ms. Ventura," he said, his voice cold. "I am c

r. Mitchell," she said. "But results are what truly matters." Her wo

e shareholders watched their faces a mixture of intrigue and concern. They se

ella, determined to speak to her privately. "Ruel

sion cool and indifferent. "Abou

"About us." He reached out to to

o 'us,' Mr. Mitchell," she said,

we had something." He felt a desperate nee

r. "A mistake that I won't repeat." She was rejecting him again, just

thinking. "I... I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I was wrong about

a lot of things, Mr. Mitchell," she said. "And

en them. "Ms. Ventura is busy, Mr. Mitchell," he said, his voice polite b

lousy flaring. "Who are you to

ommy replied, his gaze unwaverin

e asked. "From me?" He felt a surge of ang

mply stood there, his pre

. But this man, this... assistant, was blocking him. He felt a wave of anger wash over him. He had been used to getting what he

sn't over, Ruella. I'm not going to give up." He wouldn't let

lways be the same, the gentle woman he had known. But she had changed. She was stronger now, more powerful. And she had someone to protect her. The realization was a bitter pill to

to see Ruella watching him, her eyes cold and calculating. She gave him a small, almost i