Chapter 142
Chapter 142
Christiana’s POV.
I stared at him for what felt like an eternity, words slipping through my mind without sticking. Daniel stood tall, his presence radiating confidence, yet his gaze held an intensity that unsettled me. It wasn’t the room that felt suffocating–it was him.
“Why so silent?” he finally asked, his voice smooth, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I blinked, snapping myself out of the haze. Clearing my throat, sat up straighter in my chair, clasping my hands together to steady them. “I’m just… surprised. You’re the owner of Nexus Innovations?”
His laugh was soft, genuine, and entirely too disarming. “No, Christiana, I didn’t lie to you. This all just happened… quickly.”
Quickly? He made it sound so effortless, as if becoming the owner of one of the fastest–growing companies in the world was something one stumbled into. His dark eyes, filled with warmth and affection, lingered on me, and I had to look away.
“Well,” I said, forcing my tone into something businesslike, “why are you here, Daniel? My company deals in jewelry and accessories. What could Nexus Innovations possibly want with us?”
His smile widened, and he leaned forward slightly, placing his palms on the edge of my desk. “Innovation isn’t just about technology, Christiana. It’s about finding beauty in new ways, enhancing experiences, and bringing something fresh to the market. Nexus wants to partner with companies that are already established in their niches, creating products that merge elegance and technology. Think of it–smart jewelry, pieces that are not only beautiful but functional. Imagine a necklace that could track your health or a ring that could make payments with a simple tap.” NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.
I was stunned. “That… sounds incredible,” I admitted, the businesswoman in me already considering the possibilities.
His smile deepened, and for a moment, I hated how good he looked doing it. “I knew you’d think so. Christiana, your company is the perfect partner for this vision. You have the reputation, the market, and the expertise to make it happen.”
I nodded slowly, but in the back of my mind, alarms were blaring. I couldn’t allow myself to get too comfortable, not after what had happened the last time. Daniel had already caused enough disruption in my life. I wasn’t about to let history repeat itself.
“So, how’s your grandmother?” I asked, steering the conversation into safer waters. “And your brothers?”
His expression softened, the affection in his eyes almost overwhelming. “They’re doing well. Better than they’ve ever been, thanks to you.”
I shook my head. “It was nothing, Daniel. You’ve helped me before–it was only fair to return the favor.”
He chuckled, his gaze unwavering. “You didn’t just help me, Christiana. You gave me my life back.”
His words were heavy, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt. I wasn’t prepared to bear the weight of his gratitude. “I’m glad I could help,” I said quietly, avoiding his gaze.
He was about to say something else when my phone buzzed on the desk, its screen lighting up with Alex’s name. My heart dropped.
This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all.
“I need to take this,” I said quickly, gesturing for Daniel to wait. Picking up the phone, I pressed it to my ear. “Hey,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.
“Hey, angel,” Alex’s deep voice came through, warm and familiar. “Just checking in. How’s your day going?”
III
O
14:34 Wed, Nov 27 B.
Chapter 142
62%
I glanced at Daniel, who had stiffened at the sound of Alex’s voice. His jaw tightened, though he quickly masked it with a neutral expressión. “It’s fine,” I said, forcing a light laugh. “Didn’t you just call me?”
Alex chuckled. “Maybe. I just couldn’t help myself. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”
Heat rose to my cheeks, and I turned slightly, shielding my face from Daniel’s view. “Me too,” I murmured, smiling despite myself.
“I love you,” Alex said, his voice soft yet firm, sending a familiar warmth coursing through me.
“I love you too,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper..
When the call ended, I placed the phone back on the desk, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
Daniel’s mask of a smile returned, but there was a hardness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. “He loves you,” he said lightly, though his tone didn’t match his words.
“Yes,” I replied cautiously, watching him carefully.
His smile didn’t waver, but something in the air shifted, and for the first time since he walked in, I felt genuinely worried.
Daniel leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing with a curiosity that made my skin prickle. “So,” he began, his tone casual but pointed, “Alex is doing well?”
I blinked, the question catching me off guard. My throat tightened, and I hurriedly diverted the topic, not wanting to linger on anything Alex–related. “Your proposal,” I said, sitting straighter and clasping my hands in front of me. “It’s… intriguing. But I can’t make a decision right away. I’ll need time to think about it.”
Daniel’s smile faltered, his calm demeanor slipping just enough to show his frustration. “Why?” he asked, his voice soft but with an edge that cut through the room. “Is it because of Alex?”
His words landed like a stone in my chest. I could feel the tension between us as I held his gaze, refusing to let him see the truth. He was right…it was because of Alex. The last thing I wanted was for this to blow up into something bigger, something/
messier.
But I couldn’t admit that, so I simply shook my head and forced a neutral tone. “It’s a big decision, Daniel. I can’t just dive into something like this without careful thought.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he stood from his chair, his movements deliberate and smooth, and began walking toward me. His presence was magnetic, and despite every effort to remain unaffected, I found myself shrinking back slightly as he approached.
“Christiana,” he said softly, his voice holding a gravity that made my heart race, “don’t turn me down. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.”
I blinked, confusion spreading across my face. “What do you mean by that?”
His lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile, but he didn’t answer. “You’ll figure it out someday,” he said, stepping back. “But for now, I’ll leave you to think about it.”
Before I could respond, he gave me one last smile, turned, and headed for the door. The soft click of the door closing behind him should have been a relief, but my shoulders remained tense, my mind racing.
And just as I was about to release the breath I’d been holding, the doors flew open again.
Ma’am!” Grace’s cheery voice rang out as she entered, followed by several employees, all carrying bouquets of flowers. My desk was quickly drowning in roses, lilies, daisies….every flower imaginable.
I shot to my feet, my stomach dropping as the employees arranged the bouquets around the room. “What is this?” I asked,
Wed, Nov
my voice sharper than intended.
Grace grinned, holding up a small card. “It’s from Mr. B. He said these are for you.”
My heart sank further. Of course, Daniel. I stared at the overwhelming display, my unease growing with every passing second. The flowers weren’t just excessive–they were a statement. A loud, glaring, unavoidable statement.
“Take them out,” I blurted, my voice high–pitched.
Grace tilted her head, confused. “But ma’am, they’re beautiful…”
“I’m allergic,” I cut in, already feeling the tickle in my nose.
The first sneeze erupted before I could get another word out, shaking my entire frame. Then another. And another.
62%
“Get them out!” I managed to gasp between sneezes, my eyes watering as my employees scrambled to gather the offending bouquets.
Grace looked horrified, fumbling with the nearest arrangement as my sneezes continued to echo through the room. “I’m so sorry, ma’am! I didn’t know…”
How would she know? During our three years together as boss and personal assistant, I hadn’t entertained any man, so, there were no flowers. Definitely not all kinds literally shoved in my face.
“Just…out!” I waved my hand wildly, feeling like my lungs were about to implode.
The door finally closed again, leaving me alone in a flower–free room, my face flushed and my chest heaving from th
e sneezing fit. I sank back into my chair, letting out a weak groan.
This wasn’t good. Not good at all.
B