Thomas
I dressed in my silver suit, carefully choosing my jewelry. I had to look impeccable—Smith Bryan was coming. I wanted to draw more attention than any man in the room, to make sure he couldn't steal my moment.
Smith Bryan had been my worst enemy since high school. Our rivalry had only grown fiercer over the years. He was unpredictable, reckless even, and somehow always drew more attention than I did.
Once I finished dressing, I met the maid waiting for me—Rebecca, I think her name was. She quietly went about her work, cleaning and arranging things. I thought about Cali for a moment, wondering how those hoodlums had gotten involved with her. If they hadn't, she'd probably be in my hands now, attending this meeting by my side. I ground my teeth in frustration.
I walked toward the car. The heels of my shoes clicked on the floor, echoing as I moved, and I felt the urge to lash out—but restrained myself. Rebecca had cleaned my room earlier, and I couldn't bring myself to involve Miranda, my PA; she was nothing but a pawn, a distraction I didn't trust.
Cali
Bryan was likely seated in one of the office limousines already, pressing for an early start. I entered through the back, quietly closing the door behind me. I stole glances at him. He was perfect—his hair, his eyes, every detail was flawless. He looked like a demigod.
I felt my fingers fidget with anticipation as the drive to the meeting passed in tense silence. When the car stopped, the guards opened the doors, and we stepped out. Bryan emerged from the opposite side, our eyes locking instantly. I was transfixed, unable to look away.
Then someone guided us to our table. Bryan pulled out a chair for me, and I sat, followed by him taking the seat beside mine. Around us, reporters crowded, shouting questions.
"Don't try to talk," he whispered, forcing a smile that barely moved his lips. "Just smile."
I complied, plastering a smile on my face. I felt his presence intensely, almost as if he could read my thoughts. We looked anything but a couple, yet the tension was undeniable.
I noticed Winthrop Thomas, my former boss, across the room, with a pretty woman likely serving as his escort. Memories of why I had left his company surfaced, and I couldn't help but wonder what he was doing here. His gaze lifted from his glass, meeting mine for a fleeting moment.
Thomas
My eyes met the girl Smith Bryan had brought—the one I had been searching for all this time. My fists tightened around the cup in my hand, as if I could crush it. He was going to pay for taking her.
An idea struck, and I quickly called the hoodlums I had arranged to retrieve her earlier—they answered immediately. Once that was done, I returned to my seat. The meeting was about to begin, and I had to ensure she was safe before it started.
Everything seemed to revolve around him. He could command attention and popularity effortlessly, while I had to fight for the smallest acknowledgment. But I didn't care about the attention—I cared about her. I gritted my teeth, my resolve hardening.