Tempted by My Boss Book 2
Autorzy
Tania Shava
Lektury
126K
Rozdziały
17
Hailey, a successful chairperson of AH Corporations, finds herself entangled in a complex web of past and present relationships. As she navigates high-stakes business events and intimate dinners, her unresolved feelings for Valerian, a significant figure from her past, clash with her growing affection for Alex, her current companion. Torn between two loves, Hailey must confront her fears and desires to find clarity and peace in her tumultuous life.
Chapter 1
HAILEY
Hailey was seated at her desk in the office. She glanced at her nameplate and a smile spread across her face. Seeing her name on the door always filled her with a sense of warmth.
Sometimes, she found it hard to believe that she had her own spacious, well-appointed office.
Even after a year, the novelty hadn’t worn off. The same sense of pride and joy still bubbled up within her.
The same joy she experienced when her team greeted her with respect—when some of them expressed their aspiration to achieve the level of success she had.
Every day, she woke up with a clear goal in mind. It felt like a dream until her chauffeur arrived and held the car door open for her. She would slide into the backseat and spend the entire ride gazing out the window.
Occasionally, she would stare at her own signature, amazed at the weight it carried. Amazed that it was required for such significant transactions.
Her achievements over the past year seemed to multiply. She was grateful that she had taken the risk and built something for herself, otherwise, she might be in a very different place right now.
Perhaps she would be filled with regret for passing up the opportunity.
She let out a sigh of relief. She wouldn’t have to live with the burden of “what ifs” for the rest of her life. She was young and had made the best decision for herself.
People often asked her if she had any regrets. Her answer was always the same: she didn’t have any.
In life, you only get one shot. She had taken hers and hadn’t let it slip away.
She understood that to get somewhere in life, you had to make sacrifices. Giving up something was a small price to pay for a more secure future. She knew this, and there was no turning back.
Her ambitions were never compromised. By now, she had learned to always look ahead, anticipating the bigger and better things that were yet to come.
She was the chairperson of a company she had helped build from the ground up.
She couldn’t help but grin at the rapid growth of AH Corporations. She was young and successful.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Bethel entered the room. “Ma’am, a major media outlet wants to interview you about your success.”
“I’ve told you before, I don’t do interviews.”
“But why? This is a big opportunity.”
“No buts. Tell them no.”
Bethel exited the room without another word. The one thing Hailey wanted to avoid was now resurfacing. She declined interviews because she didn’t want to be discovered by a certain someone. She wasn’t ready to face them after all this time.
She pushed the thoughts aside and returned to her work. She knew she couldn’t afford to daydream; this job was demanding from the start. But it felt rewarding.
Bethel reentered her office. “Did you pick out a dress for tonight?”
“Tonight? What’s happening?”
“It’s the Lecrow auction for the super wealthy. It’s a great place to find potential clients.”
“Can’t you go in my place, Bethel?”
“I’m afraid I can’t.”
“Where am I supposed to find a dress on such short notice?”
“Luckily for you, you have a thoughtful and dependable secretary.”
“I owe you one, Bethel.”
“Don’t forget it.”
Bethel left and returned a few minutes later with a long bag.
“Here you go. Go get changed.” She handed Hailey the bag.
“Alright.”
Hailey stood up and hurried to the restroom. She quickly changed out of her work attire and into the gown from the bag.
She had to admit, Bethel had done an excellent job. She slipped into the gown and let her hair down.
She touched up her makeup slightly, and once she was satisfied with her appearance, she left the office.
“Well, don’t you look stunning.”
“Wait, what are you doing here?”
“I’m your date for tonight.”
***
HAILEY
Hailey spun around to find Alex holding out a corsage for her.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said.
“I wanted to, Hailey.” He gently placed it on her wrist.
“Thank you so much for this.”
Alex was standing there, looking dashing in his suit. His blond hair was neatly combed back, and his green eyes sparkled with life.
“Thank you, my lady,” he said.
A chuckle escaped her lips as she realized how close she and Alex had become. He was always there for her, comforting her in her low moments, and they had created countless memories together.
“I think this is our first official date,” Alex stated.
She stared at him, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Remember when I asked you out? You said you needed a year to sort yourself out, and if we were still together, we’d have our first date.”
She was surprised he remembered that. “I did say that, didn’t I?”
She recalled telling Alex she needed a year to get her life in order, and then she’d consider dating him.
Alex had respected her wishes. He never once pressured her, which was one of the things she admired about him. He never tried to change her mind.
Now, a year later, she felt different, having achieved more than she had initially planned.
“Yes, you did.” Alex extended his arm to her, and she took it. “By the way, you look stunning, Hailey.”
“Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself.”
They walked to the car, and he opened the door for her. She slid into the car, and Alex joined her. She loved watching the city lights as they drove.
They drove for quite a while, and she began to wonder how far away their destination was.
After about an hour and fifteen minutes, they seemed to have arrived. She read the large sign at the entrance: LECROW.
The place was magnificent. She stared at it in awe.
Cars and people were constantly coming and going. She knew this was her moment to shine.
Alex exited the car and offered his hand to help her out. She accepted it and stepped out of the car. She linked her arm with Alex’s, and they walked inside.
The place was enormous, with diamond chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Once they were inside, a host led them to their seats. Hailey picked up a glass of champagne and took a sip. Soon, the place was filled with affluent people, all ready for the auction.
As the auction started, she kept an eye out for potential clients. She made a mental note of the people who made the highest bids. There were paintings, heirlooms, and vintage items up for auction.
After two hours of bidding, she had a list of potential clients to approach.
Once the bidding was over, everyone was encouraged to mingle and discuss the auction items.
She and Alex seized this opportunity to network with clients. They made a great impression as they handed out their business cards, complimented clients, and explained why they were the best choice.
When they were done, they decided to call it a night.
Hailey and Alex left the building and walked down the stairs to the parking lot to wait for their car. She shivered slightly, and Alex took off his blazer and draped it over her shoulders.
“Thank you.” She slipped her arms into the jacket, enjoying the scent of his cologne.
“You’re welcome.” Alex wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His body warmth was comforting.
She noticed their car pulling up and stopping in front of them.
“Hailey?” a voice called out.
She turned slightly and was surprised to see Colhane. He was standing with a group of men, and she had a feeling there was someone among them she wanted to avoid.
She didn’t look at the others and quickly turned back around.
Why did he have to recognize her and draw attention to her? She could sense that the men had stopped talking. Were they all staring at her?
Fortunately, they were up the stairs, and she could make a quick exit.
She hurried into the car. Alex followed, and they drove off.
But someone was left behind, watching her as she left.
