2

Yvonne's POV

I found myself in an unusual state of mind, not quite fitting into the conventional mold. Kylian's assertive demeanor had stirred something within me, leading to incessant thoughts about him even after leaving the dinner table. Perhaps there had been a vivid fantasy involving him, although I refused to acknowledge it. He had a way of teasing, leaving me both intrigued and frustrated.

As if his proposal of a fake marriage wasn't enough, he added the tempting suggestion of experiencing a preview of our arrangement. It was tempting, I couldn't deny that. Yet, I resisted the urge and opted for a cold shower upon returning home. It irked me how easily he could affect me. His lack of a filter, speaking whatever crossed his mind regardless of social norms, was both infuriating and strangely alluring.

I had one final chance to break away from Kylian's influence for good. Today's meeting with my investors was crucial, and I preferred begging for their support over dealing with Kylian and his undoubtedly large size thirteens—though I quickly scolded myself for letting my thoughts stray into inappropriate territory. Dwelling on Kylian's physical attributes would only complicate matters further.

"Focus," I reminded myself as I made my way down the hallway towards the conference room, steeling myself for the impending discussion that could determine the fate of my company.

Entering the room with a smile and a facade of confidence, I was met with stern expressions that dampened my initial enthusiasm. It was clear they weren't receptive to my ideas on salvaging the company.

"Seems like you've all made your decisions," I remarked, trying to maintain composure despite the sinking feeling in my gut.

"I understand," I replied evenly, masking my disappointment as I addressed the group of investors. "I've taken your advice to heart and have already initiated discussions with a potential buyer. By the end of next week, I anticipate the paperwork to be in motion and the transition process underway. Will that suffice?" My tone was saccharine, concealing the bitter sting of their lack of faith in me.

A few hesitant nods and murmurs confirmed their tentative approval. "There are some minor details to finalize, but the buyer is eager, and I see no reason to delay. I wanted to inform you before any news reaches the public," I continued, maintaining my composed facade despite the turmoil inside.

"That's all for now," I concluded with a forced smile before exiting the room.

The rejection stung, even if I understood their perspective. It seemed inevitable that I would have to accept Kylian's offer now. The only lingering question was whether I would entertain his other proposition.

When I returned to my office, I finally mustered the courage to make the call I had been avoiding for days.

"Have you reviewed my offer?" he inquired, his tone hinting at satisfaction that irked me enough to consider hanging up.

Clearing my throat, I responded, "Yes, I have."

"And?" he prompted, prompting me to gather my thoughts and express my request firmly. "I would like to propose staying on as the CEO, retaining control over daily operations and decision-making. Your buyout would transition you into an investor role, focusing on major business decisions."

Silence stretched on the line, leaving me anxious that he might reject the entire proposal.

"Why?" When he finally broke the silence, his voice held a note of challenge. "Convince me why I should agree to that."

"Because this company is my creation, my vision turned into reality through sheer determination and hard work. Every drop of sweat, every late night, every tough decision—it all led to where we are now. I understand this business inside out, its strengths and its weaknesses. I've weathered storms and emerged stronger. I'm not perfect, but I've learned, and I'm more than capable of steering us back on course. I welcome your insights and suggestions, but when it comes down to it, this is my domain."

"Are you serious?" his incredulous interruption was met with a firm rebuttal. "Absolutely. And I won't entertain arguments about why I should step aside. Yes, there was a stumble, but the core remains solid. This company thrives with me at the helm, and I'm not ready to let go. If you genuinely want success for this venture, you'll see that keeping me onboard is the best choice."

A heavy sigh from the other end hinted at a contemplative pause, leaving me eager to gauge his response if we were face-to-face.

"I might consider it," came the cautiously optimistic reply.

"Might?" I couldn't contain my hope, my eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"Yes, might. I have an idea, a way we could make this arrangement work," he elaborated.

"What is it? I'm willing to do whatever it takes to ensure I remain in control," I admitted, a touch of desperation creeping into my voice.

"Have dinner with me tomorrow night. We can delve into the details then," he proposed, a subtle yet calculated move.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the predictable maneuver. "Fine. And I do have additional questions regarding your proposal. Where would be a convenient place for us to meet and discuss them further? The same restaurant as...” “My place.”

A surge of conflicting emotions hit me like a physical blow. My initial instinct screamed to refuse outright. Then, a rush of adrenaline made me consider the possibilities. Ultimately, I pushed both reactions aside. "Fine. Send me your address," I muttered, ending the call before I could change my mind. His laughter on the line fueled my frustration, igniting a desire to lash out physically. It was a side of me I rarely experienced, triggered only by him.

As I hung up, doubts flooded my mind. Was this just a ploy to test my boundaries, to see if I would comply with his wishes? What if our encounter didn't meet his expectations, leading him to retract the CEO offer? The thought of being used or ridiculed gnawed at me, amplifying my unease. This could all be a cruel game, a setup to manipulate me into his bed with no intention of honoring our professional agreement.

I reclined in my chair, mulling over the possibilities. Should I take the risk? The uncertainty gnawed at me, urging me to seek advice. Cynthia, with her level-headed advice, would be my sounding board. We had plans to meet for drinks later, a conversation I now anticipated with a mix of dread and necessity. But for the moment, I needed to prepare for the worst-case scenario, ensuring I had a backup plan in case walking away became my only option.