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Chapter 15: The Engagement Party.
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-14 17:31:50
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The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 16: The Engagement Party: The Confrontation.
***********************Claire's POV********************** Liam's gaze met mine, as we came face to face. There was a flicker of surprise in his voice masked by cold calculation. Sadie stood beside him, her smile tight, there was a coldness in her in her gaze as well. Liam and I seemed to exude the tension from the years gone by_ years we had spent together. The years I had spent with him only to be discarded like a broken toy. But that was the past, tonight was about something else. "So the rumours were true then; I didn't think you would move on so quick,", Liam said as his lips curled in a tight smile. "I'd never thought you would be the one to settle for second best _ Claire." His voice was ice-crime as he turned to Mack. "Second best?" I asked as I glanced at him. "I think you're mistaken, Liam; I've always been more than enough. You're the one who settled for her." My voice was steady as I pointed at Sadie. My eyes flickered to Sadie, who gave a tight polite smile, b
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-14The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 17: After Party.
********************Claire's POV****************************The elevator dinged open, and we stepped inside, leaving behind the guests_ their halfhearted congratulations, sharp gazes and sharp whispers.I held onto my clutch tighter as the events of the day kept reoccurring in my head, especially Mack's kiss_ my heart skipped a beat at the thought of that. Mack stood on the opposite side, hands in his pocket as his gaze was fixed on me."Is there something on my face?" I asked curiously, my heart running a thousand miles as his eyes were fixed on me as if seeing through my heart _ my confused feelings."I'm just getting an eyeful." He said, still glancing at me."Now, I'm getting uncomfortable," I said. Leaning against the elevator wall."All right then, princess, I might just do what I've been thinking about since we left the party." He said as he leaned forward."And, what's that?" I asked, my heart pounding against my chest.He didn't answer; he stepped closer and pulled me close
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 18: Tangled Enmity
**********************Liam's POV***************************"Still brooding" Sadie asked, her voice laced with amusement.The clink of crystal against marble echoed in the house as I poured myself a glass of whisky, my eyes never leaving Sadie, who stood by the window staring down at the city lights below."You look like a man who just watched the love of his life, slip away from him." She said glancing at me.My jaw tightened. "You wouldn't understand," I said.My teeth clenched together."Oh, I understand perfectly." She said moving closer to my side."You let Claire go; you treated her like trash, and now she's with your brother, who, by the way, has a habit of taking what belongs to you." She said. Her tone is a mixture of anger and mockery."He doesn't love her," I said as my expression darkened."Doesn't matter at the moment." She said, taking my glass of whisky and sipping slowly."He's parading her around like a trophy. Hosting engagement party, making headlines and you... Y
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 19: Rumours and Speculations.
************************Claire's POV************************"Fake!""Gold digger""Pick a man, any man."I froze, not because I was weak, but because I didn't understand what was going on; why would reporters say that? What's their business with my life decisions?I'd just stepped outside the company, heading home, when I saw flashing cameras. At first, I thought it was another mundane tabloid day. But then came the barrage of insults. People had gathered, strangers armed with opinions and plastic potties.It was a coordinated ambush, I trembled as I tried to shield my face. The plastic potties clanged on the pavement around me, a ridiculous yet deeply wounding attack.And then, I heard a familiar voice."Enough."There he was _ Mack, he strode into the chaos, eye blazing, fits clenched. The crowd resisted. Cameras clicked faster, more feverishly now that Mack was here."If any of you throw that at her again, be ready to face multi-million charges against you." He said as he growled.
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 20: Favour For The Betrayer.
A few Days Later.**********************Claire's POV**************************The office was calm; the afternoon sun poured in through the tall window; Mack was away with Kelvin, getting their plans together to take Liam out of the company.I flipped through the files on the desk, with calculated ease.I have been going through the list of investors and their shares so far since I joined the company.The door opened as Cynthia stepped in_ my assistant."Good day, ma'am." She said as she smiled politely at me."Good day, Cynthia," I said."Miss Aliana is here to see you.""Aliana? Let her in." I said. I didn't expect her to come looking for me.The door opened. I didn't look up."Give me a second," I said, my voice calm and calculated.The clinked shut, and her heels tapped across the polished marble floor gently."Claire?" A familiar voice that I know so well, called out to me." I looked up finally.There she was, Aliana Moore. Back then, in college, people alwa
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 21: The First Impression.
***********************Aliana's POV*************************I stood outside of the big company with a smirk on my face as I tucked my designer tote perfectly under my arm.I approached the building; my heels echoed across the polished floor of the cooperate tower; each click a quick announcement: I've arrived.The interior of the office was impressive. All glass, chrome and controlled coolness. It smelled faintly of rich leather, espresso and ambition.I liked it.The receptionist barely looked up as I approached."Aliana Mo Guysore, starting today," I said smoothly as I flashed my worker's ID."Third floor, Analysis Division. Office 5C. Miss. Claire Moore will be your supervisor." She said, without looking up.Not very welcoming, I thought, but I let it slide. I knew how to charm people once they looked directly at me.The elevator doors opened again as I stepped into my new office environment, sleek desks, and busy clicks on the keyboards. Everyone moved with that driven caffeinat
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 22: The First Fall.
***********************Aliana's POV**********************By noon, I had the meeting room under control. Everything was perfectly arranged; I triple-checked everything. The desk was sleek; the numbers were solid. I added a new strategy plan I would use to impress Mack.I printed out the hard copies needed, uploaded the slides to the shared drive,e, and sent a confirmation email to the exec assistant with a proud little note."Ready to present," I said to myself.As I grabbed a coffee from the lounge, I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflective glass _ Aliana is in Control. Smart. Strategic. Beautiful. Unstoppable.The conference room was already half full when I stepped in ten minutes before the meeting. Executives, assistants and a few department heads. Mack was sitting at the head of the table, focused on his system. Mack's mother, elegant and unreadable in a pale grey suit,t sat across Mack.Liam was on the other side of the table, chatting with someone, his eyes flicked on me
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 23: The Second Fall.
*************************Aliana's POV***********************The elevator chimed softly as it reached the 28th floor.I stepped out quietly, my second day at work; I'm going to make a difference today to clear my name and impress Mack.I wore my fitted beige blouse, tucked into a designer pencil skirt, my hair sleek and styled. I held my bag tight as I forced my nerves into submission.I just found out this morning that I was moved from the Analysis sector to be a PR consultant.And Claire.She is still my supervisor.I could handle this I thought to myself.I could stay invincible, prove my worth, and eventually climb above a woman whose world I destroyed.As I approached the glass-walled conference room, I saw Claire standing at the head of the table, calmly sipping from a porcelain coffee mug. Her outfit was simple_ black tailored suit, silk ivory blouse_ but it streamed authority."Oh, Good, you made it right on time," Claire said as she looked up."Yep, I'm right on time." "Good
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-22
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The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 50: The weight of the Crown.
*********************Mack's POV**********************As I stepped inside the boardroom, the conversations hushed__ their gazes met mine. The room that was once filled with voices was now silent that I could hear their breathing.Every seat at the long table was occupied, suits crisp, jaws tight, eyes flickered toward the door behind me as if expecting someone.But the footsteps they anticipated didn't follow mine.Liam’s not here.I didn't say anything. It wasn't needed. His absence says enough already. He's a crowd for not showing up on the final day.I dropped my bag as I sat at the centre of the mahogany table."Where's Liam?" Ms.Rutherford__ the boardhead asked."He hasn't been taking his call." Jare,d one of the assistants, chipped in.For three months now, we waited for this day and now? Now he is no way to be found. He must be a coward. I wanted to see his expression when I win___ I wanted to see his arrogant face turn pale. I wanted to see how he would take it. How his mother
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 49: Press Conference
*************************Liam's POV***********************The city buzzed with the news of Sadie's death. The rumours grew louder; the whispers of suspicion were no longer confined to hushed conversations_ they were everywhere now. The media. The blogs and everyone I had come in contact with had something to say about what happened to Sadie. They'd seen the news. They knew the story_ or at least the version I made them believe.The news plastered everywhere: Mystery Death: Does Is Liam Behind the Tragic Fall?" "Murder or Suicide? "Mystery Death. Who's Hiding the Truth?" The rumours snowballed with each news article. One question dominated everyone's mind: Did Liam do it?I was in the spotlight but not in the way I wanted. It wasn't the mind of the spotlight that made me proud. It wasn't the clean press coverage I'd grown used to. No, this was the kind of spotlight that would change everything I planned. And drag me down.With the CEO election around the corner, the ting was terrible.
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 48: The visit.
************************Mack's POV*************************The news spread like wildfire. The moment it broke, it was like a tidal wave crashed over the company _ everything we've worked on. The company's reputation was at stake.I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't let everything crumble under the weight of the news. It's all over the papers, on the screen, on every broadcast, like a stain that couldn't be scrubbed out.I couldn't allow my family to be dragged down.I knocked on his door. He opened it with a sad look plastered on his face.I stepped inside without saying anything. I notuced the way he flinched at my presence. I could feel the weight of the news as it pressed down on him."You've seen the news?" I asked. My voice was flat, the tension in the air was thick enough to choke someone."Yeah, I've seen the news." He said as he tried his best to sound calm. But there's a flicker in his eyes something ___ I can't get my hands on."They said it was suicide huh?" I asked. M
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 47: Fractures.
***************************Claire's POV*********************My hands trembled against the mug of tea that burned my palms, unbothered."That's not true," I muttered."She wouldn't have done that," I said quietly again.Mack didn't glance in my direction right away. He stood by the tall window of the penthouse, his arms were folded around his body. His shoulders were tight with tension."Claire.." he said, his voice was soft and low."She wouldn't do that Mack," I said as I shook my head."You don't know her, you don't know what she can do." He said as he finally glanced in my direction."Yes__ I don't know her but Sadie doesn't come as the suicidal one.." I said as I scoffed "That woman can twist things and cause problems. She was all in the game, and you think she would jump like that? The story ain't clear." I said as my throat tightened.Mack walked towards me, slow like a wounded lion. He crouncged in front of the beside me, his hand squeezed my knee gently."They found a note."
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 46: The Quite After.
********************Liam's POV*************************There's a sound I couldn't get out of my ears. It wasn't her the sound of her Scream. It wasn't the sound of the wind as it ripped away. It was the silence after_ that awful, strange quiet where a person used to be. Where Sadie used to be.I sat at the centre of my living in the penthouse, still in my soaked socks, and my hands still trembled. The windows looked too big. The glass feels like it's looking in on me, really looking in on me, not out at the city.I need to do something. Think of something. Think fast. I'm a planner. That's what I'm good at. I change things into place until they come together, untill I win. But now?Now I just sat.My coat was in the sink. I thought I cleaned it. I forgot. There was soap all over the counter. Bubbles crusted on the edge. My hands were raw from scrubbing.God, I have lost my mind. What did I do?What did I do? I asked myself repeatedly.I didn’t mean to do that—no. No, that was a lie.
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 45: Her Dismiss.
*******************************Liam's POV******************The night air atop the rooftop was sharp and cool wind threaded through the silver hair of the city skyline. Sadie stepped onto the concrete, her heels clicked softly against the floor as the souls of her heels echoed through the concrete. The glass doors slid shut with a mechanical hum behind her as it sealed us in. I stood by the ledge, his back to her; the lights of the city below threw gold and blue patterns across my suit.She walked closer, her expensive fragrance filled the air.“You’re still up here?” she asked.I didn’t turn. “Needed air.” I said.“Funny. You never liked the cold,” she said as she smiled softly.I chuckled dryly. "Told ya. I'm a changed man." I said.“A changed man, huh?” she said as she stepped up beside me, her arms folded. “The change isn't enough.”I looked at her finally, and a flicker of annoyance crossed my face. “Is this going to be another one of your lectures?” I asked.“No,” Sadie said
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 44: The Confrontation: Mack and Liam's Edition
************************Mack's POV**********************The parking lot behind Chambers Grill was nearly empty. Save for Liam and I as we stood in the shadow of the flickering streetlamp. The cold wind cut through the silence like a blade, rustling leaves and sweeping dust across cracked asphalt.I stood on one side of the parking lot. My arms crossed over my chest, my jaw clenched. My eyes locked onto Liam like a predator. I had finally cornered my prey. Liam_ lit a cigarette with trembling fingers, but his smirk was still in place_ forced, brittle."You've got guts to lay your hands on my wife," I said. My voice was low and sharp like a razor."But, let's make this quick. I didn't come here to see your ugly face." I continued.Liam exhaled a cloud of smoke and tilted his head slightly."Relax man, I was just checking in on Claire. While you were away. Didn't know that was a crime." He said."You text her again. You call her. You even think about her_ your very existence will be ju
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 43: Unravelled.
*********************Claire's POV***************************The text from yesterday still lingered in my mind. I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in my chest, like a heavy weight I couldn't push away. "I'd shown Mack immediately I showed Liz. My hands trembled as I handed him the phone. And the look on his face...I could see his concern for me. His instincts kicked in. It was like a dark cloud on a sunny day.He held the phone for a moment. His jaw tightened. "He can't protect you?" He muttered to himself as he read the message."What the hell does this mean?" He asked."I_ I don't know. " I said. The word trembled in the air "And I don't like it. I don't even know who it's from, and I feel...I don't know...I feel like." My breath caught in my throat as the words escaped." I don't know Mack," I said.He looked at me. His eyes softened with concern. "We're going back tomorrow. We can't be running like cowards. We'll expose whoever it is." He said.That wa
The CEO’s Temptation Chapter 42: The Shadow Through the Window.
*******************Claire's POV************************The te Sion in the air was palpable, even hours after the masted intruder had slipped through the second-story window like a ghost. Security personnel swept the grounds again, barking into radios, frustration mounted on every face. Whoever it was, he'd disappeared without a trace. There were no fingerprints and no scents for the dogs. I sat at the edge of the grand staircase, wrapped in a thick robe, my eyes hollow as replaying the scene on a loop."I didn't hear him Mack," I whispered as he knelt beside me."How the hell did he get past all of them?" I asked rhetorically."I have no idea, I swear. I'm not letting this happen again." He said as he took my hand, rough, steady against my cold fingers. "He was going to take advantage of me and.....he shot at you," I said as my eyes met his for the first time in an hour."He didn't. That counts as something." He said as his jaw tightened."I'm here and you're still here. Now, I'm g
