All Chapters of Under His Command : Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

Jaxon’s POVThe conference room was filled with the quiet hum of muted voices and the rustle of papers. I had entered the room with my usual air of authority, followed closely by my personal guards. My gaze swept over the occupants, assessing their presence, before settling momentarily on Riley Matthews. He was setting up the presentation slides, his focus on the task at hand. For a fleeting moment, my chest tightened. Seeing him again after weeks of silence was harder than I expected. He looked different—freer, lighter. And yet, there was still something about him that stirred a deep, inexplicable ache inside me. I forced myself to look away, reminding myself why I had made the decision to end things. As much as I wanted to be a heartless bastard, I wasn't going to destroy the love that I had seen between Eric and Riley. It wouldn't be fair to any of them if I came in-between them just because I felt like having fun.My father, as annoying and evil as he was, had been right a

Jaxon’s POVI glanced over at the open suitcase on my bed, half-filled with meticulously folded clothes and travel essentials. Alexis stood at the foot of the bed, rolling her eyes as she refolded a shirt I had just tossed in. “Honestly, Jaxon,” she said with mock exasperation, holding up a pair of socks I’d balled together. “You run a multi-billion-dollar corporation, but you can’t pack a suitcase to save your life.” I let out a low grunt, leaning against the doorframe with my arms crossed. “I didn’t ask for your help, Alexis.” She smirked, unbothered by my tone. “No, but you need it. And you know it.” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Alexis had been one of the few constants in my life, and while her meddling could be irritating, I couldn’t deny she was right most of the time. As she folded yet another shirt with precision, she glanced up at me. “You’ve been different lately.” I stiffened, my expression hardening. “What are you talking about?” I asked, curio

Riley's POVThe plane’s wheels touched down with a slight jolt, and I couldn’t suppress the smile that stretched across my face as I looked out the window. We were finally out of the air and now in Los Angeles. The city of stars, sprawling beaches, and endless opportunities. Even though I was here for work—and under less-than-ideal circumstances—I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me. It was my first time being here and I almost couldn't control the constant smile plastered on my face.As the plane moved to the gate, I glanced over at Jaxon, seated several rows ahead in first class. His posture was rigid, and he looked as unapproachable as ever. I sighed. If there was one cloud hanging over this otherwise perfect day, it was him. After collecting my carry-on bag, I made my way off the plane and into the bustling terminal. The energy here was electric, the kind of vibrant chaos that only a city like LA could offer. Jaxon and his assistant were already waitin

Riley’s POVThe room was quiet now, a sanctuary after the turbulence of the day. I had unpacked most of my things, neatly arranging them in the drawers and closet like I always did—it gave me a sense of control, even if everything else was a chaotic mess. The view from my window was stunning. The city lights of LA sparkled against the backdrop of the night, each one a small fragment of life I wished I could explore. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with Eric’s name. I smiled, already anticipating his teasing. “Hey, Eric,” I greeted, answering the call and laying back on the bed. “Riley! Finally! I thought you’d forgotten about me,” Eric said, his tone mock-indignant. I chuckled. “How could I? You’d never let me live it down" I replied with a smile playing on my lips.The conversation flowed easily, as it always did with Eric. He wanted to know everything—how the trip was going, how the city looked, what the hotel was like. “Well,” I began, “the c

Riley's POVMy hands trembled as I shoved another shirt into my suitcase, the fabric wrinkling under the force of my frustration.Anger burned hot and heavy in my chest, my movements jerky and uncoordinated as I slammed the suitcase shut. The last couple of hours had been hell in my head and I could almost feel myself almost going crazy out of anger caused by only one man.Jaxon Steele. The arrogant, insufferable bastard. If I didn’t need this job to keep paying my rent, I would’ve punched him directly in his smug face and walked out with my head held high. Instead, here I was, packing up my things like a scolded schoolboy. The way he had talked to me was unacceptable and I hated the thought of being chased back to NYC when I should be here helping out the company the best way I know how.The sound of my phone ringing snapped me out of my storm of anger. I glanced at the screen—Eric. Perfect. I swiped to answer and brought the phone to my ear. “Hey,” I greeted, my voice sha