All Chapters of The CEO’s Unlikely Fiancée : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Chapter 11LyraEthan and Clarissa's return to Lennox was nothing short of a spectacle. When I first spotted them walking through the office, I felt a surge of emotions—anger, annoyance, and a pinch of disbelief. Ethan looked sharp as always, his tailored suit pristine, but his demeanor screamed anything but confidence. His eyes landed on me across the office floor, and the expression that crossed his face was a mix of shock and something much darker.Clarissa wasn’t much better. She clung to his arm like a lifeline, her face pale and tight-lipped. It didn’t take long to hear the whispers floating around—Clarissa had been demoted. She was still employed, but her position had taken a significant hit. As for Ethan, his face said everything: he blamed me.The moment his eyes locked on mine, they burned with fury, resentment, and something venomous. I met his gaze for a fraction of a second before turning away, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing any reaction. He deserved it.

Chapter 13LyraThe sender: Roman Lennox.The subject line: Follow-Up: Report on Performance Metrics.Instantly, my stomach flipped. I set my plate aside and grabbed my laptop. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the email.From: Roman LennoxTo: Lyra WintersSubject: Follow-Up: Report on Performance MetricsMs. Winters,I reviewed the preliminary figures you submitted last week. However, I noticed the latest data isn’t included in the report. Could you provide me with the updated performance metrics for the East Coast operations? I’d like to review it before tomorrow morning’s meeting.Kindly ensure the file is sent promptly.Regards,Roman LennoxI groaned, pulling up my work folder. The file was already saved and ready to go, which was a relief. I quickly typed out a response.From: Lyra WintersTo: Roman LennoxSubject: Re: Follow-Up: Report on Performance MetricsDear Mr. Lennox,Thank you for your email. I’ve attached the latest performance metrics file for your review. Ple

Chapter 15LyraI felt the heat rise in my cheeks but kept my composure. “I’m well aware of that, Mr. Montgomery,” I said sharply. “But a solid reputation in the healthcare sector translates to long-term profitability. Patients don’t walk into hospitals because of flashy ads; they come because they trust the name on the building.”Ethan scoffed. “And what’s your plan for earning that trust? A bake sale?”The room grew tense, the air practically crackling. Roman, who had been silent thus far, watched the exchange with a piercing gaze.“I’d suggest you counter my proposal instead of resorting to cheap shots,” I fired back, my tone calm but cutting. “Unless you don’t have one?”Ethan bristled, flipping open his folder and presenting a proposal riddled with overly optimistic projections. “This plan ensures quicker returns by focusing on urban centers with higher insurance coverage. It’s straightforward and avoids unnecessary expenditure on outreach.”I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing as

Chapter 17LyraIf I had known that staying late for dinner at Roman’s place would snowball into whispers of a scandal, I would’ve bolted out of there the moment Anthony made his "emergency" exit. Curse my love for tiramisu. Curse Ethan Montgomery. And most of all, curse my naivety for thinking that people around here didn’t thrive on drama like caffeine.I shifted in my seat, clutching my coffee cup like it was a lifeline, my unease growing as snippets of whispered conversations reached me.“...stayed at his place late...”“...wonder what really happened...”“Did you see her leave? It was almost midnight...”“...Mr. Lennox and her? I mean, he’s out of her league, but still…”The murmurs swirled around like a storm cloud, building up pressure in my chest. I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus on the spreadsheet on my screen. Numbers, not rumors. Numbers were safe. Rational. They wouldn’t stab you in the back or whisper your name with raised eyebrows.But it was impossible to

Chapter 19LyraSunday night rolled in, and with it, my plan to kill the rumors before they killed me. I stood in front of my mirror, surveying my reflection. My dress—a red, body-hugging number with a plunging neckline and a slit up the side—was borderline scandalous. I paired it with strappy heels and bold makeup, my lips painted a daring crimson to match. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.The judgmental gazes started the moment I met the girls outside the club. They didn’t say anything outright, but the sidelong glances and tight smiles spoke volumes.“So,” one of them, Monica, said as we entered, her tone dripping with false cheer. “You’re really joining us, huh?”“Why not?” I said, keeping my voice light. “A night out sounds like just what I need.”We made our way inside, the bass-heavy music vibrating through the walls. The club was packed, the air thick with perfume, sweat, and the tang of alcohol. The girls stuck close together, but I could feel their eyes