Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Roman’s POV

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We stepped into the restaurant together. It was designed for elite business meetings, the kind of place where deals worth millions were made. Classical music played softly in the background.

I spotted some top business executives scattered throughout the room. But I noticed something different. Their eyes were not focused on me as they usually were. They were focused on Anna.

She was nervous. I could sense her insecurities radiating off her waves.

I knew exactly what kind of men these were. Always wanting to prey on whoever they perceived to be innocent.

I leaned down, whispering close to her ear.

“Don’t be nervous. They will pounce the moment they sense weakness. You are the most beautiful woman in this room. Own it.

She paused, shock crossing her face as if she could not believe I had reassured her. She looked at me, her eyes softening a little before a genuine smile appeared.

“Thank you.

To my surprise, she relaxed. Her shoulders dropped. Her breathing steadied.

A hostess approached us, young and wearing a charming smile.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she breathed, looking at me with awe. “Welcome. Mr. Zetrov and Mr. Beaumont are already seated. Right this way.

I nodded and checked my watch. We were late. That almost never happened.

She led us through the restaurant to a reserved table in the corner.

Dimitri stood the second he saw me. His face lit up and he pulled me into a quick hug. He was one of the few people on earth I allowed to touch me like that. We had known each other long enough to be more brothers than friends.

“Roman. It has been a minute. And look at you, still looking like you have not slept in weeks.”

Despite everything, a smile tugged at my mouth.

“That is what happens when you are the best.”

“Always so modest.” Dimitri laughed and clapped my shoulder. “How is the empire? Still crushing everyone?”

“Always. And you? Still charming your way through Europe?”

“Someone has to.” He laughed again. “It is good to see you, my friend.”

“You too.”

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Then his expression shifted to the man next to him. He was dressed in a Tom Ford suit and looked like he was in his early thirties. His grin was cocky.

I recognized him immediately. Laurent Beaumont Jr.

For a second, I was speechless, wondering why his father was not here. Maison Beaumont was the titan of their dynasty, the

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man I expected to face in a meeting of this level. Sending his son felt off. Almost disrespectful. It settled in my chest like a bitter aftertaste, as if they were testing me, or worse, underestimating me.

But I would have to go along with it.

Then Laurent saw Anna. Ilis expression changed instantly. His smile widened into a smug charm I hated on sight. His eyes traveled down her body with a hunger he did not bother to hide

Anger hit hard. My hands curled at my sides as I held myself still

“I heard you never show up late to a meeting” Laurent offered his hand. “I guess there is a first time for everything.”

I stepped forward and blocked his view of Anna. I shook his hand, letting my grip run firmer than necessary before releasing

him

I apologize. I was held up by another meeting.”

“It is all good.” Dimitri placed a hand on Laurent’s shoulder. “You are the best in the business. I already told Laurent your company is exactly what Maison Beaumont needs.”

Laurent nodded. “That is what I heard. And I hope I will not be disappointed.”

“We are the best in the business,” I answered.

Then I added. “I also thought I was meeting with your father.”

Laurent’s smile held, but there was a tiny shift beneath it. “Mr. Blackwood, my father sends his apologies. He had an emergency in Milan.” He adjusted his suit, then extended his hand again. “Let me officially introduce myself. Laurent Beaumont, Executive Vice President of Maison Beaumont.”

“Roman Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Advertising.” I did not shake his hand a second time. “And no prior notice was given that your father would not be coming.”

His smile thinned. “It was unexpected. But I have full authority to negotiate on behalf of Maison Beaumont and you will not be disappointed.”

I stepped aside and gestured toward Anna. “Meet my executive assistant, Anna Winters.”

“Mademoiselle…” Laurent lowered his voice as he extended his hand, studying her like she was a rare piece of art. “You are absolutely enchantee.”

Her cheeks warmed as he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. His eyes stayed on her the entire time, as if everyone else had vanished.

My vision went red for a moment. Heat pressed behind my eyes. I wanted to rip his hand off her.

But this was a quarter–million–dollar deal.

So I forced myself to breathe.

Laurent finally let go of her hand.

I cleared my throat. “Shall we sit?”

Laurent nodded, though his eyes stayed on Anna. “Yes. Let us.”

I pulled out her chair. She sat quickly, still tense. I placed my hand on her shoulder with a gentle press to ease her worry. I let go only when I felt her loosen.

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I took the seat beside her, close enough that my thigh brushed hers. I did not move.

Laurent sat across from us, next to Dimitri.

Then he leaned forward with an apologetic smile that had nothing genuine behind it.

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Dimitri. would you mind if we switched seats? I prefer to sit across from Mr. Blackwood. Better angle for conversation.”

Lexhaled slowly. I knew exactly what he was doing. Conversation had nothing to do with it. He wanted to sit closer to Anna.

Dimitri glanced at me, unsure.

I kept my face neutral, but inside. I was fuming.

“Of course. Dimitri stood.

They switched seats.

Now Laurent sat directly across from Anna. He leaned forward. Rested his elbows on the table. Stared at her in a way that left nothing to the imagination.

Fuck.

Several waiters arrived at once. Napkins, orders, wine poured into crystal glasses, bread and butter set down. Then they stepped away.

Laurent lifted his glass. “I took the liberty of ordering a bottle of Chateau Margaux while we waited.” He stretched the word Margaux as if he wanted to charm the whole table. “I hope you do not mind.”

His eyes never left Anna.

My tone came out dry. “How proactive.

“So. Mademoiselle Winters.” His accent rolled over every word.

I clenched my teeth. That tone. That accent. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“How long have you been working for Mr. Blackwood?”

Anna glanced at me, then at him. “Not long. Just recently.”

“Ah. Then you are still learning the business?”

“I am learning quickly.”

Laurent’s smile widened. “I am sure you are. A woman like you? I imagine you are very capable.”

The way he said it made my blood boil. Heat spread through my chest. My fingers drummed against my thigh.

The waiters returned with our dishes. Exquisite plates, steak au poivre, truffle risotto, everything arranged perfectly.

I barely looked at mine. Food was the last thing on my mind.

I leaned forward. “Laurent. Shall we discuss the campaign?”

He pushed his plate aside. He finally looked at me. “Of course.”

I pulled out my iPad and opened the mock–ups.

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“Billboard campaigns in Times Square, Digital ads across every major platform. Sponsorships for Fashion Week in New York, London, Paris, Milan. Celebrity endorsements. Influencer partnerships. We make your brand synonymous with luxury- worldwide.”

Laurent nodded, though he barely looked at the screen.

“Very impressive, Mr. Blackwood, But tell me…” His eyes slid right back to Anna. “What does Mademoiselle Winters think? Women are our primary consumers.”

Anna shifted. “I think it is a comprehensive approach.

“But does it appeal to you?” Laurent pressed. “Would it make you want to buy from Maison Beaumont?”

“I think so.”

“What specifically would draw you in?”

She bit her lip. She always did that when she was nervous.

“The uniqueness of the designs, the luxury, and the confidence they inspire.”

Laurent leaned closer, his eyes locked on hers. “Exactly. You understand. Women want to feel special. Desired. Do you not agree?”

“Laurent.” Dimitri said smoothly, “perhaps we should focus on logistics. Roman’s company has an incredible track record.”

“I am sure they do,” Laurent said, still staring at Anna. “But I want to understand the female perspective. We are launching a new line. Something more intimate.”

Of course. Intimate. Naturally.

“Intimate?” Anna’s voice was unsure.

“Yes. Luxury lingerie. High–end. Exclusive. It requires a delicate touch in marketing.”

Anna’s face went pale, then red.

“Lingerie is marketed the same as any luxury product.” My voice came out rough. “Aspiration. Desire. Empowerment.”

“True.” Laurent finally looked at me. “But it is also personal. Sensual. It requires understanding what makes a woman feel beautiful. Confident.” He turned back to Anna. “What do you think, Mademoiselle Winters?”

Anna’s hand paused on her glass. Her discomfort was written all over her.

My hand gripped the table to keep myself still.

He was not here for business. He was here to flirt with Anna, using this meeting to get close to her. And I could not do anything without risking the deal.