Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Anna’s POV

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The dress Roman bought me was so beautiful. I had never worn anything this expensive before. The fabric, whatever it was, moved like water and hugged curves I never noticed on myself.

Earlier, when I saw my reflection, I barely recognized the woman staring back.

The shy, timid nerd I used to be was gone.

This version looked bold. Sure of herself.

But inside, my heart was racing. I felt exposed, as if everyone would see right through me.

The stares started the moment we walked through the door.

My first instinct was to shrink, unsure why they were looking. Did they think I looked good? Or could they tell I did not belong here, like this dress was just me pretending to fit into a world I had no place in?

Then Roman leaned close and whispered that I was the most beautiful woman in the room.

Heat rushed through me so fast I forgot how to breathe. His words sparked a confidence I did not know I had. They made me feel powerful, like I belonged in a place like this, beside a man like Roman, even if a part of me still believed I did not.

I lifted my chin. Straightened my spine. Let them look.

At first I thought the attention was for him. Roman always drew eyes without trying.

But when we sat down, Laurent’s gaze locked onto me and did not move.

His questions pushed too far.

His eyes followed my face every time I spoke. If I did not know better, I would swear he was flirting.

But that made no sense.

Not in a meeting like this.

Not with Roman sitting right here.

That level of boldness would almost be insane.

Yet he pushed further.

“Anna.” Laurent asked, leaning forward slightly. “What would make you feel beautiful in luxury lingerie?”

The question hit me like cold water.

My mouth went dry. Blood rushed to my cheeks.

Roman went completely still beside me. When I glanced at him, his expression was a murderous look that made Laurent’s smile widen.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Then Roman’s hand clamped down hard on my thigh. His grip was almost painful.

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15:49 Fri, Jan 23 GG.

Chapter 23

He leaned in close, his lips brushing my car. “You do not have to answer that.”

“You do not have to answer that. His tone was low, but there was heat under it he could not hide.

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That rebellious part of me, the one that had been growing stronger since I signed his contract, pushed forward.

I reached down, wrapped my fingers around his wrist, lifted his hand off my leg, and set it on the table.

Then I straightened and met Laurent’s eyes.

“Authenticity resonates with women,” I said. “We are tired of impossible standards. We want to see ourselves. Real bodies. Real lives.”

Out of the corner of my eye, Roman went still. Like he could not believe I answered. Or that I answered that boldly.

Laurent’s smile stretched wider. “Exactly. Perfectly put.”

He clapped once, impressed, as if I had revealed some rare insight.

“See. I have an eye for brilliant women. Women who understand themselves.”

He leaned in further. “Anna, I have a proposition.”

“A proposition?” I echoed, unsure what he meant. My mind jumped through possibilities, each one more confusing than the last.

“Perhaps you could attend some of our pre–production meetings he continued. “Offer that feminine perspective. I would love your input on the casting as well.”

“I…” I looked at Roman. His anger had intensified, written clearly across his face. “I am not sure that would be appropriate.”

“Why not?” Laurent raised a brow. “You clearly have excellent instincts. You understand what women want because you are one. A very intelligent one, at that.”

The compliment sent warmth through me. When was the last time someone valued my opinion like this? Treated me like I had something important to say?

“Laurent.” Roman’s voice came out low. Almost a growl. The kind of sound that sent a chill down my spine. “Anna is my assistant. She will not be participating in any pre–production meetings. Or anything else.”

Laurent’s eyes flashed with fear, and he eased back in his chair. did not mean to overstep. I simply believe it would be a great opportunity for dear Anna.”

He looked at me, his expression warm. “May I call you that?”

“No.” Roman answered before I could breathe.

“I was asking her,” Laurent replied.

“And I am telling you no.”

My cheeks burned. He was doing it again. Speaking for me. Making decisions without asking.

“She works for me,” Roman stressed each syllable. “Which means she is off–limits. To you. To everyone.”

“Off–limits,” Laurent repeated, tasting the words. “Interesting choice of phrase for an employee.”

“It means exactly what it sounds like.”

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“Does it?” Laurent’s attention returned to me. “Anna, do you feel off–limits?”

My heart hammered against my ribs. This was spiraling so fast.

Every instinct screamed at me to de–escalate.

But another part, the part that was tired of being silenced and ured of Roman’s control, wanted to push back.

Wanted to see what would happen if I did.

“…” My voice came out smaller than I wanted. “I am here in a professional capacity.”

Not yes. Not no.

Deliberately vague.

Roman’s entire body tensed. His hand fisted on the table.

Laurent’s smile widened. Like he had won something.

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“Of course,” Laurent said smoothly. “Professional. As am I.” He glanced at Roman. “I hope I have not caused any offense.”

“You know exactly what you are doing.”

Laurent’s eyebrows lifted. “Do I?”

Amusement danced in his eyes, as if this was all a game to him.

Roman stood abruptly. The chair scraped back loud enough to make me flinch.

He leaned over the table, palms flat against the dark wood. “I came here to discuss a partnership that could be beneficial to both our companies.” His voice was ice. “But it has become obvious you want something else entirely.

Before I could process what was happening, he grabbed his iPad with one hand and my wrist with the other.

He pulled me out of my seat, hard enough that I stumbled to my feet. My mind was spinning.

Suddenly I was clinging to him. His grip on my wrist was tight. Possessive.

“I am a busy man with other important matters that require my attention. So this meeting is over.”