Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50,: Fake Charmer

Roman’s POV

The grand ballroom opened before us like something out of a French painting.

Masks covered every face, some simple, others elaborate. A piano played soft French music in the background.

Anna’s hand tightened around mine.

She was nervous. I could feel it in the way her fingers trembled slightly, see it in how her eyes widened as she took in everything around us.

I leaned closer, keeping my voice low. “You’re the most beautiful woman in this room.”

She turned to look at me, surprise written across her face.

“Don’t shy away from it,” I continued. “Embrace it. Own it. Every eye in here will be on you tonight, and you deserve that attention.”

A small smile pulled at her lips, and I saw the confidence from earlier return to her eyes.

“I thought you didn’t want me to smile at anyone.”

My mouth curved slightly.

“I’d never try to dim your light or make you feel less than what you are, Anna. I just don’t want anyone else thinking they have permission to bask in it.”

She chuckled softly, the sound warming something deep inside me.

We moved deeper into the ballroom, her hand still in mine. My eyes swept across the space, searching for faces I recognized.

There.

Laurent Beaumont stood near the center of the room with a group of men in expensive suits. Business executives, most likely. He was talking animatedly, clearly desperate to be the center of attention.

As if he felt my gaze, his eyes found mine across the room.

Recognition flashed across his face, followed immediately by that familiar, irritating smile. He excused himself and started walking toward us.

My fingers curled tighter around Anna’s hand.

Laurent approached with the easy confidence of someone who had never heard the word no. He wore a black mask laced with gold that matched his suit perfectly.

“Blackwood,” he greeted, his smooth French accent unmistakable. “Welcome to our exquisite ball.”

I forced a polite smile.

“Laurent.”

“It’s great seeing you again, Roman.” His eyes sparkled. “Though you’re late again. Is this becoming a habit?”

“I prefer to make an entrance,” I replied. “Besides, some things are worth the wait.”

Laurent laughed, then his attention shifted to Anna. Every muscle in my body went rigid.

His gaze traveled over her slowly, from the silver mask framing her face to the neckline of her dress, the curve of her waist, the slit revealing her leg. I knew exactly what he was thinking.

“My God,” he breathed. “Absolument magnifique.”

He took her hand, holding it far longer than necessary.

“You are stunning, mademoiselle. Truly breathtaking.”

Anna blushed.

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Chapter 50: Fake Charmer

“Thank you. You look very nice as well.”

I pressed my tongue against the inside of my cheek, fighting the urge to step between themn.

Laurent gestured to a passing waiter.

“Champagne?”

We each took a glass. I did not drink mine.

Laurent turned back to Anna, his smile widening.

“I must ask, who chose this magnificent dress? It fits you like it was made for you.”

Anna’s eyes shifted to me for the briefest moment.

“Roman did.”

Laurent’s eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise crossing his face. He turned to me with amused disbelief.

“Mr. Blackwood, I didn’t know you had a knack for fashion. I thought your expertise was limited to advertising campaigns and hostile takeovers.”

finally took a slow sip of champagne, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make him uncomfortable.

“I have many talents, Beaumont. Most of which you will never be privy to.”

Laurent’s smile slipped for a fraction of a second before returning. He looked back at Anna, his eyes doing another deliberate sweep of her body.

“Well, you chose right. She looks like she stepped straight off a Paris runway.”

My grip tightened around the champagne flute. I imagined it was his neck.

“Thank you,” Anna said softly.

“Actually,” Laurent continued, leaning closer to her, “if this partnership goes through with Blackwood Advertising, we’re planning a major fashion show in New York. Spring collection. It would be the perfect opportunity for fresh faces.”

His gaze lingered on her curves.

“Have you ever considered modeling?”

Anna shook her head, her fingers fidgeting with the stem of her glass.

“No, I haven’t. I don’t think I have the body for it.”

“I don’t think you have the…” Laurent looked genuinely shocked. He set his glass down on a passing tray and turned to face her fully.

“Mademoiselle, you cannot be serious. Your body is perfection.”

He gestured vaguely toward her figure.

“These curves. This is what real women look like. Not those stick thin girls who starve themselves.”

Heat crawled up the back of my neck.

“I’ve worked with models in Milan, Paris, New York,” Laurent continued, his voice dropping into an intimate tone that made my blood boil.

“Trust me when I say you are a natural.”

“That’s very kind of you to say,” Anna murmured, her cheeks flushing.

“I’m not being kind. I’m being honest.” He moved closer, and I saw her breath hitch.

“In fact, I remember mentioning our lingerie collection at lunch. The offer still stands. You would be perfect for it. Absolutely perfect. Those pieces are designed for bodies like yours. Feminine. Sensual. Real.”

My hand curled into a fist at my side. The crystal glass in my other hand felt dangerously close to shattering. “I don’t know…” Anna began.

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Chapter 50: Fake Charmer

“Don’t dismiss it so quickly,” Laurent pressed.

“You’re wasting your potential as an assistant. No offense to Mr. Blackwood’s profession, of course, but you could be so much more. Models for our lingerie line can make six figures easily. And with your assets…”

His gaze dropped pointedly to her chest, then lower.

“You would be our top choice.”

“She’s perfectly happy where she is,” I cut in, my voice sharp.

Laurent glanced at me, that infuriating smile still in place.

“Perhaps she should speak for herself.”

“Perhaps you should remember why we’re actually here,” I shot back.

“Or is propositioning my assistant your idea of business networking?”

“Mr. Blackwood…” Anna’s voice was soft, uncertain.

“I’m simply offering her an opportunity,” Laurent said.

“One that could change her life. Surely you want what’s best for her.”

“What’s best for her is none of your concern.”

“Isn’t it?” His eyes gleamed with challenge.

“If we partner with Blackwood Advertising, Anna would be working closely with our team anyway. It would be natural for her to transition into a more visible role.”

“She already has a role.”

“As your assistant,” Laurent said dismissively.

“Scheduling meetings, taking notes. But look at her, Roman. Really look at her. Does that seem like the right fit for someone with her presence? Her beauty?”

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