Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70: A Small Act of Rebellion

Anna’s POV

Maison rose to his feet, raising both hands and stopping Roman from finishing what we all knew he was about to say.

“Roman, let’s all calm down.” He turned to his son, his expression stern. “I apologize about Laurent’s demand.” Then he faced Laurent directly. “If we’re being honest, Laurent, that’s an unreasonable request.”

He faced Roman again. “My son here will take whatever office Roman assigns him, and he’ll be grateful for it. This is his company, not yours.”

Laurent opened his mouth to argue, but Maison held up a hand. “I said enough. We’re here to finalize a business partnership, not engage in territorial disputes. Now sign the contract so we can move forward like professionals.”

Roman’s expression shifted into an almost smug grin as he sat back down. “I appreciate your reasonableness, Maison. It’s refreshing to work with someone who understands professionalism.”

His eyes cut to Laurent. “Thank you for talking some sense into your boy.”

Laurent looked like he wanted to throw the pen across the room, but even he wasn’t foolish enough to go against his father in front of everyone.

He picked up the pen and signed, the scratch of ink against paper unnaturally loud.

My mind was racing. Roman had been ready to end a deal worth millions of dollars just because Laurent wanted to get close to me. Millions. He’d been protective, possessive even, willing to throw everything away to keep Laurent at a distance.

Yet he still wouldn’t tell me how he felt. Wouldn’t cross that line. Wouldn’t give me the one thing I actually wanted, him.

“There,” Laurent sneered, sliding the contract back across the table. “Done.”

He waved a hand at Michelle, who came over, collected the contracts, and handed them to the legal team.

Roman leaned back in his chair, his expression condescending. “See? That wasn’t so hard. Next time, try acting right from the start.”

11

Laurent’s fingers tightened around the armrest of his chair, but before he could respond, Maison cut in. Excellent. This has been a productive meeting. I look forward to a long and successful partnership, Roman.”

Roman stood, wearing a forced grin as he extended his hand. “Likewise.”

They shook, the gesture professional despite everything that had just transpired.

Maison turned to the room. “Thank you, everyone, for your time and hard work. We appreciate everything you’ ve done to make this happen.”

Roman nodded. “Thank you, team. You’re all dismissed. We’ll reconvene later this week.”

The room began to clear, people gathering their things and filing out as quickly as they could. After witnessing that drama, I had no doubt why they were in such a hurry to leave. I could already imagine the whispers that would start the moment they reached the hallway.

Did you see the way Laurent looked at Anna?

Did you hear Roman threaten to end the whole deal?

The last thing I needed was to be the subject of office gossip. Again.

Michelle caught my eye and smiled before heading for the door.

I started to gather my own things, ready to escape before this situation got any worse.

But just as I moved to stand, Maison placed a hand on Roman’s shelder.

Successfully unlocked!

1/4

Chapter 70 A Small Act of Rebellion

“Roman, could I have a word with you? Privately?”

Roman hesitated, his eyes shifting to me. “Don’t leave. We need to talk.”

Then he turned back to Maison. “Of course.”

They moved toward the far corner of the room, their heads bent together in conversation. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but from the way Maison gestured and Roman nodded, it looked serious.

I was alone. Well, not quite.

Laurent was still here, and he was looking right at me.

My pulse quickened as he stood from his seat and made his way around the table.

He stopped in front of me, then casually sat on the edge of the desk, close enough that I had to tilt my head up to meet his eyes.

“So,” he drawled. “Are you sure you’re alright, Anna? You seemed a bit flustered earlier.”

I couldn’t exactly tell him it was Roman’s presence that had me rattled, or the way he’d looked at me like he wanted to either kiss me or fire me. Or both.

I swallowed. “I’m fine. Really.”

“Good.” His eyes roamed over me, taking in the makeup, the dress, the heels. “You look absolutely stunning, by the way. I don’t think I emphasized it enough earlier. That dress, it’s perfect on you.”

Heat crept up my neck. “Thank you.”

“Have you thought about what we discussed?” he asked, his tone casual but his eyes intent. “About me taking you out to lunch? Or dinner?”

My mind spun. When Zoe had helped me plan this whole revenge scheme, it had seemed so simple. Make Roman jealous. Make him see what he’s losing. But sitting here under Laurent’s gaze, with Roman just across the room, it felt so much harder than I’d imagined..

“I… I don’t know,” I said softly.

Laurent leaned in slightly, his smile gentle. “You don’t have to decide right now. But I’d really like to spend more time with you, Anna. Outside of all this.”

He gestured vaguely at the boardroom. “A friend of mine is throwing a birthday party at a club this weekend. It might not be your scene, but I think you’d have fun. Would you consider coming? As my date?”

I opened my mouth, the automatic refusal on the tip of my tongue.

Then I glanced over and met Roman’s gaze. His conversation with Maison had clearly paused because his eyes were locked on me, dark and furious.

Good. I needed to show Roman that I wasn’t just going to sit around waiting for him to figure out what he wanted.

I turned back to Laurent and smiled. “You know what? Yes. I’d love to come.”

Laurent’s face lit up. “Really? That’s wonderful, Anna. You won’t regret it.”

“Can I…” He pulled out his phone. “Get your number? So I can send you the details?”

I took the phone and my fingers hovered over the screen for a moment. This was crossing a line, and we both knew it. But I could feel Roman’s eyes burning into the back of my head from across the room, and that made my decision easier.

I began typing, each number feeling like a small act of rebellion. When I handed it back, Laurent’s smile was wide.

“Perfect. I’ll text you later with all the information.”

“Sounds good,” I managed.

“I’m looking forward to it,” I replied, and I meant it. Or at least, I was trying to convince myself I did.

2/4

Chapter 70: A Small Act of Rebellion

Laurent pocketed his phone, his eyes still on mine. “You know, Anna, I wasn’t sure you’d say yes.”

“Why not?”

“Because of him.” Laurent’s voice was quiet enough that only I could hear. “It’s obvious there’s more going on between you two than you want to admit.”

I swallowed hard. “There’s nothing between us. Mr. Blackwood is just being protective.”

Laurent laughed, the sound dripping with sarcasm. “Right. And I’m sure that’s how he fights for all his staff.”

I opened my mouth to respond, then closed it again.

Was he?

The truth was, I didn’t know. I didn’t know if Roman treated me differently than anyone else, if the intensity in his eyes when he looked at me meant something, or if I was just desperately reading into things that weren’t there. I didn’t know if his anger was personal or professional, if his jealousy, if that’s even what it was, meant he wanted me or if he just didn’t want anyone else to have me.

I was saved from having to answer by Maison’s voice cutting across the room. “Laurent, it’s time.”

I looked up to see Maison approaching, Roman trailing behind him with an expression that could freeze fire. Laurent straightened, sliding off the desk. “Yes, Father?”

“It’s time we head out. I’m sure Roman and Anna have work to get back to.” Maison’s tone left no room for argument.

Maison turned to me with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Anna, it was lovely to see you again. I hope everything with your emergency has truly been resolved?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Beaumont,” I said, standing. “I appreciate your concern.”

“Please, take care of yourself. And don’t let these two give you too much trouble.” He gestured between Roman and Laurent with a knowing look. “I know how demanding they can both be.”

“I’ll do my best,” I managed.

Laurent stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine for just a moment. “I’ll text you those details tonight,” he said, loud enough for Roman to hear.

Then he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for me. “And Anna? Wear something like this again. You look incredible.”

He winked, and I felt my face flush.

Maison clasped Roman’s hand one more time. “We’ll be in touch about the office arrangements.”

“Looking forward to it,” Roman said, his voice tight.

Laurent extended his hand to Roman, that easy smile still playing on his lips. “Always a pleasure doing business with you, Blackwood.”,

Roman took his hand, and I watched their grips tighten, knuckles going white.

The handshake lasted a beat too long, neither man willing to be the first to let go. Finally, Laurent caved, releasing Roman’s hand with a slight grimace.

Roman didn’t even try to hide the scowl on his face.

And then they were gone, the heavy boardroom doors closing behind them.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Roman’s rage was written all over him, in the set of his shoulders and the way his hands had curled into fists at his sides. I waited for him to turn on me, to say anything.

But he didn’t. He walked past me without a word and stopped at the windows, staring out at the city below.

I used the opportunity to rush back to the desk and gather my things, my hands shaking as I stuffed my ipad into my bag. Maybe if I just acted normal, if I just…

Chapter 70: A Small Act of Rebellion

“Anna.”

His voice cut through the room, low and cold, sending a chill down my spine that made goosebumps rise on my arms.

“Get over here. Now.”

AIA

Subscribe