Chapter 142

Christiana’s POV.

I stared at him for what felt like an eternity, words slipping through my mind without sticking. Daniel stood tall, his presence radiating confidence, yet his gaze held an intensity that unsettled me. It wasn’t the room that felt suffocating–it was him.

“Why so silent?” he finally asked, his voice smooth, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I blinked, snapping myself out of the haze. Clearing my throat, sat up straighter in my chair, clasping my hands together to steady them. “I’m just… surprised. You’re the owner of Nexus Innovations?”

His laugh was soft, genuine, and entirely too disarming. “No, Christiana, I didn’t lie to you. This all just happened… quickly.”

Quickly? He made it sound so effortless, as if becoming the owner of one of the fastest–growing companies in the world was something one stumbled into. His dark eyes, filled with warmth and affection, lingered on me, and I had to look away.

“Well,” I said, forcing my tone into something businesslike, “why are you here, Daniel? My company deals in jewelry and accessories. What could Nexus Innovations possibly want with us?”

His smile widened, and he leaned forward slightly, placing his palms on the edge of my desk. “Innovation isn’t just about technology, Christiana. It’s about finding beauty in new ways, enhancing experiences, and bringing something fresh to the market. Nexus wants to partner with companies that are already established in their niches, creating products that merge elegance and technology. Think of it–smart jewelry, pieces that are not only beautiful but functional. Imagine a necklace that could track your health or a ring that could make payments with a simple tap.”

I was stunned. “That… sounds incredible,” I admitted, the businesswoman in me already considering the possibilities.

His smile deepened, and for a moment, I hated how good he looked doing it. “I knew you’d think so. Christiana, your company is the perfect partner for this vision. You have the reputation, the market, and the expertise to make it happen.”

I nodded slowly, but in the back of my mind, alarms were blaring. I couldn’t allow myself to get too comfortable, not after what had happened the last time. Daniel had already caused enough disruption in my life. I wasn’t about to let history repeat itself.

“So, how’s your grandmother?” I asked, steering the conversation into safer waters. “And your brothers?”

His expression softened, the affection in his eyes almost overwhelming. “They’re doing well. Better than they’ve ever been, thanks to you.”

I shook my head. “It was nothing, Daniel. You’ve helped me before–it was only fair to return the favor.”

He chuckled, his gaze unwavering. “You didn’t just help me, Christiana. You gave me my life back.”

His words were heavy, and for a moment, I felt a pang of guilt. I wasn’t prepared to bear the weight of his gratitude. “I’m glad I could help,” I said quietly, avoiding his gaze.

He was about to say something else when my phone buzzed on the desk, its screen lighting up with Alex’s name. My heart dropped.

This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all.

Picking up the phone, I pressed it to my ear.

Alex’s deep voice came through, warm and familiar. “Just

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III

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Wed, Nov

Chapter 142

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His jaw tightened, though he quickly

I just couldn’t help myself. I can’t wait to see you

my cheeks, and I turned slightly, shielding my

you,” Alex said, his voice soft yet firm, sending a familiar warmth coursing through

too,” I replied,

placed the phone back on the desk, taking a deep

was a hardness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.

replied cautiously, watching him

air shifted, and for the first time since he walked in,

my skin prickle. “So,” he began, his

anything Alex–related. “Your proposal,” I said, sitting straighter and clasping my hands in front of me. “It’s… intriguing. But I can’t make a decision right away. I’ll need time to think about

show his frustration. “Why?” he asked, his voice soft but with an edge

held his gaze, refusing to let him see the truth. He was right…it was because of Alex. The last thing I

messier.

simply shook my head and forced a neutral tone. “It’s a big decision, Daniel. I can’t just dive into something like this without

stood from his chair, his movements deliberate and smooth, and began walking toward me. His presence was magnetic, and despite every effort to remain unaffected, I found myself shrinking

heart race, “don’t turn me down. I wouldn’t have made it this

blinked, confusion spreading across my face. “What do you

“You’ll figure it out someday,” he said, stepping

The soft click of the door closing behind him should have been a relief, but my shoulders

the breath I’d been

as she entered, followed by several employees, all carrying bouquets of flowers. My desk was quickly drowning in

employees arranged the bouquets around

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