Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 9

Gabriel’s POV

Chapter 9: Caught Between Business And Desire

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* I pushed open my office door, feeling the tightness in my chest grow as I began pacing. I knew I was about to stir things up, and there was no going back. The team’s presentations had been impressive, making the decision tough, but I’d already made up my mind. There was no need for a shortlist or further debate–I had chosen my winner.

Clairessa Hartwood.

Her presentation stood out, easily outshining Nicole’s–the friend Adrian had introduced me to, asking me to consider her app since she worked at the company.

I hadn’t yet placed Nicole on the team, wanting her to go head–to–head with whoever I chose as a final candidate. It was meant to be a favor to Adrian. Her idea for a global financial payment platform was solid bor posed too many challenges for Storm Innovations at this point. We needed something revolutionary but manageable, Clairessa’s app, on the other hand, had the potential to reshape the business landscape.

It was clear I had to drop Nicole.

Adrian wouldn’t be pleased, but this was business, not a playground for personal favors. Clairessa’s app was a game changer, and I was ready to back it, even though a part of me resisted the idea of working so closely with her. I had been avoiding her for the past three months. She wasn’t just a pretty face–she was a first–class software engineering graduate, the complete package of beauty and brains. Every time I saw her, something primal stirred inside me, tempting me to break the rules I had set for myself.

But nothing could happen between us. I didn’t get involved with younger women, especially not those who worked for me. My rules were clear, and no matter how much I wanted her, I had to stay in control. Part of me considered taking the safer route with Nicole, but I couldn’t deny the truth–Clairessa’s app was exceptional.

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Chapter 9: Caught Between Business And Desire

I had been in this business long enough to recognize real potential when I saw it. This project could take months, maybe even a year to complete, and resisting her during that time was going to be difficult. But I was determined to stay professional, no matter how much my body desired her.

I paged Sandy.

“Hi, Sandy, there’s no need for a shortlist of candidates. I’ve made my decision.”

she asked, eagerness in her voice.

Hartwood. Send her an email. I need

sir… And if I may, I believe she’s

I’d made the best decision for the company–or if I’d just opened a door to complications I

later, my morning meetings were finished. I checked my schedule–it was time for my noon meeting with Clairessa.

“Mr. Storm, Miss Hartwood is here for her meeting. Shall I send her in?”

the city. I heard the door open and her footsteps approach my desk, but I kept my back turned, letting the silence stretch between us. My office was a showcase of

day, Mr. Storm. You asked to see me?” Her voice was soft, but there was a tremor beneath it that I

Caught Between Business And

a navy–blue dress that clung to her slim frame, her brown hair falling in soft curls around her shoulders. Her makeup was subtle, far different from the woman I remembered from that

face.

I could tell. Little movements, barely noticeable, betrayed her. Was it me making her anxiqus, or was it

clasping my hands on the desk.

her eyes wide and

might move forward with, but nothing is certain yet.” I kept my voice even, withholding the fact

sir,” she replied, her smile fading almost as soon as

thanks. Didn’t she realize the opportunity I was

but something in her attitude caught my attention. She walked halfway to the door before turning back and marching

and act like you don’t

speak to me like this? I fought for control, remaining silent as I watched her pace back and forth in front of

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9: Caught Between Business

know very

but she didn’t. Instead, she glared at me, her eyes blazing.

how you speak to me,” I warned. It was clear that night had affected her as it did me, but I couldn’t let her know how much I had thought about her and that night. In all honesty, I wanted a redo. I wanted

dropped to her breasts pushing against the

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