Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 163: Strategy

The glass walls of Stefan’s office gleamed under the gentle midday light, casting clean reflections across the polished floors. The scent of fresh espresso lingered in the air, courtesy of Oliver’s second cappuccino—something Stefan had long grown used to in their morning meetings.

Oliver sat across from him now, a tablet in hand, scrolling through the final projection slides for that evening’s investor presentation.

"If Mr. Rogers still isn’t convinced after tonight, we may have to restructure the deal completely," Oliver said, his tone sharp but steady. "He’s cautious, and frankly, a little outdated in his thinking."

Stefan rubbed his temples, then leaned back in his chair. "That man hasn’t trusted anyone under sixty since the ’90s."

Oliver chuckled. "And yet we still need him."

"We need his vote," Stefan corrected. "Not his approval."

They both shared a knowing glance, the kind that comes from fighting in the same corporate trenches for years. Stefan couldn’t be more happier, having Oliver in his corner. Perhaps, he should consider making him COO.

Stefan was about to move on to the next point when there was a knock at the door. A rhythmic, confident three-tap knock that didn’t belong to a secretary.

"Come in," Stefan called without looking up since he knew very well who that was.

The door opened, and Ethan stepped in casually, dressed in a sharp slate-gray suit, his hair perfectly styled, a faint hint of cologne drifting in with him. His face carried that familiar blend of arrogance and charm—the very thing that made him simultaneously lovable and infuriating.

Oliver looked up and smiled politely. "Ethan."

"Oliver," Ethan said with a nod, then turned to Stefan. "Didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll wait."

Stefan waved him in. "You’re fine. We’re almost done here."

chairs and lowered himself into it, crossing one leg

and send me the finalized

up and gathering his things. "Good luck with the other half of

Stefan muttered, already

behind Oliver, Stefan turned his attention

leaning forward, forearms resting on his desk, "what’s

lips curled into a smile. "I’ve secured an invitation to tonight’s event. Mr. Rogers’ assistant

Stefan nodded. "That’s good."

see the look on Rayna’s face when she

shift. If anything,

you know. But surprised doesn’t mean

tilted his head, confusion knitting his

him a long, meaningful look. "Because she’s angry, Ethan. Full-blown angry. You haven’t called

then gave a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I know. But come on, man—it’s part

"Strategy?" Stefan echoed, frowning.

ago when he called to know if Rayna had arrived, he’d tried to talk him out of it but Ethan just wouldn’t bulge. What was he even thinking

figured... if I just showed up, like really showed

jaw tightened slightly. "You’ve said that before but Ethan, this isn’t a movie. Rayna isn’t a plot twist waiting to be wowed.

I’m serious. That I didn’t just say those things in Florittle to make her feel good. I meant every word. And

your plan, you should’ve at least picked up the phone," Stefan said plainly. "You should’ve

"Yeah. That’s

an eyebrow. "You

mean, I haven’t. But I’m guessing she’d say the