Damn, I love seeing her like this. It means I still affect her. She’s having a reaction—a strong, undeniable one. It also means it's time for some sweet payback.
Emma continues her presentation about the marketing strategy, clicking through slides as she speaks. I'm genuinely trying to listen, but who am I kidding? Her presence electrifies this room.
Focus, Luca. Ask a damn question. Pretend you're not fixating on how her cleavage subtly reveals her bra.
“So, is this included in option one?”Good. Keep it neutral.
“Oh, yes,” she answers quickly, confidently. “But if you prefer certain aspects of option two, we can absolutely combine elements.”
You're what I prefer, Emma Green.
Her boss, Chad, if I remember right—interrupts her. He's trying to impress me, throwing around big industry words. Not that I doubt his capabilities;Great Ideashas a solid reputation across Florida. A friend, who is more of an acquaintance really, recommended them after they managed his political campaign.
He won, clearly.
“If you're ready to move forward, we'll put together a team immediately. The sooner, the better, right?” Chad smiles a little too eagerly.
My eyebrow lifts in clear annoyance. Is Chad really trying to pressure me? I almost laugh out loud.
Emma shifts uncomfortably, as though she senses her boss’s misstep. Quietly, she moves back toward her seat and sits next to him.
Irritation pulses through me. There are ten other chairs here—why that one?
“As long asGreat Ideasis the company Property Group chooses,” Emma clarifies with a strained but diplomatic smile.
I glance at her briefly, weighing my next move. Time for a quick mental rundown of pros and cons.
Pros of involving Emma Green in this project:
Seeing Emma Green daily.
Having the perfect excuse to be around her.
Giving Emma my business.
Incorporating her creative talent into my company.
Getting my revenge on Emma Green.
Cons of involving Emma Green:
Risking biased business decisions.
Possible campaign disaster.
Losing my shot at revenge.
Losing my mind again—and adding another topic for my therapist.
“How do you typically handle updates and feedback during a campaign?” I ask Chad directly, making clear he's the one who needs to respond.
Chad straightens immediately, sensing victory. “Well, for high-profile clients, we typically schedule sporadic updates. We understand your time is valuable?—”
“Sporadic?” I cut him off, twisting a brandedGreat Ideaspen I picked up from the table. “That won’t cut it. I expect priority.”Absolute devotion to me.
“Oh, in that case, we can hold weekly meetings?—”
“No.” I shake my head firmly.
