Chapter 10 - The Corporate Storm
By ten o'clock on Monday morning, the news had already broken on the financial blogs, but it wasn't the narrative Marcus had planned.
Instead of an embezzlement scandal, the headlines screamed about a thwarted corporate espionage attempt within Sterling Enterprises.
Elena sat at her new glass desk on the fifty-second floor, her phone ringing continuously as reporters and division heads sought confirmation.
She wore a sharp, tailored navy suit that fit her impeccably, her hair pulled back into a sophisticated low bun, her thick glasses permanently consigned to the trash can.
The door to her office swung open, and two corporate security guards marched Marcus Vance down the hallway toward the elevators, holding his box of personal belongings.
Marcus glared into Elena’s office as he passed, his face pale with hatred and total defeat, but she simply turned her page and ignored him.
Julian entered her office a moment later, closing the door behind him and locking it with a sharp click that resonated in the quiet room.
He walked over to her desk, placing a thick manila envelope directly on top of her ongoing Kensington spreadsheet.
“What is this?” she asked, looking up at him with a guarded expression after their tense conversation in his penthouse yesterday.
“That is the deed to a private medical rehabilitation center in Westchester, along with a fully funded trust for your father’s physical therapy,” Julian said calmly.
Elena shot to her feet, her cheeks burning with instant indignation as she pushed the envelope back toward him.
“I told you I don't want your charity, Julian! I earn my own way!”
“It isn't charity, Elena,” Julian said, his hands coming down on her desk as he leaned over her, his eyes shining with absolute sincerity.
“It is a signing bonus adjustment. I reviewed what Harrison Capital would have offered to poach a Director of your caliber, and I adjusted your compensation package accordingly.”
He walked around the desk, stopping right in front of her, reaching out to cup her face in his warm palms.
“You spent two years protecting my company, my schedule, and my life while carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders,” he whispered softly.
May you like
“Let me be your armor now, mi amor.”
The use of her aunt's native endearment broke the last remaining walls around Elena’s heart, and she leaned her forehead against his chest, finally letting herself breathe.
