I've Had Enough, CEO

Chapter 7 A False Compromise

Elena met Gwendolyn's gaze head-on, her voice cool and composed. "This is my business, not yours. But since you're so curious, I'll tell you—I'm just worried that sharing a man with you might come with some... risks."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her steps steady and deliberate.

"You!" Gwendolyn's face flushed with anger, but words seemed to fail her.

Nathaniel, watching Elena leave, realized that this time, she wasn't throwing a tantrum. She was serious about walking away. And yet, his pride held him back from going after her.

Back in her hospital room, Elena lay quietly receiving her IV. Maybe part of her had exaggerated the car accident—perhaps out of frustration—but the truth about the hyperventilation was real enough.

She'd once thought giving Nathaniel some space would help them both clear their heads.

But the coldness of his missed call, and the way he had clung to Gwendolyn today as if she didn't exist—those things had cut deep.

Deep enough that Elena knew this time, there was no turning back. 'Gwendolyn's back now,' she thought bitterly, 'I don't have a reason to stay.' It was time to walk away.

After carefully drafting a resignation letter, she sent it to Nathaniel's email, her heart beating fast as she hit "send."

The moment it left her inbox, a strange sense of relief washed over her.

A nurse entered the room, unhooking her IV. "You're all set. Once you collect your prescription, you can check out."

Elena nodded, her voice soft. "Thank you."

As soon as she returned home, the weight of the day hit her.

Rest didn't seem like an option, though. She opened her suitcase and began packing.

Julian had called a few times already, eager for her to take the job abroad as soon as possible. With the situation escalating, she had no choice but to buy a ticket for tomorrow. She'd report to work, sell what she could, and deal with the rest once she had the money.

She knew Julian would help her find her sister's whereabouts. She had to believe that.

Just as she was halfway through packing, the doorbell rang, startling her.

Elena's heart pounded as she looked through the peephole—

Nathaniel.

Her stomach tightened in anxiety. The last thing she wanted was another argument. She was ready to leave with what little dignity she had left. 'Why can't he just let me go?' she wondered. 'If he doesn't love me, why hold on?'

But in the end, Elena opened the door.

Maybe this was her chance to make a clean break.

Nathaniel strode into the room, his gaze immediately landing on the half-packed suitcase. His control snapped. "I got your resignation. So, what, Elena? You can't wait to run off with Julian Hart? You're in that much of a hurry?"

Elena had expected an apology, but instead, he came with accusations.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Yes, Nathaniel, I'm in a hurry. Tomorrow, I'm leaving with Julian. And yes, I can't wait to be done with all of this. Why? Does that bother you?"

Her words were like ice—biting, unflinching.

"Mr. Cross, you're free to be all cozy with Ms. Price, but I'm not allowed to find a way out for myself? Where's the fairness in that?"

"Fairness?" Nathaniel's laugh was just as cold. "How about this—you came to me begging when your sister needed surgery, Elena. Don't forget that you owe me."

Her heart clenched at the memory.

Years ago, when Lily's condition had worsened, Elena had been desperate.

The surgery cost a small fortune, and even after borrowing from family and friends, she had only managed half the amount. With nowhere else to turn, she had gone to Nathaniel.

He had given her the money without hesitation, and she had repaid every cent in six months.

But she hadn't forgotten the cost.

Elena swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "What do you want from me?"

He stepped closer, pulling her into him, his tone low and possessive. "I'll pay your sister's medical bills from now on. Every month. But you stay. You stay as mine. And as for your resignation, I'll pretend it never happened. Elena, our relationship ends when I say it does. If you insist on leaving, don't be surprised if I come after you for breaching your contract."

Her protests died in her throat as Nathaniel closed the distance between them, his lips crashing against hers with the force of his jealousy.

His kiss was fierce, punishing, as if daring her to resist.

Elena tried to push him away, but he held her fast, his grip unrelenting. His teeth grazed her lip, drawing blood, the sharp pain cutting through her. She was trapped, unable to fight back.

In a haze, she remembered the doctor's warning—her body couldn't handle this kind of stress. If she pushed back now, it would only hurt her in the long run.

'Lily's medical bills are massive,' she reminded herself, 'and I still need to raise that million dollars. If Nathaniel sues me for breaching my contract, I'll be drowning in debt.'

Fighting him was futile. As painful as it was, Lily's life mattered more than her pride.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, but perhaps pretending to give in for now would buy her some time.

She could wear him down, wait for him to tire of her, and leave when the moment was right.

Finally, Nathaniel pulled back, and Elena forced herself to act like she had agreed.

Satisfied, he smirked, his gaze flicking to her phone on the table. "Call Julian Hart. Tell him you're not going."

Her eyes flared with anger, but she held it in. "Don't push your luck."

But Nathaniel wasn't backing down. "This is your punishment for walking out on me."

Elena's frustration peaked, but there was nothing left to say. With gritted teeth, she picked up the phone and dialed Julian.

"Julian, I've made up my mind. I'm staying here. I can't leave with you tomorrow. I'm sorry."

There was a brief silence before Julian's voice, warm and teasing, came through the line. "That's fine, Elena. If you don't want to leave, I won't push. But if that guy gives you any trouble, you'd better tell me. I'll sort him out."

Warmth flickered in Elena's chest, but before she could respond, Nathaniel reached for the phone, his expression darkening.

She quickly stepped out of his reach, speaking into the phone. "Sorry, Julian, something's come up. I'll talk to you later."

Julian's voice rose, more serious now. "Don't be scared, Elena. If you need help, just shout—I'll be there."

She hung up, her eyes burning with anger as she faced Nathaniel. "I did what you wanted. What more do you want from me?"

Nathaniel's mood darkened, Julian's words still lingering in his mind. "You're not to speak to him again. Ever."

Elena let out a cold laugh, her patience wearing thin. "You think you can control everything I do? Let me tell you something—it's not going to happen. Julian is a friend. If you keep pushing me, I swear you'll be sorry."