Fated Love Tribulation

Chapter 11

"The upcoming season's fashion show will be headlined by your designs," Julien announced, downing the rest of Serena's unfinished coffee.

His eyes were locked on her, intense.

"Why?" she asked, her tone calm, though her eyes held a spark of curiosity.

"I thought you'd say 'thank you,'" Julien quirked an eyebrow, intrigued by this woman.

He could never quite figure her out, this enigma of a woman who had piqued his interest from the moment they met.

"I—" Serena began, but was abruptly interrupted as the office door swung open with a loud bang.

"Oh, sorry! Didn't mean to barge in. Mr. Renard, I've been looking everywhere for you!" A sultry voice, laced with heavy perfume, swept into the room with Donna Reed.

"Do you need something, Miss Reed?" Julien's voice was calm, revealing nothing.

"Of course, I do," Donna said, walking over and sitting so close to Julien that it was as if Serena weren't even there. She acted like she owned the place.

"Is it urgent?" Julien asked, his tone still flat, already guessing the reason for her visit.

Another designer, no doubt, came to him with offers—though what exactly she'd offer in exchange for her design being chosen, he couldn't be sure.

"I can wait until you're done here," Donna replied, her eyes flickering with jealousy as they landed on Serena. *What makes her so special?* she thought.

Donna had worked tirelessly to get Julien's attention, yet it was this woman who seemed to receive all his favoritism without lifting a finger. Was it her looks? Her charm?

Donna couldn't fathom it. But one thing was certain—this season, her designs would be part of the show.

She'd prove she was just as good, if not better.

"Fine. Wait in my office then," Julien said casually, his face betraying no emotion, a stark contrast to the playful man he had been just moments before.

"Alright, but don't keep me waiting too long," Donna purred, throwing a flirtatious glance his way as she sashayed out of the room, hips swaying deliberately with every step.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Julien slowly turned his attention back to Serena, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "That's your competition? No wonder you're comfortably sitting in the top designer seat."

"Competition?" Serena chuckled lightly. "She's not even worth the effort."

"Is that so?" Julien replied, his words laced with a mysterious tone before he left the room without another word.

After he left, Serena's secretary rushed in, breathless. "When did Mr. Renard get here? I didn't even see him come in!"

Serena let out a small laugh. "Neither did I."

Meanwhile, in Julien's office, he walked in on a scene that didn't surprise him in the least—Donna was sprawled out on the couch, barely clothed.

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at her shamelessness, he masked his disgust, playing it cool as he strolled over to his chair and sat down.

"Julien…" Donna's voice was syrupy sweet as she sidled up next to him, pressing her body against his.

"So, what is it you wanted, Donna?" he asked, allowing her to cling to him, though inwardly he cringed at the overpowering scent of her perfume.

"I heard the designs for the show have been finalized. Were mine selected?" she asked, batting her lashes at him in what she must have thought was an innocent manner.

So the rumors were true, she thought. Julien Renard really is a ladies' man.

Julien's lips curled into a smirk. "You sure have your ear to the ground, don't you?"

His hands wandered lazily over her back. After all, why refuse something being so willingly offered?

"Don't tease me," Donna giggled, playfully swatting his chest. "So, were they?"

Julien's smile deepened. "Curiosity killed the cat, you know."

"You're terrible!" she giggled again, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning in for a kiss, but Julien subtly dodged her advances.

"What difference would it make? If your designs were chosen, or if they weren't?" His gaze bore into hers, making it clear this was a game, and she was expected to play by his rules.

"You wouldn't say no to me, would you?" she cooed, her hands slowly undoing her blouse.

Julien didn't move to help, nor did he stop her. Letting her continue, he watched silently, thinking how true the rumors were.

If everyone believed him to be a playboy, he might as well live up to the title. Besides, this particular act would help relieve a bit of his work-related stress.

Finally, Donna's clothes fell to the floor, revealing her pale, flawless body. "Satisfied?" she asked, a triumphant gleam in her eyes.

"Go clean yourself up," Julien said with a dismissive nod toward the adjoining bathroom, his tone indifferent.

Pouting slightly, Donna stood up, pecked him on the lips, and swayed her way into the bathroom, looking back with a knowing smile before she disappeared behind the door.

Minutes later, Donna emerged, wrapped in the scent of fresh soap. Her smile was coy as she approached him, her fingers lightly grazing his chest.

"Get on top," Julien's voice was cool, his eyes dark, though he seemed almost detached from the situation.

Her body was tempting, sure, but it did little to ignite any real desire in him. Still, she'd serve her purpose.

"Julien…" Donna hesitated, pretending to be shy, though they both knew the act was pointless.

"Fine. Forget it," Julien said flatly, sitting up as though he'd lost interest.

"No, no—I'm ready!" she quickly corrected, pushing him back down onto the bed. This time, there was no hesitation as she climbed on top.

A long sigh escaped him, and the sound of shallow moans filled the otherwise quiet room, marking the beginning of yet another transaction between power and lust.