Chapter 4: Silent dismissal.
1258 Words
The boardroom at Westwood Company buzzed softly in the quiet of evening, with the last rays of sunlight slipping through the tall glass walls and glinting off the everly neat polished marble floors.
The long, dark wood table gleamed under the soft light of a minimalist chandelier, it was surrounded by deep leather chairs that spoke of elegance and authority. Investors settled into them, some leaning forward with interest, others shifting uncomfortably under the weight of the room authority.
They were all aware of the power at the head of the table. At the tables head, sat Adrian Westwood, he was composed and commanding.
His tailored suit fit perfectly, hinting at both wealth and discipline. His dark hair was neatly styled, framing a sharp, handsome face that carried the unmistakable presence of a CEO.
The meeting was going smoothly, yet all eyes kept drifting to him. Some of the women investors around the table struggled to focus, sneaking glances and quickly looking away whenever he caught them staring.
His movements were deliberate, each glance was measured and purposeful. Even in the soft glow of dusk, he drew attention effortlessly, without him saying a word.
Just then, one of the female investors asked. with her voice being steady and curious. " Mr. Westwood, do you really think this new investment strategy will yield the results the board expects?” At this, his gaze swept the room before settling on her.
He adjusted his suit, in a simple motion that made the female investor blush, then he replied. “Investing now secures not just profits, but influence. Hesitation will cost more than money, it will cost an opportunity.”
The room leaned in at his words. Investors nodded, and murmured their approval. Then his sharp gaze swept across the table, taking in every face. There was no doubt, he was in command, and everyone knew it.
Soon, the meeting ended. Files were gathered, and investors began leaving the boardroom, bowing slightly as they left.
The long, dark mahogany table shone under the soft chandelier light, showing the room's quiet authority. Adrian stayed seated for a moment, letting the calm of the empty room wash over him.
Then his assistant stepped in quietly, with her heels clicking softly against the marble floor and said.
“Sir… your phone, It’s ringing."
She bowed slightly, holding out a sleek, black luxury phone. Its edges brushed in matte gold, and the screen lit up with the name Serena.
At this, Adrian’s jaw tightened immediately. Serena was his ex, and It had only been two weeks since the breakup. He had caught her cheating, and the betrayal still burned in his chest.
They had met through his sister, Isabella. Serena was Isabella’s friend and she used to come to their house to hang out with her, thus introducing her to her brother and that was how they got together. They had been together for slightly over a year before Serena got caught cheating.
His gaze sharpened as he took the phone from his assistant. He didn’t flinch, he didn’t move. he just let the call ring… and die on its own.
Moments later, a message notification appeared on the screen. It was from his Serena again:
"why are you ignoring me… Adrian, please talk to me .”
He didn’t respond or even glance at it. He slipped the phone into his suit pocket, rose from the chair, and walked out of the boardroom. As he stepped out of the building, two bodyguards immediately walked owards guiding him to his parking spot.
At this, People on the street paused to watch. His presence drew eyes naturally, as though he owned every step of the pavement he walked on.
A few tried to catch his attention, and women blushed simply from his gaze. Someone even dared to ask about the breakup, but Adrian didn’t say a word. He kept walking, as though the crowd didn't exist.
In the parking slot, a sleek black Mercedes gleamed under the soft lights. Its polished body reflected the surroundings like glass, and the tinted windows gave it an air of power and secrecy.
The driver was already seated at the wheel, his posture was sharp and professional. As Adrian approached, he pressed a button and the back door swung open smoothly by itself.
Then One of the guards stepped forward at once, guiding Adrian into the car, even though the path was perfectly clear.
Just then, the engine started with a soft sound, and the car moved smoothly through the bright city.
Neon lights flashed across the windows in a blur. Thirty minutes later, they drove through the wide gates of his mansion. The driveway glowed with soft lights, and neat gardens curved along both sides.
The mansion stood tall and bright, its white stone shining under the night sky. The glass walls reflected the warm lights from inside, making the house look alive. Then the car came to a gentle stop, and Adrian alighted. At once, the bodyguards formed a straight line in front of him and bowed.
When he entered through the wide doors, the workers inside also bowed, greeting him politely as he passed. Just then, the front door opened. his younger sister, Isabella, came out holding hands with Serena—his ex
. Both of them were dressed in glittering evening gowns, with their lips glossy under the light, showing they had just returned from a party.
“Welcome, brother,” Isabella said with a warm smile, leaning in to hug him softly. Adrian gave her a small smile and nodded, returning the gesture. But his eyes slid past Serena as if she were invisible.
Serena lingered there, shifting her body into subtle poses, her gaze searching desperately for his. Yet no matter what she did, Adrian never looked her way.
He could have banned her from his home forever. After all, She was now his past, a chapter he had ended with finality.
But his sister had begged him to allow her friend to visit, even after everything that had happened.
For her sake, Adrian endured Serena’s presence. She was after all, the family he had left since their parents’ death in a car accident, and he could never deny her anything. Suddenly, Serena cleared her throat and spoke.
“Adrian… how long will you keep doing this to me? I know I ruined everything, and I’m really sorry.”
Her voice trembled, followed by a shaky sniff, as though she was about to cry. Then her eyes shimmered with tears, but they looked more practiced than real. She cast a sharp glance at Isabella, who shifted uneasily at her side and reached out, wanting to comfort her, but Adrian did not move.
His face remained calm and unreadable. He knew Serena too well. Every sniff, every tear, every word was not real. She had destroyed what they once shared, and now she was trying to crawl back into his life.
At last, his deep voice broke the silence, speaking only two words. “Excuse me." With this, Serena’s shoulders stiffened.
She had no choice but to step aside as he brushed past her, with his bodyguards following close behind. He never looked back. The moment he disappeared into the house, her hands curled into fists, and fake tears vanished in an instant. Then her eyes turned cold as she whispered,
“If I can’t have you, Adrian… then no one will.”
At that moment, issabella felt a strange chill run down her spine.
- Writer
