OBSESSION

SEVENTEEN

The conference room buzzed with quiet energy as Bethany stood at the front, her laptop connected to the projector. A stunning array of slides illuminated the room, showcasing her bold and innovative pitch for the upcoming project—a high-profile renovation of a historic downtown Seattle building.

Bethany's outfit mirrored her confidence: a tailored white blazer paired with sleek black trousers and pointed heels. Her natural curls were styled into a half-up, half-down look that framed her face elegantly, and her makeup was understated but polished. She exuded the kind of poise that commanded attention.

"This project," she began, her voice steady and clear, "is about more than just aesthetics. It's about preserving the legacy of a space while creating something fresh and inviting for the modern world. We're combining timeless design elements with sustainable, cutting-edge materials to attract both historical enthusiasts and forward-thinking tenants."

As she spoke, Bethany clicked through the slides, revealing detailed renderings of her designs. The room was captivated. Even Marcus and Ryan, known for their tough critiques, exchanged approving glances.

When she finished, the room erupted into applause. Marcus stood, his usual reserved demeanor softened by a rare smile. "Excellent work, Bethany. Truly impressive. This pitch is exactly the kind of direction we've been looking for."

Ryan chimed in, leaning forward on the table. "You've outdone yourself. With this level of vision, I wouldn't be surprised if we're talking about a bigger role for you here in the near future."

Bethany's heart swelled with pride. A possible promotion? She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. "Thank you both. I couldn't have done it without the support of the team."

"Well," Marcus said, gathering his papers, "if this project goes as well as you've pitched it, you might be leading more than just your current accounts."

Bethany's colleagues filtered out of the room, offering her congratulations as they went. Teagan shot her a wink as she passed, mouthing, "You killed it!" Bethany lingered behind, basking in the glow of her success.

But the moment was short-lived.

"Bethany," a familiar voice called softly from the doorway. It was Juliette, her blonde hair perfectly styled and her designer suit tailored to perfection. Her expression was polite, almost warm, but Bethany knew better than to trust it.

"Juliette," Bethany replied, her tone guarded. "What can I do for you?"

Juliette stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I wanted to offer you some... professional advice. May I?"

Bethany crossed her arms, her defenses instantly rising. "Go ahead."

Juliette's smile was small, almost pitying. "You've been doing well here. It's clear you're talented. But you're also new, and I've seen how quickly this industry can chew people up and spit them out. I'd hate to see that happen to you."

Bethany tilted her head, her voice steady. "Is there a point to this advice, or are you just trying to intimidate me?"

Juliette's laugh was light, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Not at all. I'm simply suggesting you be careful. Particularly with Logan."

Bethany's stomach tightened, but she refused to let her face betray her emotions. "What about Logan?"

Juliette took a step closer, her tone conspiratorial. "Logan has a pattern, Bethany. He's charming, yes—irresistible, even—but he uses people. It's always about what they can do for him, not who they are. And when he's gotten what he needs, he moves on."

Bethany's jaw clenched. "I don't believe you."

Juliette shrugged, her expression indifferent. "You don't have to. But I've been where you are. I know what it feels like to be swept up in his charm, to think you're special. Just... consider if you're truly different. Or if he's simply telling you what you want to hear."

Bethany's voice was sharp. "Logan isn't the man you're describing."

"And I hope for your sake, you're right," Juliette said smoothly, her hands clasped in front of her. "But if you're wrong, the fall will hurt. Be careful, Bethany."

With that, Juliette turned and left the room, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Bethany stood frozen, her confidence from the pitch now tangled with unease.

She wanted to dismiss Juliette's words as jealousy or manipulation, but the seeds of doubt had been planted. Logan had assured her that Juliette was his past, but was he keeping something from her? And had Juliette's warning been entirely baseless—or was there a kernel of truth in it?

Bethany straightened her posture, her mind swirling with thoughts as she returned to her desk. She resolved to focus on the facts, to trust Logan, and to remember who Juliette was—a woman with her own motives. But as much as she tried, the questions lingered, shadowing the triumph of her morning.

Logan sat in his office, his mind far from the quarterly reports spread out in front of him. His conversation with Bethany replayed in his head—the flicker of doubt in her eyes when he reassured her about Juliette still haunted him. Logan wasn't one to let uncertainty fester, and he knew he had to take action to prove his commitment to her.

After wrapping up a productive but grueling meeting with his team, Logan grabbed his phone and scrolled to his mother's contact. Vivienne Chase. He tapped the call button, leaning back in his chair as the line rang.

"Logan," Vivienne's warm voice greeted him. "This is a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the honor?"

"I need your help," Logan said, cutting straight to the point. "I want to take Bethany somewhere this weekend. Somewhere special. I need to show her she's important to me."

There was a beat of silence, followed by a knowing hum from Vivienne. "You're serious about her."

"I am," Logan admitted, his voice softening. "But things have been... complicated lately. I want to remind her how much she means to me."

Vivienne's smile was evident in her tone. "The vineyard. Take her to the vineyard. It's private, peaceful, and romantic."

Logan nodded, the image of the family's private vineyard already forming in his mind. Nestled in the rolling hills just a few hours outside the city, the estate was a secluded paradise—a perfect escape. "It's perfect. Can you make the arrangements?"

"Already on it," Vivienne replied. "I'll have the staff prepare the main house for you two. Just make sure you pack a bottle of that reserve vintage for me."

Logan chuckled. "Deal. Thanks, Mom."

"Anything for you, Logan. And for Bethany," Vivienne added. "She's a lovely woman. Don't let her slip away."

Logan ended the call, determination steeling his resolve.

Logan sat in his office, his mind far from the quarterly reports spread out in front of him. His conversation with Bethany replayed in his head—the flicker of doubt in her eyes when he reassured her about Juliette still haunted him. Logan wasn't one to let uncertainty fester, and he knew he had to take action to prove his commitment to her.

After wrapping up a productive but grueling meeting with his team, Logan grabbed his phone and scrolled to his mother's contact. Vivienne Chase. He tapped the call button, leaning back in his chair as the line rang.

"Logan," Vivienne's warm voice greeted him. "This is a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the honor?"

"I need your help," Logan said, cutting straight to the point. "I want to take Bethany somewhere this weekend. Somewhere special. I need to show her she's important to me."

There was a beat of silence, followed by a knowing hum from Vivienne. "You're serious about her."

"I am," Logan admitted, his voice softening. "But things have been... complicated lately. I want to remind her how much she means to me."

Vivienne's smile was evident in her tone. "The vineyard. Take her to the vineyard. It's private, peaceful, and romantic."

Logan nodded, the image of the family's private vineyard already forming in his mind. Nestled in the rolling hills just a few hours outside the city, the estate was a secluded paradise—a perfect escape. "It's perfect. Can you make the arrangements?"

"Already on it," Vivienne replied. "I'll have the staff prepare the main house for you two. Just make sure you pack a bottle of that reserve vintage for me."

Logan chuckled. "Deal. Thanks, Mom."

"Anything for you, Logan. And for Bethany," Vivienne added. "She's a lovely woman. Don't let her slip away."

Logan ended the call, determination steeling his resolve.

Later that evening, Logan arrived at Bethany's apartment. He hadn't given her much warning—just a text saying he was on his way—but he wanted the element of surprise. When she opened the door, she looked taken aback but pleasantly so. Her curls framed her face, and she was wearing one of his favorite casual looks: an oversized sweater and leggings.

"Logan," she said, stepping aside to let him in. "This is unexpected."

"I have a surprise for you," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Pack a bag. We're leaving Friday evening."

Bethany blinked, crossing her arms as she studied him. "Leaving? Where are we going?"

"The family vineyard," Logan replied, his tone casual but his eyes serious. "Just us. No work, no interruptions. I thought it might be nice to get away for the weekend."

Bethany hesitated, her mind racing. The idea of a weekend away with Logan was tempting, but it also felt like a lot. "Logan, I—"

He stepped closer, his hands finding hers. "I know things have been overwhelming lately. I know Juliette's return hasn't made it easier. But this isn't about any of that. This is about us. I want to spend time with you. No distractions."

Bethany searched his face, her defenses softening as she saw the sincerity in his green eyes. "I don't want to feel like you're trying to distract me from... things."

Logan tilted his head. "I'm not. But if I can give you a weekend where you don't have to think about work or Juliette, I'll count that as a win. Come with me, Bethany."

She sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Okay. But you'd better not expect me to stomp grapes or something."

He laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Deal. Friday evening. I'll pick you up."