OBSESSION

NINETEEN

The conference room hummed with quiet anticipation as Bethany connected her laptop to the projector. Her palms felt clammy despite her outward composure. She glanced up to see the R&M team—Marcus, Ryan, and Teagan—seated alongside Liam and Benjamin Chase. The latter's presence loomed largest, his cool demeanor and sharp gaze making her pulse race. Logan wasn't there, having chosen to stay out of the meeting to avoid adding undue pressure.

Bethany straightened her blazer, a cream-colored piece tailored perfectly to her figure. She paired it with high-waisted black trousers and a simple gold chain around her neck—professional yet commanding. Taking a deep breath, she began.

"Thank you all for taking the time to meet today. I'll walk you through the finalized concepts for the Westlake Project. These designs reflect a balance between modern functionality and respect for the historical character of the neighborhood."

With a click, the first slide illuminated the screen. A collective hum of approval rippled through the room as Bethany spoke confidently, detailing every aspect of her vision. The designs featured clean lines, ample natural light, and adaptive reuse of the existing architectural elements. Renderings of the interior spaces showcased innovative layouts, seamlessly blending style with practicality.

As she presented, she glanced toward Benjamin. His expression was unreadable, but he leaned slightly forward, his steepled fingers resting against his lips. Liam, seated next to him, gave a subtle nod of approval. Bethany's heart lifted slightly, though she maintained her professional demeanor.

When she finished, she turned back to the group, her voice steady. "These designs not only meet the client's goals but also ensure a lasting impact on the community. I'm confident this project will set a new standard for R&M's portfolio."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Marcus was the first to speak, his voice warm with pride. "This is exceptional work, Bethany. Truly impressive."

Ryan chimed in, "Agreed. The details, the adaptability—it's all there. Well done."

Liam leaned back in his chair, his brown eyes fixed on her with a rare smile. "I had high expectations, but you've exceeded them."

Finally, Benjamin broke his silence. "It's... acceptable."

The room froze. Marcus and Ryan exchanged nervous glances. Liam arched an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard.

Bethany, however, refused to falter. "Thank you, Mr. Chase. I appreciate your feedback."

Benjamin's lips twitched slightly, almost resembling approval. "We'll proceed with these plans. Make sure the execution matches the presentation."

With that, the meeting adjourned. As the others began packing up, Liam approached her. "Good work, Bethany. Don't let my father's restraint fool you—that's as close to a compliment as he gets."

Bethany smiled. "Thanks, Liam. I'm glad the team is happy with the direction."

She packed her things, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. The feeling of accomplishment was satisfying, even with Benjamin's reserved acknowledgment.

As she stepped out into the crisp air of the parking lot, her phone buzzed in her hand. It was a text from an unknown number, but the message was unmistakable:

"Meet me tonight at The Velvet Room. 8 PM. We need to talk. - Juliette"

Bethany froze, her grip tightening on the phone. Every fiber of her being screamed to ignore the message. But part of her—the part that hated unfinished business—pushed her to face it.

Against her better judgment, she replied. "Fine. I'll be there."

Sliding into her car, she let out a shaky breath. She told herself it was just to clear the air. To make it clear to Juliette that whatever game she was playing was over. But deep down, unease settled in her chest.

Whatever Juliette had to say, Bethany had a sinking feeling it wouldn't end there.

The Velvet Room was unlike any place Bethany had been before. Nestled in a discreet corner of downtown Seattle, it was an intimate, upscale lounge bathed in deep hues of maroon and gold.

The entrance was framed by velvet curtains, and the soft glow of lantern-style lights illuminated the wrought iron sign above the door. Inside, the ambiance was rich and moody, with plush armchairs arranged in clusters, their upholstery a decadent mix of crimson and emerald. Crystal chandeliers hung low from the ceiling, casting soft, refracted light over the polished hardwood floors.

Bethany stepped in, the faint scent of aged wine and expensive cologne mingling in the air. A host led her through the maze of private alcoves, past murmured conversations and the clink of glasses. Her heart was pounding, her palms slightly damp as she tried to steady her nerves. She was led to a secluded corner where Juliette sat, perfectly poised, at a table set for two.

Juliette looked as flawless as ever, her icy beauty accentuated by a sleek, tailored black dress. Her hair, a glossy chestnut, was pulled into an elegant chignon, and the faintest smirk graced her lips as she caught sight of Bethany.

"Bethany," she greeted, gesturing to the chair opposite her. "I'm glad you decided to join me."

Bethany slid into the chair, her movements measured, her expression unreadable. "I didn't come here to play games, Juliette. Say what you need to say."

A waiter appeared before Juliette could respond, handing them menus. Juliette's smirk widened as she ordered a bottle of red wine and an assortment of appetizers without consulting Bethany.

"Don't worry," Juliette said dismissively, waving the waiter off. "You'll like it. I have excellent taste."

Bethany's jaw tightened, but she held her tongue. Instead, she let her gaze wander across the room, taking in the opulent decor and the faint hum of conversations. Her thoughts churned as she tried to anticipate Juliette's angle.

Once the wine arrived, and the waiter assured them they wouldn't be disturbed, the facade cracked.

"Now," Juliette began, her tone losing its earlier politeness, "let's dispense with the pretense, shall we? I think we both know why we're here."

Bethany leaned forward slightly, her voice steady. "I'm here because you seem determined to involve yourself in my relationship with Logan, and I want to know why."

Juliette swirled her wine glass, her smirk turning sharper. "Your relationship," she said, the word laced with derision, "is exactly the problem. Logan and I have a history—one you're clearly too naive to understand. I know what he needs, and frankly, you're not it."

Bethany's eyes narrowed. "You don't know anything about me or what Logan and I have."

"Oh, but I do," Juliette countered, setting her glass down with a quiet clink. "I've been watching. I see how hard you're trying to keep up, how desperate you are to prove you belong. It's admirable, in a way, but ultimately... futile."

Bethany's fists clenched under the table, but her voice remained calm. "You don't intimidate me, Juliette. Whatever you think you have over me or Logan, it's not going to work."

Juliette's smile turned predatory. "You're confident. I'll give you that. But confidence doesn't win the game—it's power." She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And I have it. Do you think I'm at R&M by accident? I'm deliberately working to undermine you. And Logan."

Bethany's stomach churned, but she refused to let Juliette see her unease. "Why are you so obsessed with us?"

Juliette laughed, the sound low and mocking. "This isn't obsession, darling. It's strategy. Logan is... unfinished business. And you? You're a distraction. One I intend to remove."

Bethany leaned back, crossing her arms. "Remove me how?"

Juliette's expression turned cold. "I've done my research. I know who your stepfather is—Charles Aldridge. Impressive, but also a double-edged sword, isn't it? His name opens doors, but it casts a long shadow. A shadow I can exploit."

Bethany's breath hitched, but she quickly masked her reaction. "You're bluffing."

"Am I?" Juliette said, arching a perfectly shaped brow. "If you don't leave Logan—and Seattle—I'll make sure no one else works with you. Ever. I have the influence to blacklist you in this industry. And unlike Logan, you won't recover. A black woman trying to navigate this elitist, cutthroat world? You'll be crushed under its weight."

Bethany's heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to deny Juliette's claim, but she knew there was truth in her words. Logan, a privileged white man, could rebuild after a setback. For her, the stakes were infinitely higher.

Juliette leaned back, her smug smile returning. "I'll give you time to think it over. But don't take too long. The clock is ticking." She rose gracefully, smoothing her dress. "Oh, and Bethany? If you're smart, you'll walk away now before you lose more than just Logan."

Without another word, Juliette strode out, leaving Bethany alone at the table. The weight of her ultimatum settled heavily on Bethany's shoulders, and for the first time, doubt began to creep into her mind.

Logan sat across from his mother, Vivienne, in the bright and airy sitting room of her Seattle estate. The room was an elegant mix of cream and gold tones, with large bay windows that overlooked the sprawling gardens. Vivienne sipped her tea gracefully, her keen eyes fixed on her son as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his normally confident demeanor edged with nervous energy.

"You're uncharacteristically quiet, Logan," Vivienne said, setting her cup down on the glass coffee table. "Something's clearly on your mind."

Logan let out a long breath, running a hand through his thick brown hair. "There's a lot, Mom. But mostly, it's Bethany."

Vivienne's expression softened instantly. "Bethany. I take it things are going well between the two of you?"

"They are," Logan said, his green eyes lighting up momentarily. "She's incredible. Talented, smart, driven... she challenges me in ways no one else ever has. But Juliette..." His voice trailed off, his jaw tightening at the thought of his ex.

Vivienne's brows knitted together. "What about Juliette?"

"She's back. And she's causing problems," Logan admitted. "I can handle her games, but Bethany's caught in the middle. Juliette's been undermining her at work, trying to rattle her confidence—and us."

Vivienne leaned back in her chair, her gaze sharp and contemplative. "That woman always had a knack for stirring up trouble. But you're not the same man who fell for her manipulation, Logan. And from what I've seen, Bethany is far more resilient than Juliette gives her credit for."

Logan nodded, his hands clasped together tightly. "Bethany is strong. But I don't want her to feel like she's fighting this battle alone. Juliette's using everything she can to shake her—making her doubt me, doubt herself. I want to do something to show her she's not alone in this. That I'm in this for the long haul."

Vivienne's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You want to reassure her."

"More than that," Logan said, his voice growing firmer. "I want to give her something concrete—something that says this isn't just a passing thing. I want her to feel safe, secure. Loved."

Vivienne's eyes sparkled with a rare warmth. "Logan, are you saying you're in love with her?"

The words hung in the air for a moment before Logan exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing as if a weight had lifted. "Yeah, Mom. I'm in love with her. I've never felt this way about anyone before. It's... terrifying and exhilarating at the same time."

Vivienne reached out, placing her hand over his. "Oh, Logan. I can see it in you. The way you light up when you talk about her. The way you look at her—it's different."

Logan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "She's different. And I want to show her that. I've been thinking about asking her to move in with me or—hear me out—giving her the opportunity to design what could be our home together."

Vivienne's eyes widened slightly, and then she broke into a delighted laugh. "That's quite the gesture, Logan. Both ideas are thoughtful and meaningful in their own ways. But you have to be sure Bethany feels ready for such a step. Moving in or planning a future home... those are big commitments."

"I know," Logan said, his voice steady. "But I don't want to wait, Mom. I've waited long enough to find someone like her. And with Juliette stirring the pot, I need Bethany to know I'm serious about her. I'm not going anywhere."

Vivienne squeezed his hand. "Then let's plan something she'll never forget. If you're going to do this, do it right. Make her feel as special as she is to you."

Logan's lips twitched into a small smile. "You have something in mind?"

"Oh, I always do," Vivienne said with a sly grin. "You could take her somewhere special—maybe the vineyard, or a new property you want her to design. Make it personal to your relationship. Let her see not just how much you care, but how much you believe in her."

Logan leaned back, a sense of purpose settling over him. "I want to do this right, Mom. Bethany deserves that."

"And you will," Vivienne assured him. "You've grown so much, Logan. And Bethany... she's bringing out the best in you. Now it's your turn to show her how much she means to you."

Logan's smile grew, his heart swelling at the thought of Bethany. "I will. I just hope she's ready for this. For us."

Vivienne's gaze softened, a mother's pride shining through. "If I know Bethany even a fraction as well as I think I do, she'll be ready. And Logan... don't let your fears from the past hold you back. This isn't Juliette. Bethany is a different woman entirely."

Logan nodded, his resolve strengthening. "Thanks, Mom. For everything."

Vivienne smiled knowingly. "Go get her, Logan. Show her she's exactly where she belongs."