CORPORATE SEDUCTION BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

Tessa’s point of view. “You can not deny that hot reckless expansion has contributed to both of our companies hitting the rocks.” I hissed, my voice barely audible above the swell of music. Lucian arched a brow, his expression was cold. “We are in a lavish ballroom , the high society elite are gathered here for the annual charity gala, i do not think this is the right place for a heated argument.” Lucian argued. “I am just stating facts.” I said, and took a sip of my expensive wine. “Facts?” Lucian scuffed. “Oh I can deny it, but the truth is the Castor Enterprise has been floundering for years long before my so called reckless expansion. Perhaps if you father had spent less time on his yachts and private island and your mother less time on dragging kids half her age on the Internet, we would not be having this conversation.” My jaw tightened, my grip on my champagne glass tightening, as if I wanted to smash it. “You have no right to speak ill of my father or mother,” I spat, taking a step closer to Lucian. “Your parents’ incompetence is matter of public record,” Lucian shot back. “And your refusal to see it is merely prolonging the inevitable shut down of Castor Enterprises.” “At least my father had the decency to stay faithful to my mother,” I snapped. “Unlike your father who had to touch some random girl.” “If I am correct that random girl is your step sister?” Lucian fired back. “My mother argues with girls half her age and your father F U C K s them?” I spat out, my tone bitter. Lucian’s hardened, a dangerous look in his eyes. “What your tongue , Miss Castor. You are already walking on thin ice as it is.” “I am not afraid of you, Wright,” I retorted, leaning in so close I was sure Lucian could smell the perfume I used. “I might be walking on thin ice but you are the one drowning to the bottom of the pool.” Lucian’s eyes narrowed. “Tread carefully Miss Castor. You might find yourself wishing you had stayed in your lane.” My laughter was bitter, a dry mirthless sound. “Oh, Lucian. I am not worried about staying in my lane. I am more concerned about watching you crash and burn to the ground.” I paused, giving Lucian a calculating look. “Tell me Lucian, have you considered what will happen to your precious little company when I have driven it into the ground?” Lucian’s lips curled up into a sneer. “You can not run a taco truck let alone a multinational empire like min. But please, Miss Castor by all means, continue to delude yourself into thinking you are actually a threat. It’s fun watching you make a fool of yourself.” My hand shot out, gripping Lucian’s collar. “A threat? Fool? Delude?” I repeated, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “I am not some cheap bag of weed you can toss to the side, I am the f*****g cocaine. I am a hurricane and right now you standing in the eye of the storm. Just wait and see how much damage I can do to your little princessa empire when I put my mind to it.” Lucian’s eyes blazed with anger, but he has a smug grin on his face. “The same princessa your father dreams of baby.” Before I could retort, a smooth voice cut through. “Well, is If is not the most talked about couple in the room. Did I happen to interrupt anything?” Turning toward the sound, I found myself face to face with the, Melvin Marshall, CEO of Marshall Corporations. “Melvin,” Lucian greeted him, his nice tone only increased the tension. “Fancy seeing you here.” Melvin smile was wide. “I could not resist the opportunity to watch the two of your year each other apart with your venomous words and deadly glares. It is fun really, like watching two kangaroos throwing punches at each other.” My lips twitched in amusement, but I did not take my eyes off Lucian. “Yes, well the difference between us and kangaroos is that we can walk away from this fight without the need to throw punches... a trait you seem to lack.” Melvin frowned. “Ah, But are you really waking away without the punches or are you just circling each other waiting for the perfect moment to strike?” “I do not hit females, I would have loved for you to ask your dad, but he can not answer that question as he is known for turning your mum into his punching bag.” Lucian fired. Melvin’s face twisted in rage. “I and my father we are two different people. And I am brave enough to take risk. A trait that seems to be lacking in you.” Lucian’s gaze met Melvin’s. “Brave enough to take a few risk. I would say, after all the only thing worse than failure...is living in regret.” “Like your mum is all over the media regretting why she kept you...and did not pass you off as menstruation.” I seconded. “I see you two have now turned to face me...I just say good...if only you focused on your business instead of digging into my past maybe the companies will not be running at a loss.” Melvin fired and walked away. As the music swelled around us, Lucian reached for his pocket and brought out his business card, his eyes fixed on me. “When you are ready to fix your failing company and give Melvin his reply,” he said, his voice low and cold. “You know where to find me.” Without breaking eye contact, I extended my hand and snatched the card from his grasp. “Do not worry, when I am done. You will be needing my business card.” “Maybe the best CEO win.” Lucian said and walked away, majestically. I looked at the business card in my hand. I really needed to shut Melvin up, but do I really need Lucian? Do we really need each other? What if.. .