Reclaimed By Love

Four

Ellie didn't have time to argue before the security guards hauled her out of the building.

The receptionist smirked. "What's so great about being beautiful and rich? You think you're good enough for Mr. Ramsey?"

She smoothed down her skirt and admired her reflection in the lobby's polished floor.

Alex, stepping out of the elevator, caught the receptionist's words and saw Ellie being dragged away.

"The president doesn't like that kind of woman. What kind of woman should he like? Should he like you?"

"Me? If only!" The receptionist squealed. She looked up and froze, her face paling as she saw Alex standing before her. "Mr… Mr. Ramsey!"

Alex's gaze swept over her, his expression glacial.

The receptionist trembled under his scrutiny, unable to speak.

"You're fired." Alex's voice was cold and final.

"Mr. Ramsey…" The receptionist gasped, disbelief and panic warring on her face.

Alex ignored her and strode towards the entrance. Ellie, spotting him, rushed over. "Mr. Ramsey, you're not… you're not going back on your word, are you?"

"Do I look like the kind of man who breaks his promises?" Alex's tone was sharp.

"No, of course not." Ellie wrung her hands, anxiety gnawing at her.

"Good." Alex reached the bottom of the steps, his assistant holding the car door open. He looked at Ellie, his expression softening slightly. "Get in."

Ellie obeyed, sliding into the luxurious car beside him.

As they drove away, the receptionist stared after them, her jaw slack. "She actually knows Mr. Ramsey?"

How was that possible? She'd never seen this woman before, and Mr. Ramsey clearly wasn't interested in women like her.

Ellie sat quietly in the car while Alex made calls, his voice brisk and authoritative. Despite his reputation as a playboy, he looked undeniably handsome when he was in work mode.

Ellie was still lost in thought when the car pulled up to a hotel.

"Get out," Alex said curtly.

Ellie followed him inside.

"What about the contract? I'd like to sign it and then…" Ellie trailed off, glancing around the hotel lobby. She didn't like this. It felt… wrong.

Alex didn't reply, his stride lengthening as he headed towards the elevators.

Ellie swallowed hard and hurried after him. She needed that contract today. The shareholders' meeting was tomorrow, and without Alex's support, she wouldn't even be able to get into the building, let alone become chairman.

But Alex's silence was unnerving. She was starting to worry. What if he'd changed his mind? What if he'd used her and had no intention of keeping his word? She'd already slept with him; what recourse did she have?

They reached a private room in the hotel restaurant.

Ellie followed Alex inside, her eyes nervously scanning the faces of the people seated around the table.

Everyone in the room exuded an air of power and success.

Ellie recognized a few faces from business magazines, and others she'd seen with her father at exclusive golf tournaments. They were industry giants, a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars.

"Sit down," Alex said, his tone clipped.

Ellie took a seat beside him, her nerves buzzing. She felt out of place, a small fish in a tank of sharks.

She'd considered making a run for it, but the contract was still in Alex's hands.

"Well, well, if it isn't Ms. Vance." A man in his fifties, his smile predatory, addressed her. "Looks like you and Mr. Ramsey are quite… friendly."

"Associates," Alex corrected, his expression unchanged.

"Associates? Mr. Ramsey and Ms. Vance? Interesting…" Another man chuckled.

"So, is Mr. Ramsey going to help you save Sterling Enterprises?"

"If Mr. Ramsey takes it on, Sterling is as good as saved!" someone else chimed in.

"Mr. Ramsey, the miracle worker of the business world. He can bring companies back from the dead."

The compliments flowed, each one a subtle reminder of Alex's power and influence.

Alex, his face impassive, steered the conversation towards industry trends and market analysis.

Ellie sat quietly, trying to follow along. She didn't understand most of it, but she sensed Alex's strategy. He'd brought her here to be seen, to establish her as someone under his protection. These men, recognizing her connection to Alex, would be more inclined to support her.

Even without the contract in hand, Ellie felt a surge of hope. With Alex's backing, she might actually pull this off.

The conversation flowed, a mix of English and industry jargon. Ellie remained silent, feeling increasingly out of her depth.

Suddenly, a man turned to her. "Ms. Vance, what are your thoughts on this?"

Ellie froze. She hadn't been paying attention. She had no idea what to say.

Before she could stammer out a response, Alex intervened. "I'll answer for Ms. Vance. I believe the current economic climate…"

He launched into a detailed analysis, his words sharp and insightful.

Ellie was impressed. Even though she didn't fully grasp the specifics, she couldn't help but admire his expertise.

"Well said, Mr. Ramsey!"

The discussion continued for hours, the atmosphere lively and engaged.

Finally, Alex called an end to the meeting. They moved to the hotel restaurant for dinner, the conversation continuing over plates of gourmet food.

Afterward, Ellie followed Alex to Ramsey Industries.

In his office, Alex produced a document and handed it to her.

"Sign this. After you do, I'll be in touch. You'll need to be available at all times. The terms are all outlined here." His voice was cold, businesslike.

Ellie scanned the contract. It was… comprehensive. And very demanding. But she had no choice. She signed her name.