Five
938 Words
Alex took the contract, his eyes lingering on Ellie's signature.
The resemblance to Isabelle was uncanny. Not just her face, but her personality too.
He felt a surge of conflicting emotions. He both loved and hated this woman, a confusing echo of his past.
"Thank you, Mr. Ramsey." Ellie's voice was sincere. Despite the price she had paid, she was genuinely grateful. Without him, she had no chance of reclaiming Sterling.
Alex's gaze hardened.
She was just like Isabelle. Even her manipulative innocence was a perfect imitation.
He'd been fooled once. He wouldn't be fooled again.
"This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, Ms. Vance. No need for gratitude. And you can drop the innocent act. It won't work on me."
Ellie blinked, confusion clouding her features.
When had she been anything but genuine?
"I'm not…" she began, but Alex cut her off.
"Don't bother explaining. And don't try to play the naive card. I'm a businessman. I deal in facts, not feelings." His voice was like ice. "You can go now. I'll contact you when I need you."
Ellie felt a surge of anger.
Naive? When had she ever… She didn't need to pretend. She was naive when it came to the cutthroat world of business.
The feeling of being misunderstood stung. She glared at Alex, then turned and left without another word.
As she walked through the lobby, she felt the stares of the Ramsey employees.
"Is that the boss's new girlfriend?"
"She looks so innocent. He always goes for that type."
"Innocent? Please. She's probably playing him for all he's worth. Just wait until he's done with her. She'll be begging for scraps."
"Bitches," Ellie muttered under her breath.
She ignored the whispers and left the building, her head held high.
The next day, the shareholders' meeting dawned.
Ellie drove to Sterling early, determined to face whatever lay ahead. But as she parked and headed towards the entrance, a security guard blocked her path.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Vance. You can't enter."
"This is my father's company! Why not? I'm a shareholder. I have the right to attend the meeting!" Ellie's voice rose in frustration.
She hadn't expected to be barred from her own company.
"Ms. Vance, I'm just following orders. I can't let you in." The guard stood firm.
Across the parking lot, a group of shareholders, flanked by bodyguards, approached the building.
Compared to their entourage, Ellie felt small and insignificant. She stood alone, arguing with a security guard.
"Ms. Vance, I heard you sold your shares. Why bother coming? You don't know anything about running a company. You're just embarrassing yourself." One of the shareholders sneered.
"No, I can learn!" Ellie retorted, her eyes flashing.
"It's not about learning. It's not as simple as a child learning to talk or walk. Women aren't cut out for business. Sell your shares, take the money, and continue being a pampered princess. Why bother with the company?" Director Gold sneered.
Several shareholders joined in, their laughter echoing across the parking lot.
If Ellie had put in the effort, would she be in this position now? They scoffed. She'd practically handed the company to them on a silver platter. She'd wasted her time, and now she was paying the price.
The group moved towards the building, ignoring Ellie's protests.
Ellie tried to follow, but their bodyguards shoved her back.
"Let me in!" she shouted. "I have the right to be there!"
"Ms. Vance, just stay here. What's the point? You'll only embarrass yourself. No one will listen to you anyway!"
"Exactly. You should have just sold your shares quietly. Now you've made things difficult for everyone." Another shareholder chuckled.
Ellie felt a wave of panic.
She couldn't let them take Sterling. She had to get into that meeting.
Alex! He'd promised to help.
But as she reached for her phone, she realized she didn't have his number. She'd written hers on the contract, but she hadn't thought to ask for his.
What was she going to do?
She couldn't just stand here.
Ellie's anxiety grew. Each time she tried to approach the entrance, the guards pushed her back. She tried to force her way through, but they shoved her to the ground, her hair disheveled, her clothes rumpled.
The shareholders and directors, passing by, smirked at her, their eyes filled with disdain.
Ellie sat on the ground, her knees scraped, tears stinging her eyes.
No one would help her. She knew that now.
The people who might have cared were gone, driven out of the company. She was utterly alone.
Suddenly, a line of sleek cars pulled up, their engines purring.
The commotion caught the attention of the shareholders and directors. They turned to stare.
Alex stepped out of the lead car, his presence commanding attention.
Behind him, several other men emerged, followed by a small army of assistants and bodyguards.
Ellie, spotting Alex, felt a surge of relief.
He'd come. He'd actually kept his word.
She was overwhelmed with gratitude. In this moment of desperation, he was her only savior.
"Why are you sitting on the ground?" Alex reached Ellie, his hand outstretched. He helped her up, gently brushing the dirt from her clothes.
He adjusted her hair, his touch surprisingly gentle. Then, his expression hardened, his voice a low growl.
"In business, you can't afford to lose face. Next time, wear heels. And if you fall, get up immediately. No one will pity you. You have to be stronger, tougher, than anyone else. Only then will they respect you."
Around them, the shareholders and directors stared at Alex, their expressions a mixture of shock and apprehension.
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