Chapter 114
114
THE gigantic building of Satin & Sage radiated elegance. It wasn’t just an office, it was a statement. As if the universe was working, there has been some changes Rex had insisted to be implemented the week before. Minimalist white walls adorned with framed photographs of past campaigns, glass partitions, lush greenery strategically placed, and the soft hum of productivity in the air. Everything about the space reflected Amelia’s taste: refined, modern, and unapologetically bold.
Adrian arrived in a tailored charcoal suit that morning, his presence alone sending ripples through the reception area, just as it always did. One of the sales representatives, the one whom had wanted to attend to him the last time he came, froze for a moment before forcing a polite smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Cole. You have an appointment?” she asked, her tone trembling slightly under the weight of his reputation. She had deduced instantly that the billionaire wasn’t there to buy clothes.
Adrian’s lips curved into the faintest smirk.
“Not an appointment,” he said smoothly. “But Amelia will want to see me p>
She hesitated.
“She is in a meeting p>
“Tell her Adrian Cole is here,” he said, his voice low, assured, leaving no room for argument. And the girl left to carry out the order.
Minutes later, she returned, her eyes flicking nervously.
“She will see you p>
He followed her through sleek corridors until they reached a glass-walled office at the far end. Amelia’s office.
Inside, Amelia sat behind a broad desk, her hair neatly pulled back, her pen resting against a notepad. She didn’t rise when he entered. Her eyes, sharp and guarded, locked onto him as if daring him to overstep.
“Adrian,” she said evenly. “What again has brought you to my office? Why can’t you stay away?” She asked impatiently.
A tired smile which didn’t reach his eyes played on his face as he shut the door gently behind him, his gaze sweeping over her space, taking in every detail before settling back on her.
MARO
“Amelia, please p>
She scoffed.
“What do you want, Adrian? Get out with it. I do not have all day,” she began gathering some files on her desk.
He smiled again.
“Can you just listen to me? Please?” He pleaded.
She exhaled and gestured to the chair opposite her desk.
“Sit, if you must p>
He did, though the way he leaned forward slightly made it seem as though he owned the room already. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries.
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“I came to propose a partnership,” he said, sliding a folder across her desk. The embossed gold logo of Cole Holdings gleamed against the folder’s black leather cover. “Satin & Sage has built a very strong reputation. I want to amplify that. Together, we can take your brand global p>
Amelia didn’t touch the folder. Instead, she studied him, her brow raised. Was this a joke? She almost laughed.
“You want to partner with us? Or with me p>
The question was sharp, slicing right into his motive. Adrian didn’t flinch.
“Both p>
She exhaled, sitting back in her chair.
“You have to understand how this looks, Adrian. You disappear for a year plus, resurface, and suddenly every move you make leads straight back to me. Do you think I don’t notice p>
His jaw tightened.
“This isn’t about us. It is about opportunity. Satin & Sage deserves the resources I can provide. And if that also means…” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully, “…putting myself in a position where we cross paths more often, then so be it p>
Her lips pressed into a thin line. “At least you admit it p>
He twisted his lips in reply.
“But you and I know this thing p>
She gestured with her right hand, “…this proposal, isn’t for the opportunities as you trying to make it look. But I will pretend as though we do not know p>
He chuckled.
“I knew I married a smart wit woman,” he said almost in a whisper.
She heard though but said nothing to that and silence stretched between them for a moment, charged and tense. For this minutes of silence, Amelia would look at him, catch him smiling at her as though he wasn’t that cheating husband, and she would sigh and take away her face. Finally, she reached for the folder. She flipped it open, scanning the neatly printed projections, partnership models, and growth charts she knew Peter had spent sleepless nights preparing. The numbers were staggering. With Cole Holdings’ backing, Satin & Sage could indeed expand globally, London, Paris, Tokyo, Milan, the dream of every fashion and lifestyle house.
Yet Amelia’s skepticism lingered. She looked up, her eyes softening but still laced with steel.
“You think I can’t tell when business is just a disguise huh? You are not only here for Satin & Sage, Adrian. You are here for me. And that is what makes this dangerous p>
He leaned in, voice low, his gaze unwavering.
“Maybe I am here for you. But tell me something, Amelia. If this deal had come from anyone else, someone you didn’t share history with, would you hesitate to grab it p>
Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment she had no answer. Because he was right. If anyone else had brought this to her, she would have jumped at the opportunity without a second thought.
She finally shut the folder and pushed it gently back toward him.
ро
“I will hear you out. That is all. But don’t mistake my openness for forgiveness p>
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Something in Adrian’s chest ached at her words, though he masked it with a slight nod.
“Fair enough p>
A knock came at the door just then. Ryan stepped in, always tall, composed, his presence filling the room with an air of unspoken rivalry. His eyes darted from Adrian to Amelia, narrowing almost imperceptibly.
“Adrian,” Ryan said curtly. “Didn’t expect to see you here… again.” He added the ‘again’ after a second thought.
“You know, if not for one thing, I could say the same,” Adrian replied coolly, standing to his full height.
Amelia quickly stood, interjecting before the tension thickened.
“We were just discussing a potential partnership p>
Ryan’s jaw tightened.
“A partnership?” His gaze flicked to Adrian with thinly veiled suspicion.
Adrian smirked faintly.
“Business, Ryan. Nothing more p>
The lie lingered in the air, heavy and dangerous. Amelia could almost feel the storm brewing, but she straightened her shoulders, slipping into her professional armor.
“For now,” she said firmly, addressing them both, “I will review the proposal with our board. We will see if Satin & Sage and Cole Holdings can align p>
Her words closed the conversation like a gavel striking wood.
But as Adrian left the office, his gaze lingered on her one last time, heavy with unspoken promises. He had gotten what he came for: a chance.
And Amelia, though skeptical, had agreed to hear him out.
The game had only just begun.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.