Chapter 36

Stella's POV

"Well, if it isn't the adopted trash." Lucy's voice dripped venom as she blocked my path. "Enjoying your little victory?"

I maintained my fake smile despite her obvious attempt to provoke me. "Lucy, what a surprise. I thought you'd be busy with damage control after your contract termination."

Her perfectly manicured nails dug into her designer handbag."We both know how you got this position. Did you enjoy crawling into the boss's bed?"

Several heads turned at her raised voice. Perfect - just the audience I needed.

"Actually," I kept my voice measured but clear enough to carry,"I earned this position by myself. Though I suppose that concept might be foreign to someone who relies on family connections and blackmail."

Her face flushed an unattractive shade of red. "You little-"Miss Winston." Taylor's crisp voice cut through the tension. "Security will escort you out. Unless you'd prefer we release the full recording of your... business negotiations?"I watched with carefully concealed satisfaction as Lucy was led away,hor throats fading into incoherent sputtering

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The contract signing room felt oddly intimate despite its corporate sterility. I reviewed each clause carefully.years of business experience making me wary of fine print.

"Everything appears to be in order." The legal representative's professional mask didn't slip. but I caught the slight tremor in his hands as he processed my paperwork. "Though there is one... additional requirement."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"All department directors must be personally approved by the CEO." He wouldn't quite meet my eyes. "It's a new policy."

"Is it?" I couldn't quite keep the amusement from my voice. "How convenient."

"The CEO is available now. if you'd-"

"Lead the way." I gathered my things, already planning exactly how to handle my dear husband's latest power play.Taylor was waiting by the executive elevator, his expression carefully blank. "Mrs. Lancaster. The CEO will see you now."The ride to the 38th floor was silent, but I caught Taylor's subtle smirk in the mirrored walls. At least someone was enjoying this litle drama.

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Adam's office seemed different in the morning light - less intimidating, more... purposeful. The man himself stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. his reflection watching me with that dangerous amusement I was starting to recognize.

"Mrs. Lancaster." His voice held that edge that always made my pulse jump. "I believe we have some business to discuss."

"The contract issigned." I kept my tone professional despite how his proximity affected me. "Was there something else?"

His smile was pure predator. "Actually. yes. As CEO. I need to ensure our Fashion Director can deliver results."

"I assure you my portfolio-"

"Theory is one thing." He moved closer, and I caught the scent of his expensive cologne. "But I prefer practical demonstrations.:1

I raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?""Style me." His eyes held a challenge. "Prove you deserve this position.""Now?"I couldn't quite keep the disbelief from my voice. "You want me to be your personal stylist?""Consider it your first executive task." His smile shouldn't have affected me so much. "Unless you're not up to the challenge?"

Twenty minutes later, I surveyed the selection Taylor had brought up. Suits in various cuts and shades lay carefully arranged. alongside an impressive array of accessories.

"The charcoal Brioni." I stepped closer, unable to resist running my fingers along the fine wool. "With the pale blue shirt. The combination will highlight your..." I caught myself before saying 'gorgeous eyes' and quickly amended, "professional image."

Adam's eyes darkened as he watched me assemble the look, his gaze following my every movement. "Quite confident in your choices, Mrs. Lancaster. Though I wonder what other combinations you find... appealing."

"The subtle herringbone pattern adds depth without being flashy." I selected a deep navy tie. "Perfect for today's board meeting."

"Is it?" His voice dropped lower as I adjusted the tie's length.I tried to focus on the Windsor knot, but his proximity was impossibly distracting. The heat radiating from his body and his intoxicating scent made my fingers tremble slightly as I worked."The tie knot should be proportional to your collar spread," Imanaged, desperately maintaining my professional tone. "It's simple geometry."

"Is it?" His breath ghosted across my ear as he leaned closer,ostensibly examining my work in the mirror. His hands caught mine as I finished the knot, fingers intertwining with mine.

The suggestive undertone in his voice made heat pool in my stomach. I made the mistake of meeting his eyes in the mirror,and the intensity of his gaze took my breath away.

Heat flooded my face."How did you-"

"I make it my business to know everything about my executives." His thumb traced circles on my wrist. "Especially ones who threaten me with corporate scandals."

"I didn't threaten," I protested. "I simply presented a record."

His laugh rumbled through his chest.′′Mytroublesome wife.Always finding new ways to surprise me."

"Mr. Lancaster." I tried to sound stern despite how his touch made my pulse race."It is time to work now.""I'm the rule here." His thumb brushing across my bottom lip in a way that made me shiver. "Then perhaps we should discuss proper work attire." His eyes traveled down my body with dangerous intent. "That skirt is rather... distracting. The way it clings when you walk..."I swallowed hard as his hand slid to my hip. fingers sploying possessively across the fabric in question. "The length is perfectly appropriate for the office."

"The length?" He pulled me closer. untilI could feel the heat of his body through my silk blouse. "I'm more concerned about how it makes me want to-"

"The length is perfectly appropriate!"' I stepped back. smoothing my pencil skirt self-consciously. "And you're changing the subject."

"Am I?" His smile held secrets. "Or am I simply ensuring my Fashion Director maintains proper standards?"

Before I could formulate a suitably professional response.Taylor appeared in the doorway. "Sir. the board is waiting."

"Okay." Adam's voice held a promise that made heat pool in my stomach. "I expect a new style tomorrow. my little stylist."

I felt speechless. I was the Fashion Director. Can't he wear a tic himself?

But also not much angry. to match people's clothes. to make the best appearance. was my job responsibility. but also my enjoyment.