Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Chapter 89 - Domineering CEO

As Melanie spoke about her plans for furthering LuxeArt, the tense atmosphere between the two of them seemed to ease, despite the sizzling attraction that simmered just below the surface..

Adam couldn't help but marvel at the woman's tenacity. He'd known she was a shrewd businesswoman after observing her actions over the past three years, but seeing her now, all fired up for the loan she had received, impressed him more than he'd expected.

He'd seen LuxeArt's inventory firsthand during when he'd gone there last time. Madam Collins had done quite a number on that place The furniture pieces had been pitiful — cracked wood, peeling varnish, and designs that seemed to belong in the last century. Even the most desperate bargain hunter would hesitate to spend money there.

And the art... Adam had barely contained a grimace. Kindergarten children could create better displays with a box of crayons and some finger paint. The two main selling points of LuxeArt — its exclusive furniture and curated art — had become little more than a sad joke.

Added to that, the accounts were a mess. He knew that because he'd had Max look into it. The numbers painted a bleak picture — debts piled higher than profits, suppliers demanding payment, and barely any revenue trickling in.

Any other person would have taken one look at the situation, declared it hopeless, and walked away. Hell, Adam himself had seen companies in far better condition close down without a second thought. Yet Melanie? She stood her ground, stubbornly refusing to give up.

He shifted his gaze back to her, studying her with renewed interest. She wasn't just determined; she was fearless. There was something undeniably captivating about that. And of course, she was beautiful. A combination he definitely liked.

He hadn't lied when he'd said he wanted to kiss her just now. He did. More than that — he craved it. It had been a long time since a woman had truly caught his attention, and Melanie had done so effortlessly.

The worst part? His body was thrumming with restless energy, a gnawing hunger clawing at his insides, screaming that he needed to have her. It almost felt like an obsession — one that had come out of nowhere and hit him like a freight train but he knew he would have her. Soon.

As he was letting his imagination run wild, thinking of various ways he wanted to have her, Melanie's words broke into his thoughts," That reminds me! I'll be heading out of the city this weekend."

Adam's gaze sharpened as he looked at her, "What?"

"I've set up a meeting with one of LuxeArt's old designer. The man was very reticent to meet but he has finally come around. He's agreet to meet me there for dinner. Ben's driving me there. We'll have dinner with the man and stay the night before heading back in the morning."

His mood darkened instantly. The thought of Ben — that overly eager assistant with his doting eyes — spending the night near Melanie had Adam's fingers twitching. Never before had he felt such jealousy. His voice dropped low. "You're not going."

Melanie paused mid-bits, her brows lifting in surprise as she stared at him over the large slice of pizza. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Adam's scowl deepened. Images of Ben's starry-eyed gaze flickered in his mind. "You can't go."

For a second, Melanie just stared at him, and then her lips twitched and then she chuckled. "You almost had me! You know," she drawled with exaggerated sweetness, "you sound just like one of those domineering CEOs right now — all you need to do is growl and threaten to break my legs if I go wiht Ben. Or better yet, maybe you'll threaten to break Ben's legs, since no self-respecting CEO would actually harm the girl."

Adam smirked darkly. "Breaking Ben's legs sounds like an amazing idea." So, would you not go if I threaten to break his legs? For added measure I can even add a threat to his arms..."

She let out a snort of laughter, and Adam was tempted to lean forward and steal that smile from her face but before she could speak, he added so as not to show his weakness, "But it's not about that. We're not allowed to stay apart, in case you have forgotten.."

Melnaie's smile faltered slightly. "Adam, the court order said we can't be apart for more than ten days. I'll be gone for one night. It's hardly breaking any rules."

"You're still not going," he muttered, but she only shook her head, clearly amused by him.

For a moment, she thought of inviting him along. But then she stopped herself. That would be foolish. She'd barely have any time away from his so she should make the best use of this opportunity.

She watched as he picked up the pizza box and cleaned up hurriedly before moving to return to his room after a muttered good night and shook her head. What was wrong with him now? He seemed to be having mood swings!

Before he could close the door in her face, she called out, "Hey! Unlock my door now!"

Adam paused and rolled his eyes. "I unlocked it soon after you sat down."

Melanie huffed in disbelief but got to her feet, moving slowly toward her room. It was only when she reached the mirror that her eyes widened in horror. She looked like a seductress! Despite having buttoned her shirt's top buttons, her hair was tousled, wild strands curling around her face. Worse, her shirt had somehow come untucked from her skirt, leaving her looking distinctly rumpled and — dare she admit — flustered.

No wonder Adam had kept directing looks at her all evening. She'd thought he was trying to unsettle her, turns out she looked like a fool and so he kept getting distracted...

She groaned,and pressed her palms over her face. Great. Just great. Why could not she remain composed in his presence? Thank God she had not invited him to meet Peter! Or she would have been a mess in the meeting probably.