The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 17

Chapter 18: The Iron Empress-1

Bella POV

The elevator doors opened on the forty-second floor of Sterling Tower, and I stepped into what would be Hart Worldwide’s North American headquarters. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Silverton’s skyline, and directly across the street, like a dark monument to everything I’d survived, stood Black Tower. Caleb’s kingdom, looming over mine.

“Mommy, it’s so high up!” Tom pressed his face against the glass, his grey eyes wide with wonder. “I can see everything!”

“That’s the point, baby.” I set down my briefcase and joined him at the window, pointing to the building across the street. “See that tall black building? That’s where some very important people work.”

“Are they nice people?” Tom asked, and the innocence in his voice made my chest tight.

“Some of them are.” I kissed the top of his head. “And some of them we need to be very careful around.”

My assistant, Lisa, appeared in the doorway with a tablet and an apologetic smile. “Ms. Hart, the design team is here to discuss office layouts, and your two o’clock is waiting in conference room A. Also, the summit coordinator called again about your keynote speech.”

“Tell them I’ll have the speech ready by Friday.” I turned from the window, switching seamlessly from mother to CEO. “And send the design team in. Tom, honey, go with Lisa to the children’s area we set up, okay? Mommy has work to do.”

“Can I bring my dinosaurs?” Tom asked, already reaching for his backpack.

“All the dinosaurs you want.” I watched Lisa take his hand and lead him toward the corner office I’d converted into a play space, complete with toys, books, and a nanny on standby. Some things never changed, I still brought my son to work, but now I could afford to make it comfortable for both of us.

The design team filed in, three young professionals with tablets and fabric samples, and I spent the next hour approving furniture, rejecting color schemes that felt too soft, and insisting on a conference table large enough to intimidate anyone who sat at it.

“We want the space to feel powerful,” I explained, pointing to the window view. “Everyone who walks in here should immediately understand that Hart Worldwide doesn’t play small, Nothing warm or inviting.”

“What about your personal office?” the lead designer asked. “Same aesthetic?”

I thought about that for a moment, then shook my head. “My office can have some warmth. A couch, softer lighting, space for Tom to play when he’s here. But the conference rooms and common areas? Those stay cold.”

They nodded and made notes, and I caught myself wondering what Caleb’s office looked like now. I’d seen it once, did he still work until 2 AM? Did he still drink scotch while reviewing contracts? Did he ever think about the wife he’d thrown away?

Stop it, I told myself firmly. He doesn’t matter anymore. He’s just another competitor now, another obstacle to overcome.

1/2

<Chapter 13 The tren Empress 1

But my eyes kept drifting to Black Tower across the street, and I hated that I couldn’t stop looking.

+25 Points

After the design team left, I had back-to-back meetings with my legal team, my finance director, and a potential client who wanted Hart Worldwide to handle a complicated merger. By the time six o’clock rolled around, I was exhausted but satisfied. The Silverton office was taking shape, and in two weeks, we’d be fully operational.

Two weeks until the international business summit where I’d be giving the keynote speech on emerging market acquisitions. Two weeks until I’d be in the same room as Caleb Black for the first time in years.

I found Tom in his play area, building an elaborate dinosaur city with blocks while his nanny read nearby.

“Hey, baby. Ready to go home?” I asked, crouching down to his level.

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