The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 89

Chapter 80: Business Talks

Bella pov

I turned to find Ethan Pierce, CEO of Pierce Industries and one of the few self-made billionaires in the room. I’d met him a few times at business events, always found him charming and intelligent.

“Ethan, good to see you.” I shook his hand. “You know Caleb Black?”

“We’ve met.” Ethan’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes as he looked at Caleb. “Black. Congratulations on the Meridian deal.”

“Pierce.” Caleb’s voice was cool. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I serve on the hospital board.” Ethan turned his attention back to me. “Bella, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about a potential collaboration. Pierce Industries is expanding into Southeast Asia.”

“Is that so?” I was immediately interested. Ethan’s company was known for ethical business practices and innovative technology. “What did you have in mind?”

“Why don’t we discuss it over a drink?” Ethan gestured toward the bar. “I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Singapore market.”

I felt Caleb tense beside me. “We were just about to sit down.”

“I’m sure you can spare Bella for a few minutes.” Ethan’s smile was challenging. “Unless you’re keeping her on a short leash?”

The subtle dig wasn’t lost on anyone. Caleb’s jaw clenched but he didn’t rise to the bait.”Go ahead,” he said tightly. “I’ll save your seat.”

I followed Ethan to the bar, acutely aware of Caleb’s eyes tracking my movement. “Sorry about that,” Ethan said as he ordered our drinks. “I didn’t mean to cause tension.”

“You meant exactly that.” I accepted the champagne. “But I appreciate the honesty.”

“Fair enough.” Ethan’s eyes were warm and genuine. “Truth is, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for weeks but Black’s had you locked down tight. Congratulations on the Hart Industries takeover by the way. Brilliant move.”

“Thank you, it was necessary.” I sipped my champagne. “So, Southeast Asia?”

We talked business for twenty minutes. Ethan’s vision for expansion aligned perfectly with my own, and his approach to employee welfare and sustainable growth matched my values. It was refreshing, talking to someone who cared about more than just profit margins.

“We should set up a proper meeting,” I said finally. “This could be really beneficial for both companies.”

“I’d like that.” Ethan’s smile was genuine. “And Bella, I hope this isn’t too forward, but I have to say, watching you destroy your father’s schemes over the past few weeks has been incredibly impressive. You’re exactly the kind of business leader this city needs.”

“That’s kind of you to say.”

1/3

Chapter 80 Business Talks

+25 Points

“It’s not kindness, it’s observation.” He set down his glass. “You should probably get back before Black comes over here and starts a scene.”

I glanced over to find Caleb watching us with barely concealed irritation. “He wouldn’t.”

“Wouldn’t he?” Ethan’s tone was knowing. “Bella, I’ve been in the business world long enough to recognize territorial behavior. The man looks at you like you’re his most valuable asset.”

“I’m not his anything.”

“Are you sure about that?” Ethan’s eyes were too perceptive. “Because from where I’m standing, there’s definitely something between you two.”

Before I could respond, the lights dimmed and an announcement was made for everyone to take their seats. I returned to our table to find Caleb in conversation with several other CEOs, but his attention shifted immediately when I approached.”Enjoy your business discussion?” His voice was cool.

“Very much. Ethan has some interesting ideas about Southeast Asian expansion.”

“I’m sure he does.” Caleb pulled out my chair with more force than necessary.

Dinner was a seven-course affair with speeches between each course. I was hyperaware of Caleb beside me, the way his thigh pressed against mine under the table, the way his hand occasionally brushed my arm when he reached for his wine.

After dinner, the dancing started. I watched couples drift to the floor, wrapped in each other’s arms, and felt a pang of longing I didn’t want to examine.

“Dance with me.” Caleb’s voice was low in my ear.

“I don’t think”

“I’m not asking what you think, I’m asking if you’ll dance with me.” He stood, offered his hand. “One dance, Bella. Then you can go back to pretending you don’t feel this.”

Every eye in the room was on us, waiting to see if the rumored-to-be-reconciled couple would dance. Refusing would cause speculation we didn’t need. I took his hand.

He led me to the center of the floor as a slow song started, some jazz standard about lost love and second chances. His hand settled on my waist, warm through the thin fabric of my dress, and I placed mine on his shoulder.

We moved together, and I was struck by how perfectly we fit. My heels brought me to just the right height, my curves aligned with his body, and when he pulled me closer, I went without resistance,

“You’ve been avoiding me all day,” he said quietly.

“I’ve been busy.”

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he repeated. “Ever since last night in the kitchen.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Don’t you?” His hand slid lower on my back, fingers splaying possessively. “You couldn’t look at me this

2/3

Chapter 80 Astes: Talks

morning. You fled the kitchen last night like I’d burned you. What happened, Bella?”

+25 Points

If he only knew. If he knew what I’d done after leaving him, what I’d been thinking while touching myself,

how I’d moaned his name.

“Nothing happened, I was just tired.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify