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Ivy took the file, muttering, "Got it. Thanks, Kayla."
"All good. I’ll bring coffee for you both." Kayla said before disappearing down the hall.
Ivy followed behind, heading toward the meeting room. It wasn’t much of a surprise that she was given a case the moment she walked in. She had done significant work on files before and had been part of many major projects.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door to announce her presence before stepping inside.
"Good morning, Mr..." She glanced at the file in her hand for the name, but the moment her eyes lifted, they met a pair of familiar dark ones—and a gorgeous, unforgettable face.
"Christian Evans." The words came out as more of a murmur.
Christian, who had been sitting sideways at the large meeting table, turned his chair and rose to his feet.
"Good morning, Ms. Watson." He gave her a warm smile.
Chapter 3 Dominate
At that moment, the door opened again, and Kayla stepped inside, carrying two cups of coffee. She stopped near Ivy, shuffling closer and whispering excitedly, "He’s handsome, isn’t he? I was stunned too when I first saw him at the reception. He’s so freaking gorgeous—oh my God!"
Ivy snapped out of her stupor, realizing she hadn’t misunderstood. Forcing her legs to move, she walked toward the table.
Kayla quickly set the coffees down and rushed out as fast as she had come.
Ivy placed the file on the table and took a deep breath, her eyes momentarily shutting. Then, she finally turned to Christian.
"I’m sorry, Mr. Evans. I won’t be taking this project," she said with finality, picking up the file again and preparing to leave. "I’ll ask Mr. Wilson to assign this to someone else."
As she stepped away, Christian moved in front of her, blocking her path.
"You don’t have the authority to deny a project, Ivy." His voice was soft, calm—so calm it made her insides tremble.
Her fingers tightened around the file, anger rising.
Christian reached out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward the door. "Come with me. We’ll discuss this over lunch."
She frowned, tugging her hand free. "I don’t have time for that. If you have anything to discuss, we can talk right here. And as I said, I won’t be taking this project. I will inform Mr. Wilson—"
"You can deny the project. You can deny having lunch with me. That’s fine." Christian cut in smoothly. "As long as you're okay with me showing up here every single day, in front of everyone. If you aren’t having lunch with me, I will stay with you in this office."
Ivy felt her patience slipping with every passing second. Clenching her teeth, she slammed the file onto the table and turned to him fully.
"Christian, we aren’t young anymore. I’m not young, and stupid anymore. The childish games you used to play—you need to stop them now."
Christian didn’t flinch. "I’m not playing any games. It’s just a simple request. Just one lunch, Ivy. You and me, in a quiet place, with all your favorite flowers around."
She exhaled sharply, her hand trembling with anger. "Christian, listen." She pushed her hair back with her fingers, trying to steady herself. "You’re rich and powerful. You have an entire world of women at your feet. You don’t have to do this. This isn’t fun, or a game, or a chase. You don’t have to waste your time on me. You can pick any woman out there, and she will happily do whatever you want."
Christian remained composed, though a flicker of displeasure crossed his face before he buried it beneath his calm exterior.
He stepped closer, but she immediately took a step back, keeping her distance.
"I only want you.” he growled.
His words sent a shiver down her spine.
“I told you five years ago, Ivy. The only man you will ever have in your life is me. That’s the only choice you have. The only love you will ever have. Youwillmarry me."
Ivy snapped. "I will not marry you!" Her voice rose in frustration. "I told you back then, and I’m repeating it now—I don’t like you, Christian. I never did, and I never will!"