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A muscle ticked in Christian’s jaw but his expression didn’t change.
"We’ll see about that," he muttered in that infuriatingly calm voice.
Then, without another word, he reached for a lunchbox on the table and placed it in her hands.
"Don’t get agitated right now. You’ll fall sick," he said, his voice softer this time. "Here." His fingers brushed against hers as he pressed the box into her grasp. His other hand lifted to the side of her head, his thumb grazing softly against her hair.
"Finish this. Breakfast is important for you. Otherwise, your blood pressure will drop again."
Then, just like that, he turned and walked out of the meeting room.
Ivy gripped the lunchbox, her fingers tightening in pure rage. Marching out of the office, she strode down the corridor and then tossed the lunchbox straight into the trash can.
Evening arrived, and with the workload easing, Ivy walked out of Wilson Associates with Jake, one of her teammates. He was in his early twenties—charming, eager, and thrilled to work with her. They had teamed up on a few projects, and in just one day, they had become good associates.
As they stepped out of the building, Jake turned to her. "Hey, wanna grab some drinks at the bar across the street before heading home? It’s your first day here. A celebration drink is mandatory!"
Ivy smiled. "Sure."
"Great!" Jake grinned, pulling out his car keys. "Let me get my car. Wait for me here."
He turned and jogged toward the parking lot.
Ivy watched him disappear, then turned back to the main road—only to freeze.
Christian was standing a few feet away, leaning against his BMW, hands in his pockets, staring at her with a chilling expression. He was still dressed in his suit from the morning, his dark eyes unreadable.
His voice was cold. "If you go out for drinks with him, I’ll break his legs."
Ivy’s initial shock faded into irritation. Her gaze turned sharp.
"Christian, you need to stop being unreasonable. Don’t you think you’re being too domineering for someone who has nothing to do with my life?"
He pushed off the car and started walking toward her. His voice dropped to a dangerous murmur.
"You haven’t seen me dominate yet, Ivy."
Before she could step back, he reached her, bent down, and swept her into his arms.
"Christian! Put me down!" She pushed at his shoulders, but he carried her to his car without breaking stride.
Carrying her to his car, he placed her in the seat as she continued to struggle.
"Let me out! What the hell are you doing?!"
Ignoring her, he leaned in, grabbing the seatbelt and securing it around her.
"Are you even listening to me? Let me out!" Ivy insisted.
Christian finally turned to her, their faces just inches apart. She instinctively leaned back against the seat, but he followed, closing the distance. His hands braced on either side of her, caging her in.
His lips inched closer.
Just as he was about to kiss her, Ivy turned her head away, her expression cold as ice.
Christian’s face was close to her cheek now, his soft breath on her skin. A faint smile appeared on his otherwise cold face. Instead of retreating, he leaned in, his fingers tilting her face slightly. He pressed a slow, lingering kiss to the side of her head, his lips brushing against the top of her ear with a featherlight touch before pulling away.
Shivers ran down Ivy’s entire body, but she tightened her fists, digging her nails into her palms. She refused to let him see the way he unraveled her with the simplest touch.