Page 19 of Logan

“Yeah, we did talk about that.” Johnny really messed me up,and she’s right. It’s been a year; it’s time to move on. Maybe with someone with bright blue eyes…

“You’re interested in him, aren’t you?”

“Interested in whom?”

“The Dark Lord, the one who must not be named, the slayer of joy, the slayer of monsters?—”

“Emery,” I say too loudly, and several heads in the park turn in my direction. I force a smile. How the hell does she know I was thinking of him?

“So…are you?”

“Well, I might have a tiny crush on him. You’ve seen him, right? He’s like, super hot.”

“Yes, he’s sexy, but I prefer a different type. You know, pretty, but with a heart.”

“I’m sure he’s got a heart somewhere.” Buried beneath all that muscle and icy demeanor, there must be some warmth. You can’t buy food for a stranger if you’re completely heartless. Maybe I just need to chip away at that icy exterior and find it.

“Sloane, be cautious.” Emery’s tone loses its lightness. “Those romance novels you devour? They mess with your head. Men like in those books don’t exist in real life. Logan Valeur is not a broken man waiting for you to fix him. In reality, broken men stay broken. And they’ll only hurt you.”

“Don’t worry, I have no intention of falling in love.”

Chapter Six

LOGAN

He still hasn’t fallen in love with our product.

I leave Wolfson’s offices after the long meeting, clutching my briefcase and analyzing the results while I wait for my driver to arrive. The city streets are alive with activity, but my mind is fixated on the unresolved issue.

Wolfson understood the need and meaning of the product we developed. I spent at least an hour in comprehensive explanations, but the emotional connection isn’t there yet.

I saw it on his face.

And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that people make decisions based on their emotions and not in a logical way.

They think—even believe—they’re deciding based on logic, but that’s not usually true. Humans are simple creatures to manipulate.

This deal is crucial, and securing it at an appealing price isparamount. Without access to the cameras manufactured by Wolfson, our product loses its value. Establishing that emotional connection with him is essential.

I text Cora.

Cora, I’m in desperate need of insight into what motivates Aiden Wolfson. I need to know which buttons I can push. Can you assist me with this?

My father trusts me to lead Valeur-Tech. While it was successful under his management, I’m confident it will thrive and grow even more under mine. The new research division I’ve established, integrating artificial intelligence, will make a difference in the world.

I won’t disappoint him or ruin my family’s legacy.

My driver stops in front of me, and without waiting for him to open the door, I slip inside the car.

“To the Dragon Elite Dojo,” I instruct him.

I need to release some pent-up energy and ease the tension, so I can open my mind to new ideas. The local Taekwondo club is the perfect spot for a solid workout.

But today, even the rigorous training fails to alleviate the stress, and my headache only intensifies. I opt to cut the session short and head back to the apartment.

I step inside, moving at a sluggish pace and massaging my neck to ease some tension. The headaches have become a daily occurrence, severely disrupting my ability to function.

I understand they stem from stress, but taking a vacation is out of the question at this crucial juncture for the company. I must seal this deal first and show Dad the value of the new department, despite his initial reservations.