The Proud CEO

The conference room was cold—not just from the central air, but from the energy in the room. Cold stares. Calculated smiles. Hidden agendas dressed in power suits.

Eliana sat at the end of the long glass table, presentation loaded, heart steady. She wasn't here as his anything. She was here because she earned this.

Adrian entered last, sharp in navy, his presence impossible to ignore. Their eyes met briefly. A flicker. Professional. Controlled. But the memory of his touch lingered under her skin like a phantom.

"Let's begin," he said, settling at the head of the table.

Eliana rose. Confident. Focused. She presented the internal audit findings with the same fire that had gotten her noticed on day one. Her voice was calm, clear, commanding.

Even the board members who had doubted her were now taking notes.

She had them.

Until one voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"Impressive," said Martin Langston, the CFO. "But I'm curious... how did someone so new get full access to this level of intel?"

A pause.

Eliana didn't flinch. "Because Mr. Cole gave me the directive and access. This audit required fresh eyes, not old loyalties."

A few eyebrows raised.

Martin chuckled. "Or maybe something fresher than that."

The implication hung in the air like smoke.

Adrian didn't move. Didn't blink. "Is there a problem, Martin?"

Martin leaned back, smug. "No problem at all. Just making sure we're all clear on what's professional."

Adrian stood. Calm, but his voice was iron. "We judge results in this room, not rumors. Eliana has produced results. This meeting is over."

He walked out without waiting for anyone to argue.

Eliana followed moments later, fury and fire rising in her chest.

She caught up with him in the hallway. "You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did."

"They're talking about us."

"Let them talk."

"I don't want to be the woman who slept her way to a promotion," she snapped.

Adrian stepped closer, his voice low. "You're not. And anyone who sees you work knows that."

"But they won't say that out loud, will they?" she asked bitterly. "They'll whisper. They'll label me."

Adrian's eyes softened, but his jaw was set. "Then give them no choice but to respect you."

She stared at him, chest rising.

"You've always been proud, Eliana," he said. "Now be unstoppable."