Ruthless Businessman

LAUREN

Mr. Campbell was a no-show at work in the morning, and his absence made it the best day I’d ever had at the office.

But then, in the afternoon, he strolled in and asked to see me. When I walked into his office, he was sitting behind his desk.

He looked up at me. I considered mentioning the flowers, but his expression told me that wouldn’t be a good idea.

“You didn’t keep me waiting.”

“You wanted to see me?” I asked, my voice cautious.

“Did John Holt’s office leave any messages for me?”

“Yes. His assistant called earlier about the deal you made with him. Mr. Holt doesn’t want to continue with the deal if your terms still stand.”

“Well, let’s hope he has enough money to support his five kids,” he said.

He continued in the same casual tone. “When I buy his company and expose all his illegal activities, do you think he’ll realize his mistake?”

I couldn’t hide the shock and anger that washed over my face. I was acutely aware of his gray eyes watching me, taking in every detail.

I knew he didn’t expect an answer, but I had to say something.

“Mr. Campbell, is that…is that really necessary?” I stuttered, annoyed at myself for not being able to keep my voice steady. “Do you really need to do that?”

“And when have I ever listened to you?”

His voice held a hint of irony, and his eyes narrowed slightly. “This is business. You don’t understand it.”

I knew that once Mr. Campbell made up his mind about something, nothing could change it. I should have known that by now, but I still tried to argue. He was a ruthless businessman.

“But, sir, he has a family.”

“Call his office and relay the message, Ms. Hart.” His voice was calm and emotionless, but I could hear the underlying threat and it made me wince.

“If he doesn’t agree to my terms, his fate is sealed.”

Barely managing to hide my frustration, I nodded slightly before leaving his office.

The rest of the day was quiet. He stayed in his office for hours without taking a break. He was a workaholic, and I had a feeling his life outside of work was nonexistent.

How could anyone live like this? I could easily picture him obsessing over making more money and staying on top, fearing that even a short break would cause him to lose everything.

That’s exactly how I felt when I watched an episode of ~The Walking Dead.~

I was working when I caught a whiff of an unfamiliar cologne. I looked up to see a man walking toward Mr. Campbell’s office.

He was casually dressed in a dark polo shirt, ripped jeans, and black sneakers.

He stopped in front of me, flashing a charming smile and showing off his dimpled cheeks. His eyes were a vibrant hazel, seeming to sparkle every few seconds.

In short, he was stunning.

“Hello, love.” His voice was warm and friendly. “I’m Gale, and you are?”

“Lauren. Mr. Campbell’s new assistant.” I returned his smile, though I was a bit nervous.

If Beth were here, she would have been all over this guy. He was exactly her type—handsome, hot, and wealthy.

She wouldn’t rest until she had him in her bed.

“Well, you certainly don’t belong in this dull office. Someone as stunning as you should be in someone’s arms, being shown off to the world. I, for one, would love to show you off.”

Before I could react, he took my hand and kissed the back of it.

His eyes were closed, his long lashes brushing against my palm.

He pulled away.

“Aren’t you a charmer?” I grinned, already liking him. Not because he complimented me, but because he seemed to be the only rich guy who wasn’t a jerk.

“What can I do for you?”

“I’m here to see Mason. This is an impromptu visit.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Mr. Campbell is busy right now, but would you like to wait for him?”

Instead of answering, Gale walked around me and sat in one of the chairs in front of my desk. He crossed his legs and draped his right arm over the back of the chair.

“Normally I wouldn’t wait for him,” he began, a teasing smile on his face. “But today seems to be an exception.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the company of a beautiful woman like you.”

I snorted and shook my head, then quickly tried to change the subject. “What’s your relationship with Mr. Campbell?”

Suddenly, a shadow fell over me, and I looked up to see Mr. Campbell standing there, looking irritated.

“I don’t pay you to sit around and ask about my personal life, Ms. Hart.”

I nearly choked. I lowered my head, feeling completely embarrassed.

“Of course, sir. I’m sorry.” Now he would think I was a nosy bitch, and he already thought too much of me.

They disappeared into his office. But fifteen minutes later, I heard a loud crash from behind the door. I jumped, my eyes glued to the door.

~What the hell is going on in there? Are they fighting? No, Mr. Campbell wouldn’t get into a fistfight at the office.~

~What should I do? Call security or go in there?~

I was standing up when the door opened ten minutes later, and Gale’s head popped out. He looked the same as when he arrived. No bruises or blood. That was a good sign.

I should say something, ask what happened, but how?

“Lauren,” Gale said, sounding almost cheerful. He grinned at me. “It was nice to meet you. I hope to see you again soon…somewhere else, I hope. Your boss will see you now.”

Without wasting a second, I rushed into the office.

Everything on Mr. Campbell’s desk was scattered on the floor, and a few things were broken. I let my eyes drift to him.

Mr. Campbell was perched by the window, his face unreadable as he watched me.

“Sir, is everything okay?” I finally managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” he replied curtly, his gaze piercing through me, making my heart flutter.

“You need to clean this up,” he said, his voice laced with dry humor as he headed for the door. “And don’t tell anyone about this.”

~About your little fit?~ I almost blurted out. His glare was so intense, it was as if he could read my thoughts.

A slow smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth.

He slammed the door behind him.

***

In the days that followed, Mr. Campbell’s attitude took a turn for the worse. He was always a bit of a jerk, but now he was downright unbearable.

He was short-tempered, constantly yelling at everyone.

The tension was palpable. We were all walking on eggshells, afraid of making a mistake that could cost us our jobs.

I knew something was bothering him, but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was.

One Friday night, I was jolted awake by my phone ringing at three in the morning. I glanced at the unknown number, contemplating whether to answer it or not. But then I thought it might be about my dad.

With a knot in my stomach, I picked up the call.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Hart.” The voice was deep and smooth, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Mr. Campbell?” I asked, rubbing my eyes in disbelief.

“Is everything okay? It’s three in the morning.”

“Is it?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

“I want to see you. Now, Ms. Hart. Queens Hotel. Room number 205.”

“H-hotel?” I stuttered, my eyes wide with shock.

“I’ll see you in ten.”

I was still trying to process what he had just said when the call ended.

“What the hell?” I muttered to myself.

I didn’t bother changing out of my shorts and vest, just threw on a hoodie over them.

Beth was still asleep as I quietly slipped out of our apartment.

As I arrived at the luxurious hotel in a taxi, a clerk took my name and made a call before directing me to the elevator that would take me to Mr. Campbell’s suite on the top floor.

I couldn’t understand why he wanted to meet at a hotel when he could have just invited me to his house or chosen a less conspicuous location.

The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out, scanning the hallway for his room number.

I took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

A few minutes later, Mr. Campbell opened the door.

He was wearing a polo shirt that accentuated his muscular build and gray sweatpants that clung to his thighs.

His hair was tousled, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. He looked incredibly attractive.

I blinked, taken aback.

For a moment, he didn’t seem like my boss. He seemed like someone I would meet at a bar and then gush about to my friends for the rest of the week.

He was so breathtakingly handsome it was almost painful.

I managed a small smile, but his gray eyes remained cold and unresponsive.

My smile faded under his icy reception.