The CEO's Forbidden Fling - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

I stood frozen outside the door, eavesdropping on the conversation that shattered my world.
"Glad you enjoyed her, Mr. Lowell. These naive little blondes—all batting their lashes and dreaming of romance—they're practically begging to be played. Whisper some sweet lies and they'll hand over their purse, their dignity, even their damn life savings."
The boss's voice dripped with that same smooth charm, but now it carried an icy edge that turned my stomach.
Raucous male laughter filled the office.
My grip tightened on the documents until my knuckles turned white.
"Genius move, really. Making her think the company was sinking, playing the heartbroken lover—not only did you recover every dime you spent on Vanessa, but you emptied her bank account too. And let's not forget the free sex all these months. Masterclass performance."
Vincent's words oozed with cruel amusement.
Hot tears burned behind my eyelids. I'd been such a goddamn fool—chasing fairy tales while they counted my money.
"Now that Vanessa's served her purpose... about our partnership deal..."
"Consider it done. She was worth every penny."
Their voices blurred as I jerked my hand back from the doorknob. A viper of hatred uncoiled in my chest.
Every. Single. Thing. Had been a lie.
The competitor's "new product"? Fiction. The "blackmail" videos? Nonexistent.
I'd spread my legs for the boss like some lovesick idiot because I'd actually believed his bullshit.
Vincent? I would've told him to go screw himself.
But the boss knew that. He needed me compliant for his precious deal, so he crafted the perfect con—and I'd walked right into it with stars in my eyes.
If I hadn't overheard today... I didn't want to imagine how far this would've gone.
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat.
Slinking away from the office, I made a silent vow.
The documents hit the trash with a satisfying thud. A plan—dark and dangerous—took shape.
Ring ring
"B-boss? I—I messed up! The data breach failed!" My voice wobbled with manufactured panic.
"It's alright, Vanessa. Just keep trying." That same honeyed tone. I smirked—Oscar-worthy performance.
"Boss... I'm hurt. Can you come? Please?" I pitched my voice into breathy distress.
"...Fine."
The curt click of his hangup made me grin.
I slipped into a negligee that left nothing to imagination, angled the hidden camera, and waited.
Knock knock
I tugged the neckline lower before opening the door.
"Boss, I'm so sorry I failed the company—" I ushered him into camera range with theatrical sniffles.
His gaze darkened as it traveled down my barely-covered body.
"Don't worry, Vanessa. You look... breathtaking tonight."
I could practically hear him salivating.
"Boss... I'm on my period." I stepped back, making sure the camera caught his expression.
"Bullshit. That 'dress' is practically cellophane." His grip tightened on my waist.
"Fine. Truth is? I don't want you. Vincent's twice the man you'll ever be."
His face twisted like I'd slapped him. How dare his plaything have preferences?
SMACK
White-hot pain exploded across my cheek. Copper flooded my mouth.
"Stop! Let me go!" I screamed—just loud enough for the microphone.
The camera kept rolling.