Chapter 11 11 Chapter 11 - Unwelcome Attraction Morris's POV That insufferable woman Vicky Murphy, who had watched the entire interaction unfold before us, suddenly erupted with the grace of a wounded hyena: "How dare you touch him like that, you little tramp! Get your filthy hands off Morris, you gold-digging opportunist!" I maintained my firm grip around my assistant's waist, bringing my lips closer to her ear, keeping my voice low enough for only her to hear. "Don't move away," I whispered. I knew Monica could feel my body's reaction to our proximity, but that was information no one else needed to be privy to. I shot Vicky Murphy a glacial look that would have frozen hell itself. "Lower your voice immediately, Vicky Murphy, and apologize to Miss Monica." "Are you serious, Morris? I'm simply putting this nobody in her proper place! She's practically throwing herself at you! And she had the audacity to block me from entering your office, claiming I needed to be announced. That's absurd! Since when do I need permission to see you? Tell her who I am, Morris. She needs discipline, not defense. You should fire her on the spot." Vicky's eyes blazed with unmistakable jealousy and hatred. "Vicky Murphy," I said with dangerous calm, "apologize to Miss Monica now, or don't complain about what happens next." Vicky Murphy attempted to appear wounded, but I recognized the fury simmering beneath her façade. She'd tear Monica apart if given the chance. To further antagonize her, I pulled my assistant closer against me and said: "No apology? Fine. Darren, please escort Vicky Murphy to the elevators and ensure she reaches reception." I stepped into my office with Monica still at my side, not bothering to look at Darren, though I knew he was enjoying this immensely. He detested Vicky Murphy even more than I did. She never missed an opportunity to treat him with disdain, constantly displaying her subtle but unmistakable prejudice about his skin color. Her behavior disgusted me more with each encounter. Darren gave me a knowing smirk. He understood I deliberately provided these opportunities for him to remove this insufferable woman from my presence, allowing him some entertainment at her expense. "Consider it done, boss. I'll personally escort our dear Murphy all the way to the street to prevent any unfortunate navigational errors." He winked before making an exaggerated bow to Vicky and gesturing toward the exit. 11 Chapter 11-Unwelcome Attraction I closed my office door with a decisive click and locked it. Drawing a deep breath, I attempted to regain my composure and control my physical response, but Monica's proximity was intoxicating. Her perfume clouded my senses like a sweet narcotic. What a bewitching woman she was! Though reluctant, I knew I needed to release her. I allowed myself a few more seconds to inhale her delicious scent before slowly unwrapping my arm from her waist. She remained against my chest briefly, making me realize I wasn't alone in feeling the effects of our closeness. I nearly pulled her back, but she stepped away, creating distance between us before turning to face me with remarkable professional composure. "Mr. Lorenzo, I apologize for the situation. I was following protocol that no one except Mr. Torres should enter without your authorization. That woman bypassed Irina and attempted to enter unannounced. Her voice carried such gentle professionalism after the chaotic scene that I wanted nothing more than to taste those perfect pink-tinted lips, which made me smile despite myself. "You have nothing to apologize for, Ms. Hayes. You acted exactly as instructed, and I expect the same diligence moving forward. Whether it's the President or a board director, only you, Darren, and Paula may enter without my express permission." I strode to my desk with as much dignity as I could muster, picked up the phone and called building security. "Tobias, effective immediately, Vicky Murphy Eddie is banned from this building. I don't care what excuses she offers or what her father claims. She is not to set foot inside, and if she does, you'll be the first person looking for new employment." I heard the security chief's agreement before hanging up. I contemplated the phone briefly before deciding to notify her father personally. Eddie irritated me almost as much as his daughter, but he'd earned my late father's trust, so out of respect for his memory, I maintained Eddie's position. Still, his transparent attempts to push his daughter into my life were becoming intolerable. "Eddie, I'm calling to inform you that your daughter is permanently banned from this building. I won't tolerate any more of her dramatic scenes. This is a corporate headquarters, not a social club for her networking attempts or a platform for her to demean my employees with her superiority complex." I heard my financial director attempting to defend his daughter and cut him off sharply. "This isn't negotiable, Eddie. Your daughter doesn't work here and never will. Therefore, she has no business being here. Consider yourself warned. I disconnected the call and turned my attention to Monica. She stood before my desk with impeccable posture, maintaining her professional demeanor. Did anything ever rattle this woman? A-spoiled socialite had just created a scene, hurling insults at her, and I'd held her with inappropriate intimacy, yet she maintained her composure. The only crack in her professional armor appeared when I pressed her against me and she felt my obvious arousal, and again briefly when I released her-but those moments were fleeting. I couldn't help but admire her as my eyes traced the contours of her magnificent figure, lingering 11 Chapter 11-Unwelcome Attraction on her face, cataloging every detail before settling on those captivating green eyes. I sighed, acknowledging to myself how her beauty threatened my self-control. Perhaps it might be entertaining to see how far I could push Ms. Hayes's legendary composure. "Ms. Hayes, please sit down." Once she was seated across from me, I continued. "I apologize for the uncomfortable situation you just experienced. Vicky Murphy can be exceptionally unpleasant." "No apology necessary, sir. Managing different personalities comes with the position. I understand not everyone will be pleasant, and I'm quite capable of handling such situations." "I'm impressed by your ability to remain unshakable-a valuable quality in business and certainly beneficial for me as your employer. Should I also apologize for the way I held you and my body's rather obvious responsé?" Her eyes widened slightly as a subtle blush colored her cheeks. I'd finally cracked that professional veneer. My smile widened as I caught her gaze lingering on my lips. Interesting- perhaps I wasn't the only one feeling this unwelcome attraction. She gave a small shake of her head as if dispelling unwanted thoughts. "Sir, I'm not sure what you're referencing, but no apology is necessary. I should thank you for preventing my I couldn't suppress my smile. She was undeniably intelligent, professional, and discreet, but I'd noticed my effect on her. Clearing my throat, I returned to safer, professional topics. "How is the transition with Paula progressing?" "Very well, sir. Paula has covered all essential procedures. Moving forward, it's simply a matter of establishing our working rhythm, which I anticipate will be straightforward." "Let's hope so. Where is Paula at the moment?" "She's in accounting" "I see. We'll wait for her return so I can brief you both about my upcoming trip simultaneously. Though she's departing, this information remains relevant for her new position in Windsor. You may return to your desk for now." "Yes, sir." She rose with fluid grace and exited my office. The moment the door closed, I dropped my head onto my desk with a thud. I was utterly doomed. Maintaining professional distance from this woman would require superhuman restraint. The last complication I needed was workplace entanglement, but Monica was devastatingly beautiful and inexplicably alluring without the slightest effort. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. 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