Chapter 18 18 Chapter 18 - Strategic Revenge Morris's POV 1 I sat across from Darren at our usual downtown bistro, detailing the morning's events. His eyes. widened with each revelation. "You're telling me she wasn't wearing anything under that dress? Nothing at all?" Darren leaned forward, lowering his voice despite our private corner table. His comment suddenly made me realize how exposed Monica was. What if she encountered an awkward situation without me nearby? Then again, I had destroyed her underwear in a moment. of weakness, and truthfully, I wouldn't have returned it regardless. "This woman is testing every ounce of my self-control. Today she decided to push all my buttons," I admitted, running a hand through my hair in frustration. Darren smirked. "Don't act innocent. You initiated this little game. What exactly did you expect would happen?" "I requested she arrive early purely to mess with her schedule. I planned to tease her a bit but keep my distance. I never anticipated she'd show up prepared for battle-wearing that tight dress that rides up when she sits and those killer heels that make her legs look endless. The second she walked in, my rational thinking vanished. It's maddening how I lose all control around her" "Seems like she experiences the same problem. Face it, Morris, you're completely captivated by her. Something's bound to happen between you two eventually. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy watching you try to resist the inevitable." I shook my head. "She's playing hard to get. And I refuse to surrender first." "So what's your next move?" Darren asked, genuinely curious. "I'm not entirely sure, but knowing Monica, she has another trick planned for this afternoon. I'm returning to that office fully prepared for whatever she throws at me." A brilliant idea suddenly struck me. I knew exactly how to turn Miss Hayes's game against her. Darren recognized my expression immediately. "Oh no, I know that look. You've thought of something devious. Spill it." "I'm going to apologize to my assistant-by buying her replacement underwear." I couldn't suppress my mischievous smile. Darren nearly choked on his drink. We finished our lunch, and after saying goodbye to Darren, I made a detour to an upscale lingerie boutique. I selected a particularly provocative lace thong with "sexy" spelled out in gold charms and rhinestones along the back straps. The material was so delicate I could easily tear it 18 Chapter 18-Strategic Revenge again. I shook my head at the thought-if this continued, Miss Hayes would soon have no lingerie left. The image made me chuckle. I asked the saleswoman to wrap it elegantly before heading back to the office, feeling satisfied with my counterattack. When I arrived, Monica was already at her desk, typing efficiently. I noticed a small box containing what appeared to be chocolate cake beside her computer. Perfect timing. I approached her desk with a serious expression. "Miss Hayes, could you please retrieve a hard copy of the financial report from Jason? I need to review it immediately." She could have easily requested it electronically, but I needed her away from her desk. The moment she disappeared down the hallway, I snatched the cake and retreated to my office, settling comfortably on the couch. When she entered with the report, I maintained my businesslike demeanor. Miss Hayes, lock the door, please. We're discussing sensitive financial matters and I don't want interruptions." She hesitated momentarily before complying, then approached to hand me the report. I accepted it and began reviewing the figures while she stood awkwardly. "You may sit down, Miss Hayes. This will take considerable time." She noticed the gift bag beside me as she took a seat at the opposite end of the couch-exactly where she'd been earlier, just as I'd anticipated. Her eyes widened when she spotted her cake y coffee table, but she remained silent, professional to a fault. on my I could sense her uneasiness, clearly wondering what I was planning, but I deliberately prolonged her suspense. Having regained control felt incredibly satisfying. For the next hour, I focused entirely on the report, giving her detailed instructions which she dutifully recorded on her tablet. The professional atmosphere gradually relaxed her, and she seemed to forget my potential ulterior motives. For the first time that day, our interaction was completely businesslike. After finishing my analysis and providing all necessary directives, I set the papers aside, reached. for the cake, and reclined against the cushions. I slowly unwrapped the dessert and took a deliberate bite, closing my eyes to savor it, fully aware of her gaze. "This is absolutely divine. I hope you don't mind sharing your cake with me, Miss Hayes. I offered an innocent smile. She appeared momentarily.confused before shaking her head. I then. handed her the gift bag. "Consider this a peace offering. I hope it meets your approval." As she accepted the bag from my outstretched hand, I struggled to contain my smirk while thinking: You have no idea what you're in for, Miss Hayes. Let the real games begin. 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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