"I'm not trying to pressure you," she interrupted gently. "But I've given everything to Synertek. I've stood by you, even when it cost me sleep, peace…..and credit. All I've ever asked is that when it was finally our time, I wouldn't have to wonder if you meant what you said."
The car rolled to a red light and the moment stilled.
Samuel turned fully to face her now, his jaw tense. His eyes met hers, and for the first time that night, she saw a flicker of uncertainty behind them.
"I've'nt forgotten," he said, voice lower now.
"And I know I've made a promise to you and I recognize your hardwork and dedication first Synertek. But I need you to trust me a little longer."
Bella nodded slowly, but her silence said more than words ever could.
Because trust, like, love, had it's limit.
And her's was starting to wear thin.
**************************
The next morning
The atmosphere at Synertek Dynamics that morning was thick with anticipation.
Employee scurried through the glass corridors, straightening their suits, organizing their desks and pretending to be more focused than they felt, Samuel Chase, their notorious sharp and emotionally distant CEO, was expected any minute and no one wanted to be caught idle.
Everyone knew— one wrong move could land you in his bad books for weeks. Footsteps echoed from the hallway. A hush fell over the floor as the elevator dinged open.
Samuel stepped out, dressed in his signature black suit, his expression as unreadable as ever. But instead of his usual stern glance or clipped instructions, he stopped near the central work area and turned toward the entire staff floor.
Everyone stiffened.
Then came the unexpected.
"Well done," he said, voice calm and clear. "What's we accomplish last night wasn't just a win for the company — it was a reflection of every hour you've all put in. And I want you to know it's not gone unnoticed."
Head slowly lifted in disbelief.
"That said," he continued, a rare curve of a smile touching his lips, "as a token of appreciation, they'll be a special treat everyone after work. Fill catered dinner and drink on me"
The room broke into surprised clasp and mow murmurs of relief. Smiles spread. people exchanged wide eyed glances.
Samuel? Appreciative? Kind?
Before the excitement could peak, his tone shifted slightly — professional, focused. " One more thing. You'll need to be at your sharpest today. The partnership we've been aiming for months — lexora technologies — they'll be visiting at noon. They're coming to discuss our proposal and determine the terms for possible collaboration."
Instantly, the room snapped back into focus.
Then his eyes landed on Bella.
She had been standing silent by her desk, a tablet in hand, watching him with a mask of calm even though her heart hadn't stopped fluttering since he walked in.
"Bella," he said, voice all business now, "I want the meeting slide deck updated. Merge the new market projections, Polish the design, and make the proposal presentation ready before their arrival."
He didn't blink. Didn't pause. Didn't falter.
As if the conversation they had in the car last night — the one that left her questioning everything — had never happened.
"Yes sir," sje replied smoothly, her voice steady even though her chest tightened.
He nodded once and turned away, already moving toward his office.
The staff resumed their work with new energy, thrilled by the prospect of food and a potential game changing deal. But hella remained still for a moment linger, staring at the closed door if his office.
He hadn't even looked at her the way he did last night.
Just like that, Samuel Chase was back to being the unreachable boss.
And she was just another employee expected to deliver perfection.
Even if her heart hadn't quite returned to the same rhythm
**********************************
At the boardroom
The glass walked boardroom buzzed with controlled tension as executives from lexora technologies and Synertek Dynamics filled their seats. It was a historic moment – two if the most competitive tech companies, long seen and rival in innovation and market influence, sitting across from one another not as enemies, but potential allies.
Bella sat near the end of the long conference table, her laptop open, presentation slides perfect aligned. Her gaze occasionally drifted from the screen to Samuel who stood confidentially at the ease and authority only he could command.
She still didn't understand how he had done it.
Lexora and Synertek had never been on the same page– too many years of competition, too many clashing ideologies, yet here they were, shaking hands exchanging cautions smiles.
Was it pure business acumen? Strategic compromise? Or was there more behind the scenes?
Evie Westwood, the stunning and sharp eyed daughter of Lexora's CEO – and their official head representative for the collaboration — sat with a relaxed poise, her eyes never straying far from Samuel.
Bella noticed the way Evie's glossy red lips curved into a smirk whenever he spoke. And how Samuel, to her dismay, returned it with a charming smile that was rare even for internal staff.
Focus, Bella reminded herself.
She turned her attention back to the screen as Samuel wrapped up the final section of the presentation.
"Our proposed synergy model," due concluded, "ensures that both companies retain autonomy ehike leveraging each other's strengths. The integration plan start next quarter."
Polite applause followed.
Evie stood up smoothly, adjusting the sleeve of her fitted blazer. "Impressive, Mr Chase. I see why they call you the industry's shark itself."
Samuel gave a light chuckle, dipping his head slightly. "I take that as a compliment."
The legal team passed around the final document. Pages were flipped, pens clicked, and in a few minutes, the two CEOs and representative had signed off on the collaboration that could reshape the tech landscape.
Bella's heart should've been soaring – this was the success they had fought for , day and night. But her eyes drifted back to Samuel and Evie. They stood close, talking in low tones with causal ease. Samuel's posture was relaxed. His smile genuine.
As the Lexora team began to file out, Evie paused at the door, tossing her long chestnut hair over one shoulder. Se looked directly at Samuel.
"Dinner at nine." She said, her tone playfully commanding.
He raised a brow slightly, still smiling, but said nothing as she turned and walked out, heels clicking against the polished floor.
Bella sat frozen in her seat, the weight of unspoken emotions pressing hard against her chest.
This was business.
But that? That was personal.