CHAPTER ELEVEN
ASHER P.O.V
"When did I ask you to accept their request?" I said coldly, my gaze fixed on Felix.
"But sir… you said to do whatever I wanted yesterday," he replied cautiously.
"And why would I—"
I stopped.
It clicked.
That woman.
That insane, unpredictable woman.
I had been too distracted by the chaos she caused to pay attention.
"…Fine," I muttered. "Let's get this over with."
I walked toward the car, my mood already sour.
Still… I wouldn't deny it.
I was curious.
The mysterious CEO of Apex Robotics Corporation—a company barely three years old, yet already outperforming firms that had been around for over a decade. Their innovations were unmatched. Their growth—unnatural.
And yet…
No one knew who was behind it.
Until today.
—
Thirty minutes later
We were kept waiting.
Thirty minutes.
My patience was wearing dangerously thin.
Disrespect.
I was just about to signal Felix to end this pointless meeting when—
Click… click… click…
The sound of heels echoed from outside.
The door burst open.
And she walked in.
Tall. Elegant. Composed.
Her long hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face. She wore a sleeveless white top paired with light brown trousers that accentuated her figure effortlessly.
And her eyes—
Those same eyes.
Sharp. Captivating. Unforgettable.
For a moment… I just stared.
What is she doing here?
Then reality hit.
…No.
Don't tell me—
She was the CEO?
To say I was shocked would be an understatement.
"Thank you, Mr. Slade, for taking the time to meet with us today," she said professionally.
I said nothing.
Just nodded.
"Let's begin."
She took her seat.
And just like that—
The meeting started.
Her assistant stepped forward, taking charge.
"First and foremost, we'd like to walk you through the current progress of our company."
"Of course," Felix responded. "We're listening."
"We've made significant strides over the past quarter," the assistant continued. "Revenue growth has increased steadily, alongside the successful development of new products."
"Our sales team has performed exceptionally well, and our marketing strategies have expanded our customer reach. Additionally, our latest product features have been well received by our target audience."
"I see," Felix nodded. "And what are your plans for scaling the business in the coming year?"
"We plan to expand our sales force, invest heavily in marketing, and continue innovating to stay ahead of competitors," she answered this time, her voice steady and confident.
I watched her closely.
Every movement.
Every expression.
She was different here.
Calm. Calculated. Untouchable.
"I'm impressed with your vision," Felix said. "What challenges are you currently facing?"
"Competition," she replied without hesitation. "But our unique value and commitment to excellence will keep us ahead. We're also investing in talent acquisition to strengthen our team."
"And your projected return on investment?"
"We're expecting significant returns. With the right partnership, we can deliver substantial value."
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then—
"And what will be our cut?" I finally spoke.
Her gaze snapped to mine.
Sharp.
Focused.
"Considering Nexus Investments is funding 30% of this project," she said calmly, "I believe we can reach a reasonable agreement."
"I'm listening."
"If the project succeeds—which I fully expect it to—40% would be a fair return."
I scoffed.
"Do you take me for a fool? If this project succeeds, it'll be worth far more than that."
I leaned back slightly.
"60%."
"Mr. Slade thinks too highly of himself," she countered instantly. "45%."
"55%."
"45%."
"55%," I repeated, my tone firm.
She didn't even blink.
"50%. Take it or leave it."
The room fell silent.
No one dared to breathe too loudly.
It was a rare sight—
Me… arguing.
And with her of all people.
"Last I checked," I smirked, "you're not in a position to refuse my offer."
She leaned forward slightly, her eyes locking onto mine.
"Then you should check again," she said calmly. "Because you're terribly mistaken if you think I'll run after you."
A pause.
Then—
A slow smile crept onto my lips.
Interesting.
She didn't bend.
Didn't hesitate.
Didn't fear.
"…Fine."
I waved a hand at Felix.
"Handle the rest."
The paperwork, the formalities—all of it was concluded without me.
But my mind?
Still on her.
—
I was leaving the building when I passed by an open office.
And there she was.
Inside.
Pacing.
Clearly furious.
Muttering under her breath.
I stopped.
Leaning slightly against the doorway, unseen.
Her frustration was… amusing.
Unexpected.
Unfiltered.
A complete contrast to the composed woman from earlier.
A smirk tugged at my lips.
"So the fearless CEO does get angry," I thought quietly.
This woman—
Was far more interesting than I initially assumed.