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Elizalde's POV . With confidence and trust, Lizzie smiled at everyone around the conference room. I introduce her to them, not just as a wife but as a business partner. All the board members welcomed her. Lizzie's office will be located on the same level as mine within the building. I currently occupy the entirety of level fifty-one, which I consider my domain. As the owner, I have the privilege of making decisions as I see it. The area offers abundant space and numerous rooms, with Lizzie's office conveniently situated adjacent to mine. "I, uhm, like your space." She said and looked around. As I stand here, one of my hands is on my hip while the other rest comfortably in my pocket. It's hard not to be struck by how stunning she looks today, and that was the first thing I noticed this morning. "So, my office is just beside yours. You occupied this whole level?" "I prefer having you closer to me, my love. It allows me to keep an eye on you and vice versa," I jokingly remarked, but
Elizalde's POV . "What are you up to, Kristoff? Why suddenly get interested in the Amantes Minings?" I felt my jaw tense up as we locked eyes. I have no intention of being cordial with him, not now, not ever! If I can find a way to get rid of him, I will earnestly do it. "Is it necessary for me to have a specific purpose to be a part of this company?" He gave a sly smile, and our intense stare felt like sharp blades. "The Amantes need more money, and I was just lucky to get in while you were away," he smirked once more as he continued. I balled my hand into a fist, wishing he was closer to me so that I could grab him by the neck and punch him in the face. "Lizzie's stepmother told me everything about the deal. I respect you as the biggest holder of this company. You can rule, Elizalde. There's no doubt about that. I am nothing compared to your empire. So what are you scared of?" in his mischievous smile. I clenched my teeth, attempting to manage the frustration within me. "Are
Elizalde's POV . "Who? What? Who's newly hired?" My brows furrowed as soon as I heard her name. "Which one, Sir? There are half a dozen of them." "Repeat their names, Linda," I ordered. "Linsay, Cherry, Raquel, Emily, Lu --" "Emily, who?" I cut her off, and she paused. "Emily Smith, Sir. She's from New York, from OTM, our sister's company. She will fill in Sammy's job temporarily." I felt the tingling bell echoed my ears, and my heart started to beat out of its rhythm. Why all of a sudden? "Why did I never know this?" Before speaking, she appeared pale and blinked a few times. "I-I, uhm, I did send you all the names of the newly hired, Sir, while you were on holiday. You've signed them." "I see." I nodded and gestured for her to exit my office. After the door clicked shut, I took a deep breath and turned my attention back to the folder resting on my desk. I was preoccupied with other tasks and failed to thoroughly review the names of the recently hired and relocated indivi
Lizzie's POV . I FELT TENSE AND OVERWHELMED when I saw Kristoff among the board members. His solemn gaze met mine, and I felt a surge of hatred towards him. My mind felt cluttered and unfocused, adding to my discomfort. As my father continued to speak, I put on my best smile as he introduced me to the group. It was clear that everyone was pleased to see me for the first time. Although I used to attend meetings, I occasionally skipped them and relied on my father to handle things. However, I realize this was a mistake since I should have recognized that the company was declining. The meeting ended. It was only brief, and here I am back in my office. "The Architect has designed this space to your liking, and your husband has provided the amenities around the corner," he explained, gesturing towards the correct direction. Taking a deep breath, I pressed my lips together, grateful that Elizalde knew my preferences regarding stress relief at work. For example, it is helpful to do sm
Elizalde's POV . I couldn't take my eyes away from my wife. Her dress tonight is too much. It's too sexy, showing too much of her skin. As a result, she was the centre of attention, catching the gaze of every male in the room. Although my instinct urged me to shield her from their stares, I refrained from doing so, as I was aware of her dislike towards my protective tendencies. "You look so beautiful, darling Lizzie." As my mother arrived, warm greetings and embraces were shared. My dad gave me a quick hug and a reassuring pat while I greeted my mother with a tender kiss on her cheeks. "I must say, Mom, you look elegant and stunning," I complimented her, and she let out a soft chuckle. "Did you hear that, Lizzie? My son may seem sweet, but don't be fooled," joked Mom as they both shared a laugh. I shook my head and met my father's gaze. He gave me a knowing wink, indicating that we should give the two privacy to talk and welcome other guests. "Excuse me, my lovely." My father s
Elizalde's POV . Great! Now I am surrounded by my father's security team, and there's no other way out. I want my wife. Where the hell is she? What takes her so long to visit me? Don't tell me she's talking to that bastard again! Dammit. "There's no point in getting angry with little things, Elizalde. Look at what happened?" Don showed me the newspaper that he was holding. My jaw tightened as I looked at the front page. Bloody hell. They got a nice shot of Kristoff and me throwing punches at each other. Huh, really? Dammit. "The El Deal Real Prince little secret about his marriage." Don started reading it, and I rolled over to my left side, pretending I didn't hear him. I can't blame myself, and no one should blame me. It's normal for a husband to act that way. Simple. I don't have to explain myself. "I want my phone, Don. Give it to me." I stretched my hand towards him, and he stopped reading. Then, I heard his footstep, probably getting what I wanted. "Here you go." He hand
Lizzie's POV . "Woah, that was unexpected." My heart is still beating fast, and my hands are still shaking. The interview ended. It was only quick. They only allocate that minutes, especially for him. I couldn't keep my mouth together because I was still shocked. I looked back at my noodles, and it was waiting for me to devour them. Yeah, great! Another mess to add up in my love life. There was no secret anymore. The country knows about my love story. It's not even special! Elizalde explained the other side of me, protecting me from the bashers that called me a two-timer, a relationship wrecker of Elizalde and Emily, and many more. They love Snow. Of course, the people idolised her. A model and celebrity with much to offer in the industry. But every bitch and so plastic towards me. "I really love how your husband defends you, Lizzie. Can't you believe it? He's like a knight in shining armour with full gear. The sweetest man ever! Is Don the same? I heard he is a divorcee. Oh, we
Lizzie's POV . As I stepped out of the car, the smile on Elizalde's face first greeted me. Then, he walks towards me in a heavy footstep, and my heart suddenly beats. I composed myself and was about to give him a bright smile, but it blew me away the moment he hugged me. "Lizzie, are you alright, love?" He looked at me, and I weakly nodded. Then, he held my hand, and together we left the place. I think I know where we are heading to. . . to the El Real Island Resort. This is temporarily the plan he has set for us to be away from this chaos. I see him talking to James, and then James bowed halfway to him before taking off. I returned to my position when I saw Elizalde returning to the deck. The engine was already running, and he did a final inspection of everything before manoeuvring the yacht out. And after fifteen minutes, the vessel is running slowly, heading towards our destination. "Are you hungry? I will prepare dinner soon," he said as his hands held the yacht's steering w