Chapter 3: Why Care About Them

"I don't want to understand.”

“And I don't care!"

Heather said, adjusting his tie gracefully. He took large strides towards the door.

"Off to a meeting," he added, not looking back.

Prisley held her folder, letting a few tears fall. She quickly wiped them away with a tissue. She adjusted her expression within seconds, and followed up, pretending to be cheerful.

Her lips were slightly swollen. And she could still taste the blood. Prisley blinked hard, forcing back the redness in her eyes.

In the conference room sat the company's top executives. Heather's brother, Vice President David, looked at Heather arrogantly as he entered.

"Heather, you're late," David sneered.

Heather raised an eyebrow but didn't acknowledge him. Then he took his seat in the middle.

Prisley followed behind, nodding slightly at David and gestured at her wristwatch.

"Mr. Rynn, the meeting starts in 30 seconds." She wouldn't allow her boss to be late, although a slight delay wouldn't have mattered much. She could arrange everything precise and orderly.

David didn't gain any advantage and was angry. He always clashed with Heather, always trying to undermine him.

Today's meeting was about the acquisition of the Macron Tech.

"We're looking to expand into new sectors. And Macron's smart products have a promising future, with impressive financials," David boasted.

"If the acquisition goes through, we're confident we can triple our market share within a year and become a leader in the industry."

David needed a project to show his abilities, rather than be overshadowed and criticized by Heather in the family business.

David went on at length about Macron Tech, while Heather casually flipped through documents and played with his pen.

"Sorry, David, but this company is garbage." Heather made no effort to conceal his contempt.

David flushed with anger. "The financials and market analysis are sound! You doubt my competence?"

"I don't doubt it. But I only trust my team."

David pointed at Prisley. "Her? That slut? She only knows how to spread her legs for you!"

There were mocking snickers. Prisley felt the weight of the hostile stares. She maintained her professional demeanor even though she felt utterly miserable inside.

She opened the file on her computer and projected it on the big screen. "Gentlemen, here is the updated data we have just compiled. There are discrepancies with the data you have, especially regarding the market outlook. I'll need about 10 minutes of your time."

Heather relaxed in his chair, resting his chin on one hand. He watched with admiration as she speak eloquently .

Prisley always did these mundane tasks for him flawlessly. He never had to worry about her messing up.

Although Prisley and Heather never publicly acknowledged their relationship and always kept a professional distance during work hours, there were always rumors around the company.

Of course, with their good looks and perfect chemistry, it was hard for others not to speculate.

David was furious, "Heather, you have to take responsibility for the company!" he roared.

"Thanks for reminding me," Heather replied lazily, getting up to leave as well.

In the president's office, Prisley handed Heather the minutes of the meeting to review.

Heather caught Prisley's hand as she pulled it back and played absentmindedly with it.

"Help me handle these idiotic meetings in the future. I don't want to waste my time any more."

"But David is your brother. When he runs the meeting, shouldn't you show him some respect?" Prisley tried to pull her hand back, but Heather's grip tightened.

"He's not cut out for this. I’m not going to play pretend with him anymore."

Heather kissed Prisley's hand. "Your report was really good. Much better than I expected."

He didn't mention the unpleasantness that had happened earlier. Prisley wasn't sure if he'd let it slide or just forgotten about it.

"Thank you for the compliment, President Rynn," Prisley replied in a professional manner.

"What, not happy?" Heather asked, "Take this." He took out a check for $5 million and the documents for a property out of his drawer.

It wasn't the first time Heather had given her a check beyond what was stipulated in the contract, but this amount was significantly larger than before, and it included property as well.

Prisley didn't take it. "Why?" She asked. Heather had been so frightening half an hour ago, but now he was offering her so much. What was wrong with him?

"Take it, and don't ask questions," Heather said, running his fingers lightly over her lips. "Swollen? Even sexier," he teased, giving her a gentle kiss. "Stay with me, and you will have the whole world. Don't overthink it."

Prisley didn't have to worry about any inappropriate behavior from him because Heather never did anything indecent in his own office. If he wanted intimacy, he would go to her office cubicle.  

When Prisley hesitated to take the check and property documents, Heather asked, "Why don't you take it?"

"Heather, I don't need all this. I just wished you could have stood up for me, even just once."

Heather's look turned cold. "Why care about them? You know I can't publicly acknowledge our relationship." He sounded completely indifferent.

Prisley's eyes dimmed. She understood. Heather only saw her as a bedmate. Her thoughts did not matter to him.

Prisley prepared to leave, feeling disappointed. "President Rynn, I'll print another copy of my letter of resignation. Please sign it."

Heather's expression darkened and he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. "Prisley, I'll say it again, don't try my patience!"

Heather towered over her. His gaze had turned from gentle just a minute ago to piercingly harsh.

Prisley felt his anger. She avoided his gaze and said with a trembling voice. "I will inform HR to find a suitable replacement as soon as possible."

Heather remained silent.

Prisley took a deep breath, "I will leave after the handover is complete." She said it all in one breath. She dared not to meet his eyes until she had finished speaking.

Unexpectedly, Heather released Prisley's hand. His long forefinger brushed aside Prisley's bangs, tracing from her forehead over her brow and eyes, past her earlobe, down her chin, and then to her neck, as if he were admiring a work of art.

His touch was slow, giving Prisley an inexplicable fear.

He remained silent, a hint of an ambiguous smile playing on his lips. Prisley sensed a terrifying possessiveness in his gaze.

She had never seen Heather like that before. Her body stiffened. She was not sure how to react.

When his fingers lingered on her collarbone and caressed it gently, Heather said coldly.

"Get out!"