OBSESSION

FIFTEEN.

Bethany sat at her desk, a fresh cup of coffee steaming beside her as she poured over design drafts for the upcoming project with Liam. She was feeling good—confident even.

Her weekend with Logan had been transformative, cementing a relationship that she hadn't even realized she needed. His reassurances, his attentiveness, and the way he seemed to truly see her had her walking on air.

But the morning's peace shattered with a knock on her office door. Teagan poked her head in, her usual cheery demeanor tempered with hesitation.

"Bethany," she said, her voice cautious, "you've got a meeting in the conference room in ten minutes. A new investor is coming to discuss a potential partnership."

Bethany frowned, flipping through her calendar. "I don't have anything scheduled. Who's the investor?"

Teagan hesitated, her lips pursing. "Her name's Juliette Rousseau. She's apparently some big shot from Paris."

Bethany's stomach tightened. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it.

Teagan stepped fully into the office, her expression tinged with worry. "Beth, I think you should know... Logan's name came up in the briefing. I think there's some history there."

"History?" Bethany's heart sank. "What kind of history?"

Teagan shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. "I overheard Marcus mention something about Juliette being an ex. Just... be prepared, okay?"

Bethany nodded stiffly, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Thanks for the heads-up, Teagan."

As soon as Teagan left, Bethany felt the weight of unease settle over her. She smoothed her skirt, grabbed her tablet, and made her way to the conference room.

When she entered, Marcus, Ryan, and Liam were already seated, chatting amiably with a striking woman at the head of the table.

Juliette was breathtaking, with dark auburn hair swept into an elegant chignon, piercing blue eyes, and an aura of effortless sophistication. She was dressed in a tailored ivory suit that exuded power and poise.

Juliette turned her attention to Bethany as she walked in, her sharp gaze assessing. For a brief moment, Bethany felt like she was being sized up, and the corner of Juliette's mouth curved into a polite but knowing smile.

"You must be Bethany," Juliette said, her French accent soft but unmistakable. "I've heard so much about you."

Bethany forced a smile and extended her hand. "And you must be Juliette. Welcome to R&M."

Juliette's handshake was firm, her fingers cool and deliberate. "Thank you. It's wonderful to meet the woman who's caught Logan's attention."

The comment, so casually delivered, made Bethany's stomach flip. Marcus cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to the business at hand.

For the next forty-five minutes, Juliette presented her proposal with practiced ease. She was there to discuss a potential collaboration on a luxury condominium project in Paris, one she claimed could elevate R&M's reputation internationally. Her pitch was flawless, and her confidence filled the room.

Bethany tried to focus on the details, but her mind kept drifting. Every time Juliette mentioned Logan's name—always with a subtle familiarity—it felt like a dagger twisting in her chest. The way Juliette spoke, her gestures, her ease in commanding the room, all made Bethany feel like a novice by comparison.

When the meeting ended, Marcus and Ryan escorted Juliette to tour the office, leaving Bethany alone with Liam.

"You okay?" Liam asked, his tone surprisingly neutral.