As The Stars Aligned

Chapter 8

As Damien settled back into his office, he couldn't help but reflect on his recent encounter with Novalie. Her unwavering resolve had taken him by surprise, and he found himself grappling with a mixture of respect and intrigue.

Novalie had proven herself to be a formidable force, and he knew that facing her challenge head-on was the only way forward. He sat back thinking of a way to stop this merger from happening.

As Damien delved into strategizing how to halt the impending merger, his thoughts consumed by the challenge posed by Novalie, he suddenly became aware of a commotion outside his office. Curiosity piqued, he rose from his seat and began making his way towards the door. Before he could even grasp the doorknob, the door swung open with a forceful push, and there stood Novalie, her determination palpable.

Damien's assistant trailed closely behind her, clearly flustered by the abrupt intrusion. "I'm sorry, Mr. Beckett. I told her that you weren't seeing anyone at the moment and that she would have to come again another day, but she simply wouldn't listen."

Novalie, unyielding, quirked an eyebrow and couldn't help but remark, "Hmm, that sounds very familiar, doesn't it?"

Damien couldn't suppress a chuckle, recalling the moment when he had barged into her conference room, only to receive a similar response from her assistant.

With a wry smile, he extended a hand in a welcoming gesture. "Well, since you've gone through all this trouble to see me, Ms. Jones, I'm all ears. To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?"

"You know exactly why I am here, Mr. Beckett," she replied, her tone firm, refusing to waver in her purpose.

"Oh, do I now?" Damien retorted with a smirk, his eyes glittering with intrigue. "Please have a seat. Let's discuss the matter at hand." He gestured gracefully to a seat positioned in front of his imposing desk, indicating his willingness to engage in the impending conversation.

Not missing a beat, he turned to his assistant, Vern, who had been standing discreetly to the side. "You can go now, Vern," Damien said, dismissing him with a casual wave of his hand. His assistant nodded and made a swift exit, leaving the room to its occupants.

Damien leaned back in his chair, locking eyes with Novalie, a sense of determination burning in his gaze. Novalie, however, couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions as she gazed at Damien.

She had wanted to tell him off for barging into her meeting, but as she looked at him, a rush of memories flooded back. Her heart raced as she recalled their dance on the ballroom floor, the feeling of being held in his arms, the way his soft hand was placed on her back just above her tailbone. She couldn't help but wish it had been a little lower, the touch sending shivers down her spine.

She shook her head, determined to clear her thoughts and regain her focus on the situation at hand. "Mr. Beckett, I do not appreciate you coming to my building, to my conference room, and interrupting my meeting for your own gain," she stated firmly, her gaze locked onto his. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

Damien leaned back in his chair, a confident smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm Damien Beckett, of course," he replied with a hint of charm in his voice, as if his name alone should explain everything.

Novalie couldn't hold back any longer. "Well, Mr. Beckett," she shot back, her tone sharp and sassy, "Damien Beckett or not, you don't have the right to barge into my meeting whenever you please. You may be used to getting your way, but you won't be getting it with me."

She pushed herself up from her chair, her heels clicking with each step as she crossed the room to grab her purse. Novalie paused at the open door, her eyes flashing with determination as she turned back to face him.