Stone Rich: Her 1st Experience

Chapter Thirteen: Crossroads

Malaya's POV

Malaya's phone buzzed in her hand as the car rolled to a stop at a red light. Her eyes scanned the message from Dani, and a wave of relief washed over her as she read the words:

"We've secured all the upcoming companies into a Non-Compete Exclusive 5-year contract, and it's worth 50% more than what we lost with the other 4 companies."

A triumphant smile tugged at her lips. They had managed to recover and then some. This was the first real victory since everything began unraveling, and for the first time in days, Malaya felt a sense of calm return to her.

She leaned back in her seat, letting her body relax against the soft leather as she watched the city lights blur past the window. This was the win she needed—a solid step forward in regaining control of her company, her legacy. Yet, the victory was fleeting as her thoughts drifted back to Sebastien.

His presence earlier in her office had been suffocating in the best and worst ways. The way he'd sat there with that predatory confidence, his eyes boring into hers like he could see every thought she had, every secret she kept. He had an aura that demanded attention, respect, and—annoyingly—desire.

Malaya shook her head, trying to push the image of him from her mind. She couldn't afford to be distracted by him, not now. He was a threat, and she needed to stay focused. But damn if her body didn't betray her every time he got near.

When the car finally pulled up to her apartment, she thanked Daniel and stepped out, clutching her bag as if it were an anchor. She entered her apartment, the cool air inside a stark contrast to the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind. Without wasting any time, she made her way to the bathroom, running a steamy bubble bath.

As the water filled the tub, the soft scent of lavender filling the room, she undressed and sank into the warmth, hoping it would melt away the tension from the day. But even as the heat enveloped her, her mind kept circling back to that damn number. The PI had been cryptic, and now it felt like she was holding a key without knowing what door it unlocked.

Club Escape. The name lingered in her thoughts. Could the number be someone from the club? Someone who could help her figure out what Sebastien was really up to?

She closed her eyes, letting her head rest against the edge of the tub as the water lapped gently at her skin. The momentary victory of securing the new contracts dulled, leaving her with a hollow feeling.

What do I do next? she wondered, her hand reaching for her phone again. The number taunted her from the screen, and a part of her itched to call it, to dig deeper into Sebastien's world. But another part—the part still reeling from his proximity—was afraid of what she might find.

With a deep sigh, Malaya put the phone down, deciding to leave the battle for tomorrow. For tonight, she needed to rest—because whatever came next, she had to be ready.

Sebastien's POV

Sebastien walked into the dimly lit bar, scanning the crowd until he spotted Jack sitting at their usual spot with a scotch on the rocks in hand. The familiar sight of his old friend brought a wave of comfort, though his thoughts were far from peaceful.

"Jack," Sebastien greeted, patting him on the back as he slid onto the stool beside him. The bartender appeared, and Sebastien ordered a whiskey neat, feeling the burn of exhaustion creeping into his bones.

Jack gave him a long look before raising an eyebrow. "Woman troubles?" he asked, his voice laced with dry humor.

Sebastien sighed, staring down at the amber liquid in his glass. "Something like that," he muttered, swirling the drink before taking a long sip. He'd been through countless business meetings, deals, and fights, but this—Malaya—was something entirely different. He hadn't planned for her to get under his skin like this.

"She wasn't supposed to matter," Sebastien finally admitted, his voice low. "This was supposed to be simple. Take down HER Enterprises, make sure my company stays on top. But now..." He paused, running a hand through his hair. "Now I can't stop thinking about her."

Jack's gaze turned serious as he listened, placing his glass on the bar and leaning in. "Malaya Richardson, right?"

Sebastien nodded, his jaw clenched.

"Well," Jack said slowly, "you can't have your cake and eat it too, brother."

Sebastien frowned, confusion flickering in his eyes.

"You're either after the empire or the girl. You can't go after both and expect it to work out," Jack explained, his tone even. "One will slip through your fingers, and by the looks of it, you're already on shaky ground."

Sebastien stared down at his drink, the truth in Jack's words hitting hard. Malaya was a complication he hadn't anticipated. She'd shown strength, more than he expected, and that intrigued him. But it also made her dangerous—someone who could derail his plans if he wasn't careful.

Jack continued, his voice steady, "You know, we've been through a lot together. I've seen you conquer bigger challenges than this. But you've got to figure out what you really want. Do you want to take her down or take her to bed?"

Sebastien snorted, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "What if I want both?"

Jack leaned back, his expression skeptical. "Then you better be ready for one hell of a mess."

The words hung in the air as Sebastien contemplated the question. Malaya wasn't just another woman. She was fire and steel, someone who could match him blow for blow. And that made him want her even more. But Jack was right—he couldn't have both the empire and her. Not without risking everything.

"I don't know," Sebastien said quietly, more to himself than to Jack. His mind raced with images of Malaya—the way she stood up to him, the way her body responded to his proximity. He wanted to conquer her, break down her walls, but he also couldn't deny that he wanted to possess her in ways that went far beyond the boardroom.

Jack took a sip of his scotch before turning to face Sebastien fully. "So, what's it gonna be? Her or the empire?"

Sebastien stared into his drink, his thoughts a storm of desire and ambition. How could he have both without losing everything? Could he break her and still take the company? Or would Malaya be the one to break him?

As the whiskey burned down his throat, he knew one thing for sure: he wasn't done with Malaya Richardson. Not by a long shot. But whether he'd destroy her or lose himself in her, he hadn't quite figured out yet.

And the clock was ticking.