Bitter Love

Chapter 23: Leader

The next day...

Adrien's pov

The hum of conversation faded as my team settled into their seats in the conference room. I scanned the room, noting the usual dynamics: some eager, some indifferent, and then there was Evie, seated at the farthest corner of the table. Her focus was on the notepad in front of her, pen poised as though she intended to avoid eye contact at all costs.

She rarely looked up, but when she did, the flicker of apprehension in her hazel eyes only added to the weight I felt building between us.

"Thank you all for being here," I began, my tone sharp and deliberate.

"This competition is critical. It’s a chance for us to develop an innovative system that will not only enhance our products but also set us apart in the industry. The winning proposal will be implemented citywide, impacting multiple major companies."

I spoke with measured intensity, detailing the parameters and the expectations. As I outlined the stakes, I saw the wheels turning in my team's minds, their expressions shifting between intrigue and concern. My gaze, however, kept drifting back to Evie. She was scribbling furiously in her notebook, her brow furrowed, lips pressed together.

"Now, we need fresh ideas," I continued, leaning forward. "I want each of you to brainstorm and collaborate on your projects. But we also need a leader—someone to guide the team and ensure we stay on track."

I let the silence linger for a moment, scanning the room before landing on her.

"Evie Hamilton will be the team leader."

The room stilled. Evie’s head snapped up, her wide eyes meeting mine with something between disbelief and panic. Her grip on the pen tightened, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words.

"What's wrong, Miss Hamilton?" I asked, a faint smirk playing on my lips. "Do you doubt your ability to handle it?"

Her cheeks flushed as she quickly lowered her gaze.

"No… I can, sir," she stammered, her voice unsteady but firm enough to hold her ground.

"Good," I replied smoothly, moving on as though the tension wasn’t thick enough to cut with a knife.

The rest of the meeting proceeded without incident, though my attention never strayed far from her. She sat rigid in her chair, scribbling notes but stealing the occasional glance in my direction. Was it doubt in her eyes—or defiance?

"Let’s reconvene next week with your proposals," I concluded, dismissing everyone.

As the team filed out, I lingered, watching as Evie gathered her things. She moved swiftly, clearly hoping to avoid any further attention. But I wasn’t done with her yet.

"Miss Hamilton," I called out as she reached the door.

She froze mid-step, her shoulders stiffening as though bracing herself for an impact.

"Yes, Mr. Lacroix?" she asked, turning slowly.

I stepped closer, my voice calm but pointed. "I just want to ensure you understand what’s expected of you. Being a leader isn’t just about delegating tasks. It’s about commanding respect—earning it through action, not words."

Her hazel eyes flicked to mine for a moment before darting away, her jaw tightening.

"I understand, Mr. Lacroix," she replied, her tone steadier this time.

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Do you? Because I don’t have time for hesitation, Evie. I need someone decisive."

Her gaze snapped back to mine, and for the first time, I caught a spark of defiance there—a fleeting challenge that made my lips twitch in satisfaction.

"I’ll deliver, sir," she said firmly, though her voice betrayed the faintest hint of uncertainty.

"Good," I replied, stepping back. "I’ll expect to see your proposal next week."

She nodded curtly and turned to leave, her steps brisk but deliberate. I watched her go, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. The game was on.

Back in my office, I loosened my tie, leaning back in my chair as I replayed the meeting. Her reaction had been as intriguing as I’d expected. The hesitation before she accepted the role, the subtle shift in her expression when I pushed her—it was fascinating.

There was something raw and unpolished about her, a blend of vulnerability and quiet strength. She wasn’t like the others in the room, eager to impress or coast by unnoticed. No, Evie had a fire, though she did her best to hide it.

And it was that fire that had me cornered in my own thoughts. I’d spent days trying to suppress the strange pull I felt toward her—the way her presence seemed to simultaneously unsettle and ground me. I wanted to push her, to test her limits, but I also wanted to shield her from the very challenges I was throwing her way.

It was a paradox I couldn’t ignore, and as I stared out the window, I couldn’t help but wonder just how long I could keep my distance, professionally or otherwise.

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Heeey guyss it's been long..so I made it up by writing a long chapter 😅😊hope u like itt

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