I Need to Forget The CEO!!

Chapter 11 - Hidden Evidence, Unspoken Desires

My alarm for 6:30 went off, waking me from my sleep. I felt groggy and hungover—my head was pounding as if my skull might explode. My stomach only hurt slightly, which was a relief, but I definitely needed something to help with my headache. I pulled the covers off myself, waking Bean, who was lying at my feet, causing her to let out a small squeak. She got up and stretched in harmony with me.

"Good morning, Beanie Boo! Want some food, kitty?" Bean recognized one of her favorite words and stood straight up, jumping off my bed and running into the kitchen. After putting on my slippers and taking a quick glance at my messy hair in the mirror, I followed her, refilled her water bowl, and gave her a scoop of dry food.

"Here you go, kitty cat," I said, squatting down to pet her. She purred gently.

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After a quick shower, I put on my usual amount of makeup and decided on a long black skirt paired with a white blouse. It was form-fitting, with a lettuce-trim turtleneck collar and long sleeves—one of my favorite shirts. I knew I should be prepared to face the consequences of my... behavior from last night.

What was I thinking, drinking that much? What kind of behavior issues do I have? I couldn't believe I let my feelings get in the way of my work like that... But, it did seem like he was reciprocating it. He did have me in his arms, and close enough to kiss him. What did he mean by "entering this kind of relationship?"

My heart raced thinking about him. I shook my head to release any unholy images, but was left with confusion swirling in my mind. I have to remain professional today, no matter how tempting his antics are. I can't let the rumors about his playboy attitude come true.

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Stepping through the administration doors this morning felt scarier than my first day here. The atmosphere felt different, much more frightening now, and I wasn't sure how to behave. My first task of the day is to report to Enzo about my findings on Bryan. I haven't updated him on any of the news I've heard yet. I guess I should do my research while he's in the meeting with the section leaders. 

After a quick glance around the office to make sure everyone was distracted, I made my way to the storage room to double-check those files. Inside, there were sleeves stacked high, labeled by year and category. I shuffled through them, hoping to find records of a purchase from 2013, but I couldn't find anything at all.

I moved around the room, checking numerous boxes and shelves, with no luck. Frustration grew within me, along with suspicion—why would these files be hidden like this?

Just as I was about to give up, I spotted a yellow manila folder shoved underneath a dusty box. It looked too new to have been there for long, so I grabbed it. Just my luck—it was labeled "2013."

I quickly opened it and pulled the papers out, my hands trembling slightly. Inside was a letter dated August 2, 2013, regarding a repair request for a recurring electrical issue that caused the car to shut down unexpectedly while driving.

I couldn't believe it—this was solid evidence. Behind the letter was a sale form indicating that a woman named Mabel had purchased the vehicle for only $8,500, when the average price for a Maddox vehicle ranges from $35,000 to $150,000. Of course she would take that deal. How in the world could he have gotten away with this? He must have pressured and conned her, downplaying the issue or even lying about the deal being time-sensitive. I'm going to take pictures of these and show them to Enzo. 

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The next hour felt like the clock was ticking in slow motion. Enzo was in his meeting about the Gucci brand deal for what seemed like ages, likely going over every single detail to ensure good sales. I should be thinking about the issue at hand, but I can help but let my heart race over my replay of my actions from last night.

Why! WHY did I have to do that??? I'm sure he's going to scold me about it. Hopefully this new information will distract him from it. I must avoid talking about last night at all costs...

"Great, give them to me by 10." I nearly jumped when I heard Enzo's voice, resulting in the dismissal of the department's leaders from the meeting room. 

As the last few people shuffled out, I decided it was best for me to make my way in. "E-Enzo?" I stepped towards the first seat at the conference table and sat down in it, eyeing him.

He lifted his head and paused his paper-stacking, showing a warm smile. His jacket was off and his sleeves rolled up, a sign he was working hard. "Good morning, Lyric? How are you feeling?"

Gosh, don't ask me that!!!

I felt my cheeks turn red as a reminder of last night and spoke with all the courage I could muster, "I'm okay. Small headache...But I have to talk to you about something serious."

Enzo's eyes flickered with concern, "Alright, let me close the door." He swiftly made way to the door, switching on the privacy glass, and returned to the corner where I was seated,  bringing himself closer than before. "What is it?" he asked, sitting with his attention fully on me.

I took a deep breath, " I found something concerning in the storage room." 

His eyebrows furrowed, "Show me."

I opened my phone's camera roll and showed him the contents of the manilla file. He studied them carefully, with his gaze becoming more intense than before. He carefully placed his hand behind mine, supporting the phone. It made my heart flutter.

Focus, Lyric, focus!!

"I-I found these hidden in the storage room. I'm assuming these are the documents Bryan didn't want me to see." Enzo nodded, then released my hand and stood up.

"Send those to me, I'll handle this." He picked up his stack of papers and went for the door.

"W-wait" I called out, grabbing his arm. He looked back at me, stunned, and turned to face me. "I-I'm sorry about last night..."

He smirked, "I thought you liked danger, but not this much." Within a second, Enzo dropped his documents and pulled me into him, causing me to stumble and fall into the door. He held the wrist of the hand I used to grab him over my head, with his other pressed against the clouded glass behind me. His gaze was so intense it spoke a thousand words, both thrilling and terrifying. "Now why did you have to grab me? You're quite bold." He flashed yet another mischievous smile.

"E-Enzo!" I stammered. "W-What are you doing right now?"

"Relax," he whispered, his voice low and smooth. "I won't eat you."

I felt a rush of heat cover my face. "G-Get off, we're at work..."

He loosened his grip and stepped back, brushing my hair behind my ear that was left awry from our moment. "You're right. We're at work." The passion in his eyes never left. "But, I didn't know you'd be so daring. This is the second time you touched me."

I blushed, "I'm sorry..." He reached behind me, preparing to turn off the privacy glass.

Right as he was about to press the switch, he leaned in to whisper, "Lyric,  I can't guarantee I will control myself any longer, especially after your confession."

With that, he turned the glass off, gathered his papers, and exited the room.