Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Tania
I walk into the office with Levi trailing behind me, his presence commanding the attention of everyone we pass. Conversations drop to whispers, and a few heads peek over cubicle walls as we make our way to the conference room. It’s not every day that a billionaire strolls through Caldwell PR, and the air practically buzzes with curiosity.
I glance over my shoulder at him. “Just… try to keep it professional, okay?”
Levi smirks, clearly enjoying the attention. “Always.”
I roll my eyes and push open the door to the conference room. My team is already gathered, folders and laptops spread across the table. Jenna is the first to look up, her eyes widening as she takes in Levi’s presence.
“Oh, wow,” she whispers, her gaze darting between us. “Tania, is this...?”
“This is Levi Nichols,” I say briskly, cutting her off before she can finish the thought. “He’s here to discuss a potential partnership with the firm.”
Levi steps forward, offering Jenna his trademark charming smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Tania’s told me great things about the work you all do here.”
Jenna practically melts, her cheeks flushing. “Thank you, Mr. Nichols. It’s an honor.”
I clear my throat, reclaiming the room’s attention. “Let’s focus, everyone. We’re here to review the updates on the Lennox proposal.”
The team quickly gathers their composure, though I can still feel the energy shift with Levi in the room. I take my seat at the head of the table, and Levi settles into the chair beside me, his confident posture making it clear he’s comfortable in any setting.
As the team dives into the presentation, I steal a glance at Levi. He’s listening intently, his gaze sharp as he absorbs every detail. It’s almost unsettling how easily he fits into this world, even though it’s miles away from his usual corporate empire.
“This section here,” says Matt, one of my senior strategists, pointing to the screen. “We’ve refined the messaging to align with their brand values, but we could use your input, Tania.”
Before I can respond, Levi speaks up. “That’s a smart approach,” he says, nodding toward Matt. “But you might want to emphasize the ROI more prominently. It’s what’ll grab their attention in the first five seconds.”
Matt blinks, clearly caught off guard. “That’s… a good point. Thank you.”
Levi leans back in his chair, his expression calm. “Just a thought.”
I grit my teeth. Of course he has to chime in, as if he’s running the meeting. But the worst part? He’s right.
As the discussion continues, I can’t shake the tension building in the room. It’s not just Levi’s presence—it’s the way everyone is responding to him. Jenna keeps sneaking glances at him, and even Matt seems eager to impress. It’s maddening.
And then there’s Callie.
Callie is one of our account executives, sharp and ambitious, with a penchant for networking. She’s been unusually quiet during the meeting, but now she speaks up, her voice smooth.
“Mr. Nichols,” she says, her tone light and conversational. “I have to say, it’s impressive how you’ve diversified your investments. You’ve built such an incredible brand.”
Levi smiles politely. “Thank you. But please, call me Levi.”
Callie beams. “Levi, then. If you ever need a fresh perspective on your PR strategy, I’d be happy to help. I’m sure Tania’s told you I have a background in corporate communications.”
Her tone is casual, but the way she leans forward and tilts her head leaves no doubt about her intentions. My chest tightens, and I grip my pen a little too hard.
Levi glances at me briefly before responding, his smile never faltering. “Tania’s team is clearly talented. I trust her judgment completely.”
The words are innocuous, but the way he says them sends a shiver down my spine. Callie doesn’t seem deterred, though. She continues chatting with him, asking pointed questions that border on personal.
I clear my throat, cutting her off mid-sentence. “Callie, why don’t we focus on the proposal for now? We’re on a tight timeline.”
Callie’s eyes flick to me, her smile thinning. “Of course, Tania. Just trying to make a connection.”
Her words are laced with subtle challenge, and I force myself to stay composed. This is exactly why I didn’t want to bring Levi here—his presence is already disrupting the dynamic. But what’s worse is the way it’s getting under my skin.
As the meeting wraps up, I gather my notes, avoiding eye contact with Levi. The team files out, murmuring amongst themselves about how impressive he is. I linger behind, hoping to steal a moment to regain my composure.
But Levi doesn’t leave.
“That went well,” he says, his voice low as he steps closer. “You’ve got a good team.”
“They’re great,” I reply stiffly, shoving my notes into a folder.
“Though I have to say,” he adds, a teasing lilt in his voice, “your colleague Callie seems... ambitious.”
I snap my gaze up to meet his, heat rising in my cheeks. “She’s just doing her job.”
Levi’s smirk deepens, and he leans against the table, far too relaxed. “Was that what she was doing? Because it looked more like flirting to me.”
“She wasn’t flirting,” I say, even though I know it’s a lie. “And if she was, why do you care?”
His smirk falters for a fraction of a second, and something flickers in his eyes. “I don’t,” he says smoothly. “I just thought it was interesting.”
“Well, don’t read too much into it,” I snap, turning away. “This is business, remember?”
“Of course,” he says, his tone infuriatingly neutral. “Business.”
I grab my things and head for the door, my pulse racing. I can feel his eyes on me as I leave, and it takes everything in me not to look back.
But as I walk down the hallway, I can’t stop replaying the scene in my head. Callie’s easy confidence. Levi’s calm deflection. The sharp stab of jealousy I felt watching her flirt with him.
It’s ridiculous. This isn’t real. Levi isn’t mine.
So why does it feel like I’m already losing a battle I never meant to fight?