Chapter 41
T wo weeks later
Massimo
AS I SIT IN THE SLEEK conference room of our Chicago office, waiting for the final attendees to arrive, my thoughts drift to Rowan. Two weeks have passed since she confided in us about her family's mistreatment. The pain in her eyes as she recounted their harsh words and dismissive actions still lingers in my mind. It's unfathomable to me how anyone could treat someone as remarkable as Rowan with such disregard.
Rowan is an angel. Her strength, compassion, and resilience captivate me more each day. She deserves nothing but unwavering support and boundless love. The more time I spend with her, the deeper I fall. It's not just her beauty that draws me in, but the way she challenges me, the way she sees the world with such clarity and hope.
In the boardroom, surrounded by the trappings of corporate success, I find myself longing for her presence. The scent of her hair, the warmth of her touch, the way her laughter can ease the weight of even the most burdensome day. She has become my solace, my desire, my heart.
A discreet chime from my phone pulls me back to the present. I glance at the screen to see a message from Rowan:
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A SMILE TUGS AT MY lips. The anticipation of being with her again makes the hours until then feel like an eternity. But for now, I must focus. I straighten my tie, take a deep breath, and prepare to tackle the tasks at hand, knowing that at the end of the day, Rowan will be waiting for me.
As Cole and Xavier enter the boardroom, deep in discussion, they make their way to the seats beside me. Cole, always the picture of professionalism, adjusts his tailored suit jacket as he settles in. Xavier, with his characteristic charisma, offers a confident nod to the room before taking his place.
I can’t help but observe the subtle tension between the two Ultra Alphas. They’ve been butting heads over our new Omegas. Omegas we’re ready to bite. To bond. But Xavier is the proverbial wrench in the machine. He’s never fought Cole’s leadership before. Xavier is acting like a teenager that’s come into his first rut but doesn’t know how to fuck to release the tension.
They take a seat. One on each side of me, seconds before the last seat is filled and the meeting begins. The meeting begins promptly, and I focus on the agenda before us. However, my thoughts occasionally drift back to Rowan. Her strength and resilience continue to amaze me, especially considering the challenges she faces with her family. She truly deserves the best, and I find myself wanting to be the one to provide that for her.
As the discussions unfold, I can't help but anticipate our next meeting. Rowan has become an integral part of my thoughts, both in and out of the boardroom.
As the meeting progresses, the heads of the Chicago branches present their reports, covering various operational aspects and recent developments. Towards the end of the session, one manager raises a question regarding the latest initiatives from the New York branch.
"Massimo," she begins, "we've heard about the recent additions to the team in New York, a nest designer and a perfumer. Can you provide us with some insights into these developments?"
I nod, acknowledging the inquiry. "Certainly. We've recently brought on board two talented individuals to enhance our offerings. Rowan Hart, our new nest designer, has been instrumental in redefining our residential spaces, creating environments that are both functional and harmonious. Her designs have already received positive feedback from clients in New York."
I pause, then continue, "Additionally, Sébastien Chevalier, our new perfumer, has been developing a range of signature scents aimed at elevating our brand's olfactory identity. While these products are currently being introduced in the New York market, we anticipate a broader rollout in the near future."
Another manager chimes in, "Are there plans to integrate these designs and fragrances into the Chicago market?"
"Absolutely," I reply. "Once we've assessed their impact and gathered sufficient feedback in New York, we'll strategize on expanding these offerings to other branches, including Chicago. Our goal is to ensure consistency and quality across all markets."