Tristan #2
“Combining our resources would give the new studio a massive competitive advantage,” Chloe chimes in.
Gabriel produces a folder, laying it open on the table. “I’ve already got a proposal written.”
He slides the folder across the table to Vincent, who sniffs and lifts the top document, perusing it carefully.
“Eclipse Studios?” Vincent asks, raising an eyebrow.
Gabriel shrugs. “That was just a suggested name. If you’d prefer something else, we can—”
“No,” Vincent interrupts. “I like it. It stays.”
At his authoritative tone, my hackles instinctively rise. It takes a quick look from Chloe to remind me of our goal: keeping things civil. So I force my lips into a smile, even though I’m sure it’s a tight one.
“Since we’re all agreed,” I say, “I’ll head up this project myself.”
For a split second, Vincent meets my gaze, and I could swear that his eyes narrow. But he nods, waving a hand. “That’s fine by me. Less work on my plate.”
Another thought crosses my mind, and before the conversation can move on, I add, “And perhaps Chloe could join me.”
Chloe stiffens in her seat, her brow creasing as she scowls.
“Certainly,” Vincent says, his tone indicating that he doesn’t care one way or the other.
“Hold on a second,” Chloe demands, incensed. “Why should I work on this with you? I don’t see any reason to be involved in this project.”
Vincent places a calming hand on Chloe’s shoulder, his eyes never leaving mine. “Chloe, dear, this collaboration is about unity and shared goals. It’s an opportunity for both our families to prosper. Tristan has suggested you as a valuable addition to the team, and I trust his judgment.”
Chloe shoots me a challenging look, her eyes searching for answers. I maintain a composed expression, concealing any hint of the underlying tension. I can see the suspicion in her expression. She seems to realize that I have ulterior motives, even if she’s not sure what they are.
And I have to admit, I do. If Chloe and I are working on this together, there will be plenty of reasons for her to be around me.
We’ll be married, and I don’t want her to have excuses to slip away and avoid me while I’m working long hours.
This way, we’ll be spending plenty of time together, and I won’t have to worry about where she is or what she’s doing.
“Chloe, we both have unique skills that can contribute to the success of Eclipse Studios,” I tell her. “Your creativity and business acumen are indispensable. And it will be a good way to ensure both of our families are involved in the venture.”
“Then why do we have to be the ones who do it?” She folds her arms. “Is your company so understaffed that you can’t find someone to manage this project?”
“This is more than just a project. I’m a new CEO. It makes sense for me to spearhead the next big thing that comes across the table.”
Chloe’s eyelids twitch, barely narrowing. I can tell that I’m getting through to her, that my arguments are making sense. But she still seems reluctant.
Finally, she nods stiffly. “Fine,” she says, her voice curt.
“Well, then,” Vincent says. “If that’s all, I suggest we adjourn this meeting and reconvene sometime early next week to discuss our plans going forward.”
There’s a murmur of muted agreement across the table, and a collective shuffle as everyone in the room moves at once.
Everyone but me and Chloe. She sits at the opposite side of the table, her teeth worrying at her lower lip, narrowed eyes fixed on me.
We’re both frozen, like we’re tethered to the lingering energy of the collaboration we’ve just sealed.
As my family and Chloe’s father file out, Chloe shifts and lets out a quiet sigh. Her gaze meets mine, dark gray eyes narrowed with skepticism and something else. As the door closes behind the departing figures, she breaks the silence, her voice cutting through the air.
“It’s just as well we’ll be working together,” she states, her words laced with wariness. “But don’t think for a second that I trust you.”
Her honesty doesn’t surprise me. The undercurrent of distrust has been evident from the start, and I’ve made no effort to conceal my ulterior motives. Chloe sees through the facade, and I can respect that.
“You should,” I reply, my tone firm. “Your interests are about to become my interests. And I take care of what’s mine.”
Chloe’s guarded demeanor doesn’t waver, but there’s a spark in her eyes, a flicker of something that intrigues me. Interest, maybe. A touch of vulnerability. Something sharp, like a broken edge of glass.
She turns to leave the room, her steps purposeful, and I watch her go in silence. She shoots a last glance over her shoulder, storm-gray eyes locking with mine, before the door closes behind her.
I let out a breath, alone in the boardroom. A partnership with MediaSphere could be great for us, but it definitely won’t come without challenges.
As my mind shifts forward, the impending wedding looms on the horizon.
Initially, the idea of marrying Chloe sparked only a sense of obligation.
The arranged nature of our union, a directive from my father, felt like a burden I had to carry, another sacrifice I had to make for the Thorne family name.
Now, though…
The prospect of being bound to Chloe, both in business and matrimony, is starting to intrigue me.
There’s a fire in her, a strength that complements the softness I sometimes get hints of beneath her hard exterior.
She doesn’t back down, and as someone who’s lived his life by that same principle, everything about her feels like a challenge I want to meet.
I might not have been excited about this at first, but as I pack up my laptop and take a final sip of my coffee, I can’t help the smile that creeps across my face.