Je Te Laisserai Des Mots - Patrick Watson; High School - Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne
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Chapter Twenty-One
Diane's POV
Diane Dalton sat in her private office, the sunlight bouncing off the sleek surfaces, but her mind was nowhere near the calm of her surroundings. Her parents, had been subtly but persistently pressing her over the past few weeks. Their concern, well-meaning as it was, felt more like a strategic negotiation than parental advice. She's always known that the life of the rich and wealthy did not include freedom, well, most times!
"Diane," Elsa said over lunch, voice smooth but firm, "you've accomplished so much in your fashion empire. But personal alliances matter. You need to think beyond work."
Her father leaned back in his chair, studying her with a piercing intensity that Diane had grown up recognizing. "You're brilliant, Diane, but numbers alone don't secure the future of Dalton Industries. Partnerships, through family, through marriage, strengthen legacies. You know this."
Diane took a breath, keeping her tone measured. "I understand, but my empire is thriving, and Dalton Industries is secure. My personal choices won't jeopardize either."
Elsa sighed, the soft sound carrying the weight of expectation. "Your father and I aren't asking you to jeopardize anything. We're asking you to consider a strategic partner… someone who understands ambition at the level you operate."
"And who is that?" Diane asked carefully, suspicion lacing her voice, they sounded like they have someone in mind.
Her father's expression didn't change. "Alexander Pierce. CEO of Pierce Global. He's the kind of man who understands influence, capital, and strategy. We think meeting him could be beneficial."
Diane's heart sank slightly. She had heard of Alexander, tall, impeccably styled, ruthless in business dealings. Charming, yes, but calculating. A man who played the game at every level. She forced her expression to neutrality.
"I suppose there's no harm in a brief meeting," Diane said evenly. "For courtesy's sake."
Elsa's smile was victorious. "That's all we ask."
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That evening, Diane arrived at the upscale private lounge where Alexander had requested the meeting. She entered, heads subtly turning as whispers drifted toward her. She was striking, long legs, confident gait, her signature tailored suit that fused authority with grace. Even amidst the subtle luxury, she owned the space without trying.
Alexander rose as she approached, offering a polite bow. "Diane Dalton. It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure is mine," Diane said, shaking his hand with careful precision, gauging his confidence.
Alexander's smile was smooth, calculated. "I've heard a lot about your fashion empire. Quite impressive."
"Thank you. I've heard your business acumen is just as formidable," Diane replied, eyes steady. "I hope you enjoy discussions that are mutually respectful, not patronizing."
Alexander chuckled, leaning back slightly. "Oh, I enjoy a challenge. And you, Ms. Dalton, seem very… engaging."
Conversation flowed over dinner, polite yet laced with subtle power plays. Diane discussed expansion, supply chains, and branding strategies, highlighting her accomplishments while keeping Alexander slightly off balance. Every compliment he gave she deflected with wit. Every probing question she answered with clarity and precision.
Yet, in the back of her mind, a different presence haunted her, the memory of Jeffrey Black. The way he had looked at her during their lunch, the casual dominance he carried, the playful tension that kept her on edge. She pushed the thought away, refusing to let it distract her, yet it lingered like an uninvited shadow.
The evening ended with Alexander suggesting a follow-up meeting to discuss potential collaboration between their empires. Diane nodded politely. "I'll consider it."
Outside, her phone buzzed incessantly. It was a string of messages from Chelsea:
Diane. You won't believe who's in the city tonight. He's… with someone else.
Her pulse quickened. She opened the message and saw a photo: Jeffrey, casually close to another woman at a gala event, laughing, leaning in. Diane's chest tightened. She quickly tucked the phone away, forcing herself to exhale slowly.
No. She wouldn't let it bother her. Not tonight. Dalton Industries, her fashion empire, and her schedule would consume every thought. Jeffrey Black was a distraction she didn't have time for.
Yet every time she tried to focus on the spreadsheets, the contracts, the strategy plans, the image of him smiling, effortless, teasing, and infuriating kept creeping in.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind. "Personal alliances matter." Diane's lips pressed together. She hated that they were right. But she wasn't ready to admit it, to anyone, especially herself.
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Jeffrey's POV
Back at his penthouse, Jeffrey Black's phone buzzed incessantly. Jason had sent him the same photograph Diane had received from Chelsea, only accompanied by a smug text:
Thought you should see this. She's looking… attentive.
Jeffrey's jaw tightened. He stared at the image of Diane laughing, poised, effortlessly commanding attention even when seated across from another man.
He should have felt angry. He should have felt jealousy, irritation, any emotion that would make him deny the truth.
Instead, he felt hollow.
"She's… remarkable," he muttered under his breath, voice rough. He leaned back in the chair, hands tangled in his dark hair. The apartment's glittering skyline mocked him, everything in control, yet completely undone by a single woman.
Jason appeared in the doorway, smirking. "You're a mess, big brother."
Jeffrey shot him a glare. "I'm fine."
"Sure you are," Jason teased, stepping closer. "Admit it. You're… not fine. You're… captivated. And it's eating you alive."
"I'm not captivated," Jeffrey growled, refusing to meet Jason's eyes.
Jason chuckled, shaking his head. "You're lying to yourself. And I have to admit it's kind of entertaining watching you flounder."
Jeffrey ran a hand over his face. "I'm not going to fall into it. Not her. Not anyone. My empire, my legacy… that's what matters."
Jason shrugged, amused. "Keep telling yourself that, brother. But I've known you a long time. This isn't just fascination. You're already in too deep. And you know it."
Jeffrey closed his eyes, letting the words settle. The truth was undeniable. Diane Dalton was unlike anyone he had ever met, brilliant, beautiful, challenging, and unyielding. And he, the infallible Jeffrey Black, was starting to lose control.
He refused to name it. Refused to admit it to himself.
But deep down, he knew.
He was in too deep.
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