The boardroom was tense, the air thick with anticipation. Greyson Black sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable as executives presented the final terms of a lucrative deal with Cole Industries. The merger promised billions in profit, but Amanda knew the cost — Vanessa Cole had made it clear that her involvement came with conditions.
Amanda sat quietly at the side, her notes prepared, though her stomach twisted. Vanessa's gaze flicked toward her more than once, sharp and calculating. Amanda understood the unspoken threat: if Greyson wanted the deal, Amanda would have to go.
Vanessa leaned forward, her voice smooth. "Mr. Black, we're prepared to finalize. But I must insist on one adjustment. Your assistant's role in this company is... unconventional. For the sake of stability, I recommend she be reassigned."
The words hung in the air, deliberate and cruel. Amanda's heart sank. She wanted to speak, to defend herself, but this was Greyson's battle.
Greyson's jaw tightened. He glanced at Amanda, his eyes steady, then turned back to Vanessa. "Miss Evans stays."
Vanessa's smile faltered. "Greyson, this is business. Personal attachments cloud judgment. You know that."
Greyson leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "I built this empire by trusting my judgment. Amanda is part of that. If you can't accept it, then there is no deal."
The room fell silent. Executives shifted uncomfortably, stunned by his declaration. Vanessa's eyes narrowed, her composure cracking. "You'd walk away from billions... for her?"
Greyson's gaze was cold, unyielding. "I'd walk away from anything that compromises my integrity. Or hers."
Amanda's breath caught. The weight of his words pressed against her chest, both terrifying and exhilarating. He had chosen her — not just as his assistant, but as someone worth risking everything for.
Vanessa gathered her papers, her voice sharp. "Then you've made your choice. Don't expect me to forgive it."
She swept out of the room, leaving a trail of tension behind. The executives murmured, but Greyson silenced them with a single look.
When the meeting ended, Amanda lingered, her heart still racing. Greyson approached, his voice softer now. "I told you it wouldn't be easy. But I won't sacrifice you for profit. Not ever."
Amanda's eyes stung, emotion rising. "Greyson... you didn't have to do that."
He reached for her hand, his touch firm, grounding. "Yes, I did. Because you're not just my assistant. You're the one thing I can't afford to lose."
The truth settled between them, undeniable. Greyson Black had chosen Amanda Evans over billions, and in that moment, she realized their bond was no longer just attraction. It was loyalty. It was love. And it was powerful enough to change everything.