GETTING THE HEART OF THE CEO

Lindsey arrived at Rose Textile Company, S. A., with Isa. She knew that what awaited her inside would not be easy. The company was almost bankrupt-one of the things she would never forgive her father for. Lindsey would take the reins of her company to get it back on track and continue her grandfather's legacy. She walked confidently with her head held high through the hallway, guided by bodyguards. They entered the private executive elevator, and employees looked at her, unaware of what awaited them with the new CEO.

Upon reaching her office, Janna and Dexter were waiting. Isa headed to the conference room to organize the meeting. Inside were 12 people-9 men and 3 women. Most were department heads, and the other partner was present with his assistant.

Isa entered the office to organize the documents to be handed to the executives.

"Lin! All the executives and partners are in the conference room; we can start the meeting," Dexter said, occupied with Janna.

Isa entered the conference room confidently to order the documents to be handed over to the executives.

"Lin! All the executives and partners are in the conference room; we can start the meeting," Dexter said, occupied with Janna.

Dexter, focused on Janna, heard Isa's voice, looked up, and was surprised to see the blonde with a beautiful figure standing there in her executive suit. When she lifted her gaze, all he could remember were those captivating cat-like eyes. He remained motionless, not knowing what to say. He swallowed hard, and his throat could only utter, "Are you Isa?"

"Yes! Hello, Dexter. Nice to see you again," she greeted with a warm smile.

"Do you two know each other?" Lindsey asked, surprised.

"Lin! The day I went to deliver the keys to Dexter in his office, there were too many people in the public elevator. I peeked to see if I could use the private one. While waiting, the elevator doors opened, and there was your friend engaged in inappropriate activities with a woman. With a look of astonishment, I turned my back and contacted Janna to give the keys to her because that same day, I was returning to Florence."

"They weren't indecent things; I was just getting rid of my ex-crazy girlfriend," he stammered, recalling that day. Helen intercepted him in the office, and not wanting to argue with her, he decided to head to court. In the elevator, Helen approached trying to kiss him. Dexter held her hands to push her away, but when the elevator doors opened, she was gone.

"Anyway, let's go to the meeting; they're waiting for us," she cut off the conversation indifferently and walked toward the exit, followed by Lindsey.

"Did she surprise you, Dex?" Janna whispered in his ear, then took steps toward the conference room with a mocking smile.

"Did you know she knew me? Is that why you made fun of me?" he asked, reaching her side.

"Oh, dear friend, you haven't changed at all. You're still the same fool from high school."

Kyle was impatient, checking his Rolex for the time. His mood worsened; he didn't understand why his grandfather bought shares in that company. He practically forced him to be present at that meeting. Distractedly checking his phone, he heard Freed say, "Your grandfather gave you quite a surprise." Kyle didn't finish the sentence upon recognizing the woman entering the meeting room.

'What the hell, my...' He didn't finish the word as he noticed the woman walking to one side of the table. He whispered to himself, "How beautiful she is." She was more beautiful than he remembered. This was the same woman who had shared his wet dreams on many nights. He watched her greet the executives, settle into her chair, and with him as an observer, she looked like a wolf hunting its prey. She appeared so confident, and what she was saying made sense. So many times, he longed to hear her voice. She was no longer the same girl he married; she looked incredibly well. She seemed like a true CEO, and he was captivated by what he saw.

"Take care of remodeling my office in the presidency. Tomorrow, I will take command of this company as vice president," she whispered in a moderate tone to Freed."

"How did you say before getting here?" He whispered with irony. "I remembered, 'I'll give away the shares of this company if my grandfather insists on my presence in it."" He was dying of laughter inside, seeing his friend's illuminated face. "Shut up! And don't distract me from my goal."

Lindsey greeted those present with cordiality and a bit of sympathy. She tried to trust herself and the knowledge she had gained in recent years. She talked to the executives about the company's financials and the search for new suppliers. She hadn't noticed the man at the end of the room. Suddenly, she felt a penetrating gaze following her every move. Discreetly moving her head in all directions, she encountered a familiar face. She froze at that moment, and her heart raced. She took several breaths to regain composure and whispered to Isa.

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"What is Kyle doing here?"

"Who, Lin? Her ex-husband. Where are you?"

"That man who can't stop staring at me," she replied, uncomfortable with Kyle's audacity to show her a smile. Isa looked at where her boss was pointing.

"I didn't know that man was your husband. They introduced him to me as one of the company's partners."

"It doesn't matter! Let's continue!" Lindsey was scared inside, but she pretended to be strong.

The meeting continued smoothly, and after it ended, each of those present said their goodbyes and left.

Seeing that only acquaintances remained in the room, Kyle got up from his chair, elegantly adjusted his suit, and approached his prey with moderate steps. When he reached her, he expressed, "Lin! You look beautiful; time has allowed your beauty to bloom."

"Mr. Pratt, save the gallantry for your conquests and show some respect. To you, I am Lindsey Girt. Tell me what you want."

"Mrs. Girt, I would like to talk to you about my participation in this company."

"Okay. My assistant, Miss Isa Mancini, will meet with you," she said, looking at Isa, who was positioned to her right.

"As vice president of this company, I would like to have a direct conversation with you, Mrs. Girt."

"About what?" she shouted, her jaw tense.

Kyle looked at Freed, who handed Lindsey a folder containing documents about the acquisition of 45% of the shares of Rose Textile Company, S. A. Lindsey took it and started reading its contents. She was stunned. She knew she would eventually come face to face with her ex-husband, but she never imagined that the partner she had been searching for was him. She was displeased, and although she didn't want to talk to him, she had to.

"Would your assistant be so kind as to accompany mine to agree on the remodeling of my office?" Kyle continued calmly.

Lindsey was furious. She narrowed her eyes, thinking, "This man is shameless." She sighed resignedly and replied, "Fine! Let's go to my office."

She turned to where Janna and Dexter were and commented.

"After the meeting with Mr. Pratt, we can go to lunch."

They nodded. Janna had Dexter's arm pressed, and with a glance, she warned him not to intervene. She knew this conversation was necessary. Lindsey hadn't wanted anyone to talk to her about Kyle since she left Manhattan.