Chapter 1
684words
"Tsk, he's single and loaded. Mr. Hart can play the field all he wants—he's certainly got the means to do so!"
"Meanwhile, we're just struggling worker bees. Eastern Dawn Group's partnership standards are impossible to meet, and now the boss wants us to bid on The Alice design project. Talk about setting us up for failure!"
At the mention of "The Alice," my fingers froze over the keyboard.
A colleague immediately leaned in. "Claire, you've revised your proposal four times already. What's the point? Unless you plan to be like that actress who supposedly slept her way into Hart's good graces."
I managed a tight smile.
Another colleague added with thinly veiled contempt, "Dream on, honey. But let's face it… not everyone has what it takes to be a celebrity. Know your place, Claire. A project like The Alice is way above your pay grade. You don't even qualify to enter the competition."
I snatched up my phone in irritation, blocking out the snickers around me.
In my mind, I'd already cursed the man behind that profile picture a thousand different ways.
What good would sleeping with him do anyway?
I sleep with him every night, and he still won't hand over the project to me. The bastard!
Just then, his message notification lit up my screen.
[Tonight at 7, come back to Hillside Bay.]
I immediately switched to suck-up mode: [On my way! Leaving work now to prepare something special for my darling husband!]
The office is miles from home, and by the time I made it back, Alexander Hart was already there.
He'd just stepped out of the shower, toweling his hair dry, his sculpted upper body on full display.
No wonder women throw themselves at him—the man is walking temptation.
Hart tossed the towel at my face, cutting off my appreciative stare.
I pulled the towel away and, with practiced ease, began drying his hair as he settled onto the sofa.
Hart closed his eyes, enjoying the attention, though his words remained sharp.
"Mrs. Hart, where's this lovely dinner you promised?"
"Coming right up! I'll get started right away."
Alexander Hart pulled me close, nuzzling against my waist.
"What's gotten into you? What happened at work? I'm not your boss, but you've certainly mastered the corporate kiss-ass routine quickly."
My eyes sparkled as I replied, "Well, the man who pays the bills is the ultimate boss, isn't he?"
He said matter-of-factly: "Two hours commute is ridiculous. Quit tomorrow. I'll be at Hillside Bay all month, so I expect three meals a day."
I bit back my complaints. He's the chairman of Eastern Dawn Group, for God's sake—would hiring an actual housekeeper kill him?
Typical rich bastard—getting a wife and housekeeper in one package. Talk about maximizing your investments.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and whispered: "Why don't you have me for your appetizer? I'm made with love too."
Knowing he'd be back from his business trip, I'd been wearing matching lace sets all week, a little welcome-home gift waiting underneath my clothes.
Alexander Hart was surprisingly predictable when it came to such obvious seduction, grabbing the back of my head and kissing me deeply.
After several intense rounds, he finally let me catch my breath.
Do these tabloids even fact-check their stories?
He supposedly spent the night with some actress yesterday—where does he get the stamina?
I tried to subtly massage my aching lower back, and when I saw him approaching for another round, I quickly wrapped myself in the blanket and feigned sleep.
"Spill it while I'm still in a good mood. You're being suspiciously accommodating tonight. Need money again?"
I had to appreciate his directness. I turned to face him, tracing lazy circles on his chest.
"Well… darling, could you possibly get my company into the design competition for The Alice? I just need a chance to participate. I swear I'll do everything on my own merit—no special favors!"
