Chapter 22: Mark
TERESA'S P.O.V.
Three months at Blackwood Creations, and I was finally feeling like I belonged here. The soft hum of the espresso machine, the faint scent of polished oak and leather from my office—I'd come to recognize the smells and sounds as a second home. It wasn't exactly cozy, but in a towering glass building full of ambition, it felt... powerful. And even though I'd only been appointed CEO a few months ago, I was starting to believe I'd earned it.
Most days, I walked through the halls with my head held high, ignoring the whispers. I'd heard the rumors—the side comments behind my back. "She must have... you know, spread her legs for Lucian." It was crude, ignorant, and a little laughable. If they only knew how intimidating Lucian Blackwood was, with his scary green gaze that could slice through steel. The man barely acknowledged human emotions, let alone... affection.
Still, I worked harder than I ever had in my life, determined not to let Lucian regret giving me this job. And it paid off. I had gained the board's respect, and even Lucian had praised me once or twice. It was surreal and rewarding beyond words.
But, of course, corporate life wasn't without its surprises.
I was on my way to the lobby when I nearly crashed into a familiar face—Mark. My ex. The one who had once sweet-talked his way into my life just to siphon off company information for his journalism career. He'd used me, dumped me, and left me jobless. My heart skipped, but not in the good way. No, it was the kind of jolt that told me to run—except, for once, I didn't need to.
"Teresa?" His tone dripped with condescension as he crossed his arms, eyeing me up and down. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you've come begging for a job here as well."
If it had been a few months ago, I might have turned and fled. But now? Now I felt an unexpected calm wash over me, like Lucian's silent, watchful presence was hovering just over my shoulder. I tilted my head, mustering a small smile.
"I could ask you the same, Mark." I glanced down at the portfolio he clutched to his chest. "Didn't know you were looking for work. Things not working out as you'd hoped?"