Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96 Cornered

Damian's voice was firm. "Make her break that habit."

Beatrice nodded helplessly. "I'll make sure she does."

His hearing is really sharp. What's wrong with my former subordinate addressing me like that on the phone? And what's wrong with inviting me to lunch?

Damian continued walking forward, stepping into his office.

Beatrice sighed deeply, feeling tired of serving this kind of demanding boss.

Killian, as if lost in thought, stared at the door to the CEO's office, which had just clicked shut.

Is Mr. Crowley perhaps...frustrated, like sexually?

He turned to Beatrice, a look of sympathy crossing his face as he offered comfort. "It's not your fault. Sometimes, men can be difficult to control. It's like menopause."

Beatrice's thoughts ran wild.

What's there to control? He's just being petty!

Killian noticed her confusion and, with a reassuring smile, added, "Don't worry, I'll help you."

She looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Help? How?

Are we even talking about the same thing?

*****

At 11:20, Beatrice left the company parking lot.

The restaurant was about thirty minutes from Summit Group, a cozy spot they often used for company events.

The traffic was a bit heavy, and by the time she reached Rare Paradise, it was almost twelve.

As she entered, the restaurant owner greeted her with a smile and informed her that Lucy was in the private room at the end of the hallway.

Beatrice made her way inside.

It's just the two of us. Why would she reserve such a big room?

She reached the door, her hand hovering over the handle as she hesitated, her expression briefly pensive.

Suddenly, the door swung open.

"Ms. Lawson."

Lucy appeared in the doorway and pulled her inside.

Just as Beatrice was about to tell herself she might be overthinking things, a figure stepped out from beside the door.

It was none other than Desmond.

"Wow. So lunch was just a setup to get me here for your boss?"

Beatrice sneered as she turned to walk away.

Desmond stepped forward, blocking her path, and motioned for Lucy to leave first.

Lucy cast an apologetic glance at Beatrice, but Beatrice didn't look back. She would never spare a second glance for someone who had betrayed her.

Lucy, her head lowered in guilt, quickly hurried out of the private room.

"Get out of my way!"

Beatrice's voice was cold, her eyes filled with disdain and deep hatred.

If he'd just divorced her cleanly, she wouldn't have cared about Madeline's games. If he'd been honest about falling for someone else, she would've written off those eight years and walked away, treating him like he was dead to her.

Hell, if he'd shown real remorse before ending things, she might have even forgiven him. They could've gone their separate ways without this bitter hatred.

But no. He played the devoted husband while getting Madeline pregnant behind her back.

He had witnessed how vicious Madeline could be. That night, he sat by her hospital bed, crying, confessing, making her believe that maybe he truly understood his mistake. But who would have known? As soon as Madeline got pregnant with his child, he immediately changed his attitude.

The memory made her stomach turn.

The truth was painfully clear now—his love for anyone was just an act. The only person he truly cared about was himself.

"I want to..." Desmond didn't dare to look her in the eye. "I want to say a few things to you."

Beatrice shot him a glare. "I don't want to hear a word from you, but since you stand before me, refusing to step aside, I might as well say a few things. From this moment on, we are enemies. Madeline will pay for what she's done. As long as I'm in Cloudia, alive, she'll never get away with it.

"As for you..." She sneered, a cold, contemptuous laugh escaping her lips, revealing how thoroughly she had seen through him. "Just keep living like this. Some people just fade away, day by day, like their soul is being drained one piece at a time."

"Open the door."

Suddenly, a cold voice rang out from outside.

Beatrice felt a momentary daze, as though a distant, surreal sound echoed through her mind.

Soon, the door opened.

Damian stood outside.

Behind him were a surprised Killian and an utterly guilty-looking Lucy.

Desmond turned toward the door, his eyes hollow and lifeless.

Beatrice turned her head, her face drained of color, consumed by despair. She couldn't hide it fast enough, and her eyes betrayed her, empty, lost in confusion, like a helpless creature trapped in a forest fire, desperate and cornered.

"Why lock the door just to eat?"

Damian walked in, moving quickly toward her. He caught her just as she seemed on the verge of collapsing. "Do you want to stay?"

She shook her head faintly.

The warmth from his palm at her lower back grounded her, bringing her back to reality.

She steadied herself, then slowly walked out.

"Are you okay?" Killian asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

Still, she shook her head and slowly made her way down the hallway.

Seeing her condition, Killian followed her in worry.

Damian cast a cold glance at Desmond, who stood frozen, looking like a shell of a man. "Never seen a man mess up his life quite like you have." Damian remarked, his tone almost mocking. "Well, I suppose that could be considered a unique kind of achievement."

He turned, stepping out of the private room with long strides. In just a few steps, he reached Beatrice, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.

She shifted slightly. "I'm fine..."

Before she could finish, he interrupted her.

"What, trying to win first place stubborn Olympics?" Damian lowered his head to look at her, his grip tightening.