chapter 4: the preposition

The morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Felix Donovan's office, illuminating the sleek, minimalist space. The city buzzed beneath him, but inside the sanctuary of his top-floor corner office, all was calm — except for the thoughts lingering in his mind.

Felix had spent the night pacing, haunted by Elena Monroe's lingering gaze. It was absurd. He had faced billion-dollar deals and ruthless competitors without a second thought, yet one encounter with her had unsettled him.

But why?

He wasn't sure if it was the sharpness in her words, the confidence in her stance, or the way she seemed to read him like a book he never wanted opened. Whatever it was, it was dangerous. And dangerous things had always intrigued him.

The door to his office swung open, and Andrew stepped in, holding a tablet. "Morning, sir. The media coverage from the gala is overwhelmingly positive. The Donovan name is being praised once again."

"Good," Felix said curtly, though his tone lacked satisfaction.

Andrew shifted, hesitating for a moment. "There's also this."

He placed the tablet on the desk, revealing a headline from CityLine Magazine.

"Behind the Power: The Man Beyond the Donovan Empire."

Elena Monroe's byline gleamed beneath the bold letters. Felix's jaw tightened as he scanned the article. It wasn't the usual fluff piece. No exaggerated praise or recycled quotes. Instead, Elena had painted a careful portrait of him — powerful, enigmatic, but distant. She questioned his motives, hinted at the shadows behind his success.

It wasn't an attack. It was worse.

It was the truth.

"She's bold," Felix muttered.

"Bold and reckless," Andrew replied. "We can send a legal notice. Shut it down before it gains traction."

Felix shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No. That's exactly what she'd want. Controversy sells."

Andrew's brows furrowed. "Then what's the move?"

Felix leaned back, steepling his fingers. "I'll handle it."

---

Later That Evening

Elena Monroe wasn't surprised when the sleek black car pulled up outside her office building. She had expected a reaction from Felix Donovan she just hadn't expected it this quickly.

The driver opened the door without a word, and Elena stepped inside. The leather seats were soft, the scent of polished wood lingering. Every detail screamed luxury, but nothing prepared her for the sight that awaited her when the car stopped.

Felix stood at the entrance of a private rooftop lounge, the city lights twinkling behind him. His sharp suit framed his tall figure, but it was the intensity in his eyes that held her captive.

"You work fast," Elena said, breaking the silence as she approached.

"I don't like unfinished business," Felix replied smoothly. "And your article left a few questions unanswered."

"Then ask."

Felix studied her, his dark eyes searching for something she wasn't sure he'd find. "Why me, Elena? There are hundreds of CEOs in this city. Why choose me for your story?"

Elena's lips curved into a slight smile. "Because you're not like the others. You built your empire without apologies. People admire that, but they also fear it."

"And what about you?" Felix stepped closer, his voice lowering. "Do you fear me, Ms. Monroe?"

Elena held his gaze, her pulse quickening. "No. But I think you fear yourself."

The words struck deeper than she intended. For a moment, Felix said nothing. Then, with a calculated smile, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek envelope.

"A proposition," he said, handing it to her.

Elena hesitated, then opened it. Inside was an exclusive invitation a private event, the kind only whispered about in wealthy circles.

"Come," Felix said, his voice a challenge. "See what power really looks like."

"And what's in it for you?" Elena arched a brow.

Felix's gaze darkened. "The truth. You wanted to understand the man behind the empire. Now's your chance."

It was reckless. She knew it. But as Felix held her gaze, that familiar thrill coursed through her veins. She wasn't just chasing a story now.

She was chasing him.