Chapter 3 Expectations

NATHAN

"Nathan dear," my mother's voice carried the weight of generations of Cole family expectations. She stood in our family mansion's grand foyer, her perfectly manicured hand resting on the antique mahogany table. "When is she coming home? You know your father made it clear in his will that you must present a wife before you take over his leadership."

The mention of my father sent me spiraling back to that fatal night. The memory crashed over me like a wave of broken glass – Dad in the passenger seat of my Bentley, the secret meeting we were rushing to, the cargo truck ahead of us carrying steel rods. I'd been so confident, so sure of myself as I moved to overtake it. Then that sickening screech of metal, one of the rods breaking loose, and...

I forced the image away, but I could still feel his blood on my hands. I couldn't save him. The great Nathan Cole, who could buy and sell companies over breakfast, couldn't save his own father.

"Soon enough, Mom," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt.

She moved closer, her Chanel No. 5 perfume enveloping me as she gripped my collar bone, pulling me down to her height. Even at sixty-two, Charlotte Cole commanded attention like a queen. "You have until next weekend to bring my daughter-in-law to me," she whispered, her breath warm against my ear.

I watched her glide away to her waiting Rolls-Royce, a small smile playing on my lips. If only she knew about Alexis. Beautiful, brilliant Alexis, who'd finally accepted my proposal. The thought of her warmed something in my chest that had been cold since that night with my father.

Sliding behind the wheel of my Aston Martin – I preferred to drive myself, a habit that drove my security team crazy – I dialed Anna's number. She'd been reliable in her role at NatsTech, my technology empire that had revolutionized e-commerce in computer accessories. Soon, she'd take Alexis's current position when I elevated my love to her rightful place as CEO.

"Hello there, Anna. Hope all preparations are in place?"

"Sure, boss, but who's so special to receive such a grand welcome?" Her tone bordered on insubordination, making me question my decision to promote her.

"You'll know soon enough," I cut the call short, my mood slightly soured.

The sight of NatsTech headquarters restored my spirits – fifteen stories of gleaming glass and steel, today transformed into something magical. Red carpets stretched from the gates to the entrance, woven between elaborate floral arrangements that must have cost a fortune. Perfect for my queen.

Workers bowed and greeted as I strode through the lobby, but my eyes searched for only one person. Where was Alexis? Her modest Toyota Corolla – a car I'd soon replace with something more befitting her status – was nowhere in sight.

In my top-floor office, I paced the Italian marble floors, memories flooding back. The day Alexis first walked in, applying for a marketing position... I'd known immediately she was meant for more. As my assistant, she'd proven herself invaluable, her intelligence and dedication matching her beauty. I'd fallen hard and fast, but pride and position held my tongue.

The day I heard about her marriage, I'd locked myself away with three bottles of fifty-year-old scotch, cursing my cowardice. But now... now I had a second chance.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I finally spotted her car pulling in. "That's the last day you'll drive that Toyota, my love," I murmured, already imagining her in the custom Bentley I'd ordered.

A knock interrupted my daydreams. Anna stood at my glass door, looking expectant. I pressed the button to slide it open.

"Sir, everyone's ready for the meeting."

"Right. I'll be there shortly." I dismissed her with a wave, gathering my thoughts.

The boardroom was a testament to power and wealth – hand-carved Brazilian rosewood table, leather chairs worth more than some cars, and today, festooned with flowers that filled the air with subtle fragrance. But my eyes found only Alexis, noting the shadow in her usually bright eyes. Something was wrong.

"You may be seated," I commanded, taking my place at the head of the table. "I've called this meeting to express my appreciation for your dedication to this firm. Your rewards will reflect your service." Applause rippled through the room.

"The decorations you see hint at celebrations to come, but timing is everything. There will be changes in NatsTech's management structure. I'm stepping down-" Murmurs erupted, but I silenced them with a look. "I remain your boss, but change is necessary for growth."

Questions hung in the air, but no one dared voice them. "You're dismissed," I announced, then added, "Except you, Alexis. We have matters to discuss." Anna's scoff didn't escape my notice, but it was beneath my concern.

As the others filed out, I watched Alexis carefully. The designer suit she wore – one I'd noticed she'd started wearing after her marriage – couldn't hide the tension in her shoulders. Something was definitely wrong, and it twisted something in my gut to see her suffering.

"Coffee?" I offered, pressing a button on the boardroom's custom control panel. Within moments, my personal assistant appeared with two cups of imported Italian roast, served in bone china cups worth more than most people's monthly salary.

"Thank you, Mr. Cole," Alexis murmured, her voice lacking its usual warmth. She didn't touch the coffee.

"Nathan," I corrected gently. "I think we're past formalities now, wouldn't you say?" I pulled out my phone, sending a quick text to security to ensure we wouldn't be disturbed. "You seem troubled today."

She lifted those captivating eyes to mine, and for a moment, I saw something raw and wounded there before she masked it. "I'm fine, si- Nathan. Just tired."

A lie, but I wouldn't push. Not yet. Instead, I pulled out an elegant leather portfolio from my briefcase. "I have something for you to see. The paperwork for your new position."

Her hands trembled slightly as she took the portfolio. I watched as she opened it, her eyes widening at the details of her new role: CEO of NatsTech, with a salary that would make most corporate executives weep with envy.

"This is..." she started, then stopped, swallowing hard.

"What you deserve," I finished for her. "You've been the backbone of this company for years, Alexis. It's time you had the title and compensation to match."

I stood, walking to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. My city, in many ways. "Do you know what I see when I look out there?" I didn't wait for her answer. "I see potential. Opportunity. But more than that, I see a future I want to build with someone who understands both business and beauty."

Turning back to her, I caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes before she blinked them away. Something was definitely wrong, and it took every ounce of self-control not to demand answers.

"The board meeting to announce your appointment is scheduled for next week," I continued, keeping my voice professional despite the emotion churning inside me. "After that, we'll make the public announcement at the charity gala my mother is hosting."

Her head snapped up at that. "Your mother's gala?"

I smiled, remembering our earlier conversation. "Yes. It's time you met her properly, don't you think? As my future wife and the new CEO of NatsTech."

Before she could respond, my phone buzzed. A text from Mira, my childhood friend and current head of our Asian operations: "Need to talk. Urgent."

I ignored it. Mira had been acting strange lately, especially after I'd hinted at my plans regarding Alexis. But whatever crisis she thought she was dealing with could wait.

"There's more," I said, reaching for another document in my briefcase. "I've had my team prepare this for you as well." I slid across a set of keys attached to a Bentley fob. "Your new company car. I won't have my CEO driving anything less."

"Nathan, I..." she started, but I held up a hand.

"No arguments. Consider it part of your compensation package." I moved closer, close enough to catch the subtle scent of her perfume. "I want to give you the world, Alexis. All you have to do is say yes."

She stood abruptly, gathering her things. "I need time. To think about all this."

I nodded, though every fiber of my being wanted to keep her here, to discover what was causing the pain I could see she was trying to hide. "Take the car, at least. Please."

After she left, I remained in the boardroom, staring at the untouched coffee cup she'd left behind. My phone buzzed again – Mira, then my mother, then Anna with questions about the upcoming changes. I ignored them all.

Instead, I pulled up the security feed on my tablet, watching as Alexis made her way through the building. I noticed how she avoided eye contact with everyone, how her usual confident stride seemed forced. Something had happened between yesterday and today, something that had wounded her deeply.

Well, whatever it was, whoever had hurt her would soon learn what it meant to cross someone under my protection. I hadn't built an empire by being passive, and I certainly wouldn't be passive about protecting the woman I loved.

My phone buzzed again – this time a message from my private investigator. I'd had him keeping tabs on Alexis's husband, Logan, for months. Not my proudest moment, perhaps, but in business and in love, information was power.

"Updates on the Pierce situation," the message read. "You'll want to see this."