Chapter 4 New acquisition of Company

The air in the conference room felt heavier as the covert acquisition team concluded their talks with Jackson, the creator of JC International Group. Hours of heated negotiations had come to an end, and the acquisition was sealed for a staggering 10 billion dollars. The room buzzed with tension as those who witnessed the transaction couldn't help but feel the gravity of the moment.

What few knew was that the leadership of JC International Group had just been completely overthrown.

The middle-aged representative, his face a mask of professionalism, dialed his phone as he walked briskly out of the conference room. His voice, low but unmistakably authoritative, cut through the silence. "The acquisition is complete, Young Master Damien. Officially, you're now the president of JC International Jewelry Group."

From the other end of the line came a cool, almost indifferent reply. "Understood."

Damien had fulfilled his grandmother's wishes, securing control of the company where Sienna worked, but he wasn't sure it would lead to the marriage Eleanor had pushed for. Though his grandmother's demands were clear, Damien secretly hoped Sienna would reject him. He wanted more than just an arrangement-it had to be about love, or it would mean nothing. Yet, he knew the Blackwell legacy came with burdens that were difficult to escape.

Meanwhile, Sienna remained unaware of the shift in the company's ownership. She had other matters on her mind. Elliot, her son, was enrolled in a prestigious private kindergarten nearby. His joy was contagious as he skipped happily into the classroom, his small backpack bouncing on his shoulders. A sense of pride swelled in Sienna's chest, and as a fellow mother commented on how beautiful Elliot was, her heart swelled. Compliments about her son were always a welcome relief.

Her life was slowly moving forward. She had started her first day of work at Bourbon, where she was introduced to her new role as a designer. The benefits were undeniable: a private office, an assistant she could rely on, and the chance to focus on high-profile custom projects. JC International's bespoke service model set it apart, but what really intrigued Sienna was how she was beginning to integrate into this world of exclusivity.

Nicole Miles, her assistant, was a breath of fresh air. A cheerful, capable young woman with a casual demeanor, Nicole had already proven herself invaluable.

"Here's your coffee, Sienna," Nicole said as she walked in with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Nicole," Sienna responded, her voice reflecting a slight fatigue from the busy morning.

But Nicole was quick to bring more news. "Sienna, a meeting is scheduled for 3:00 PM. The new boss will be there, so be ready."

Sienna nodded absentmindedly, but the words echoed in her mind as she made her way to the meeting room later that afternoon. When she entered, the room was thick with tension. The presence of influential figures from Bourbon suggested that this was no ordinary meeting.

Sienna surveyed the room, her eyes falling on a woman with striking angular features, a woman who wore the title "Exclusive Chief Designer" with an air of authority. Alina, she thought, recognizing her at once. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken competition. Sienna had no illusions; in her line of work, cordiality was rare, especially after her sudden transfer from overseas.

Suddenly, the footsteps of someone approaching the room reverberated along the corridor. The door opened, and in stepped a tall man, his suit perfectly tailored to his frame. He moved with a deliberate, almost predatory grace as he took his seat at the head of the table. His presence alone sent ripples through the room as if his very existence commanded attention.

"Who is this man?" the staff whispered among themselves, barely able to conceal their curiosity.

Sienna's breath caught in her throat. This man was different. The previous CEO had been an elderly figure, a far cry from the youthful energy of the stranger before them. His sharp features were enough to leave anyone stunned.

Michael Scoff, the vice president, stood to introduce him. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. Damien Blackwell, the new CEO and chairman of JC International Group. He will now oversee all operations at Bourbon. Please join me in welcoming him."

A collective gasp spread across the room as the name rang out-Blackwell. Damien Blackwell?

Sienna's eyes widened in disbelief. She quickly stole a glance at him, her stomach twisting. Why is he here? The question gnawed at her mind. The Blackwell family had long been entwined with her own, but this was different.

His gaze shifted across the room, finally locking with hers. Sienna felt a chill run down her spine as his eyes seemed to pierce through her defenses.

Damien's voice was steady as he addressed the room. "Let's begin the meeting." He turned to Michael with a slight motion, signaling for him to continue.

Sienna struggled to concentrate as the meeting progressed, her nerves fraying with every moment. Something was unsettling about the way Damien's gaze lingered on her, something that made her skin crawl with unease.

The whispers from the other women in the room were impossible to ignore. They were jealous, no doubt about it. Their eyes burned with bitterness as they watched Damien's attention focused solely on Sienna.

As soon as the meeting ended, Sienna couldn't escape fast enough. She rushed to her office, but her respite was short-lived. A knock on the door halted her, and before she could react, Damien entered without waiting for an invitation.

"Mr. Blackwell," she said, her voice tinged with irritation. "What can I do for you?"

Damien sat down without ceremony, his presence dominating the space. "We need to talk," he stated calmly, his tone insistent.

Sienna's heart raced. Why won't he leave me alone?

She raised an eyebrow, her discomfort growing. "Is this work-related?"

Damien leaned forward slightly, his gaze unyielding. "You know how much my family owes you," he said softly but with a hint of determination. "Your mother gave her life to save mine. The Blackwell family will forever be indebted to you. Tell me what you need, and it will be done."

Sienna's jaw tightened. She had heard this all before, but this time, something felt different.

"Repayment isn't necessary," she said, her voice hardening. "My mother did what she had to do. There's nothing more to it."

Damien's eyes narrowed as he regarded her, his expression unreadable. "I know you have a son. Let me help you raise him. He deserves the best."

Sienna's breath caught. The suggestion hit her like a blow.

Her mind raced, but when her gaze inadvertently drifted toward Damien's face, something unexplainable stirred within her. For a brief, fleeting moment, the striking similarity between Damien and Elliot caught her off guard.

No. It couldn't be.

She shook the thought from her mind. "I don't need anyone to raise my son," she said firmly. "I'm perfectly capable of looking after Elliot myself."

But as Damien's gaze lingered, a shiver ran down her spine. Something about the way he looked at her, something in his quiet persistence, unsettled her.

Coincidence? Or is there more to this than I realize?