Chapter 5 French Flames

The Paris skyline spread out before me like a painting, lights twinkling against the pre-dawn sky. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the hotel window, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Of all the employees Alex could have chosen for this trip. In a few hours, we'd be meeting with Marcel DuPont-billionaire industrialist, European economic powerhouse, and the man whose signature could make or break our company's future.

"The meeting with DuPont is at nine," Alex's voice came from behind me. We'd been stuck sharing his suite due to a booking error-at least, that's what his secretary had claimed. The knowing smile she'd given me suggested otherwise.

"I reviewed his company's portfolio again," I said, turning from the window. "The media calls him the 'King of European Tech.' His influence in the market is unprecedented."

Alex stood there in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than my yearly rent, his dark hair slightly damp from the shower. "You're worried about something else."

I smoothed my pencil skirt, choosing my words carefully. "His reputation... it's not just about business success."

"Sonia." Alex stepped closer, too close. "Talk to me."

I stepped back, bumping into the window. "We need this deal. DuPont's backing would open doors across Europe. We can't afford to-"

"That's not what I'm asking."

The ride to DuPont Industries was tense. The man we were meeting wasn't just another CEO-he was practically French royalty in the business world. His family had been shaping European economics since the industrial revolution. Now, Marcel DuPont controlled nearly 40% of Europe's tech infrastructure.

His office occupied the entire top floor of a glass tower overlooking the Seine-a building his great-grandfather had commissioned. Original Monets adorned the walls. Even the air felt expensive.

DuPont greeted us with the confidence of a man used to having the world bend to his will. His handshake with Alex was firm, calculated. When he reached me, he kissed both cheeks, his lips lingering too long.

"Ah, Alex Rodriguez," he said, his accent thick with old money and privilege. "You've brought such an exquisite companion. Beautiful women make business so much more... pleasurable."

"Ms. Sonia Martinez is our Chief Financial Analyst," Alex's correction was sharp enough to cut glass. "She's here to present the merger proposals."

I forced a professional smile, opening my portfolio. "Your company's market expansion last quarter was remarkable, Mr. DuPont. Shall we discuss how our firms could grow together?"

The next hour was excruciating. DuPont might have been one of Europe's most powerful men, but his eyes kept straying from my presentation to my legs. His chair inched closer with each slide.

"These projections are intriguing," DuPont said, though his gaze hadn't touched the screen in minutes. "We should continue over dinner. I have a private chateau just outside the city..."

"The numbers speak for themselves," Alex cut in. His voice was calm, but I saw his knuckles whiten around his pen.

"Come now, Rodriguez." DuPont's hand brushed my arm. "Surely you understand how business is done in Europe. The real deals are made over wine, not boardroom tables."

I jerked away, but before I could respond, Alex was on his feet.

"Take your hands off of her," he said quietly. Too quietly. It was the kind of quiet that preceded storms.

DuPont's eyebrows rose. No one spoke to him that way. Not to the man who could sink companies with a single phone call.

"Pardon?"

"If you touch her again," Alex continued in that same deadly tone, "this merger won't be the only thing that ends today."

The room crackled with tension. I held my breath. DuPont's influence could destroy us in the European market. One word from him could send our stock plummeting.

DuPont recovered first, laughing coldly. "You're so dramatic. Perhaps you forget who I am?"

"Oh, I know exactly who you are," Alex stepped closer. "The question is, do you know who I am? Because if this gets out-how you treat women in meetings-the media won't care about your family name or your market share."

"Are you threatening me, Alex Rodriguez?"

"I'm promising you. The world is changing, DuPont. Even kings can fall."

"We're done here." Alex gathered our materials. "Your reputation may rule Europe, but it won't protect you forever."

The ride down the elevator was silent. Alex's jaw was clenched so tight I worried he might crack teeth. When we reached the lobby, he pulled me aside, his hands gentle despite the obvious anger.

"Are you okay?"

"The merger," I whispered, "Alex, his influence... he could destroy everything you've built."

"To hell with the merger." His eyes searched my face. "To hell with his influence. He had no right to touch you."

"But your company-"

"Don't." His voice cracked slightly. "Don't make me choose between my company and your dignity. You're worth more than any deal."

Something in his tone made my chest tight. "Alex..."

His hand cupped my cheek. We were still in DuPont's lobby. Anyone could see us. One photo of this moment could spark a scandal that would delight DuPont's PR team.

"The merger was worth billions," I whispered.

"You're worth more."

He was going to kiss me. Right there, in the lobby of Europe's most powerful tech mogul, with morning sunlight streaming through the windows and both our careers hanging by a thread.

A throat cleared behind us.

We jumped apart to find DuPont's secretary staring at us, her expression unreadable.

"Monsieur DuPont would like to renegotiate. He says... he's impressed by American boldness. He's willing to offer better terms."

Alex's hand found mine, squeezing gently. "Tell him-"

"Wait." I gripped his hand tighter. "Let me handle this."

He studied my face for a long moment before nodding.

"Together."

We followed the secretary back to the elevator. As the doors closed, Alex didn't let go of my hand. And I realized that somewhere between New York and Paris, between professional boundaries and standing up to one of Europe's most powerful men, something shifted.

The question was: in a world where power and reputation ruled everything, were we ready for what standing together really meant?