Doting CEO Wants To Go Public

"Do you know who I am? How dare you seduce me?"

Elijah Warren's harsh whisper sent a chill through Ashley Kirk, who had climbed on top of him naked.

Beneath her was Elijah, leader of Daville's most formidable family, the Warrens. He was her uncle by title, though not by blood.

To dodge his probing, Ashley feigned intoxication.

"It's so hot. I want you," she murmured softly.

Trapped, she leaned in and kissed his Adam's apple, seeing him as her sole chance at survival.

Daniel Blake, her fiancé, had ostensibly taken her to a cruise ship auction that evening. However, his real plan was to offer her to a business associate.

Ashley, refusing to be manipulated like that, seized the first chance to escape.

Yet, deep within, she understood fleeing the Kirk family and her foster mother's influence was futile.

If she were to be seen as a commodity, she preferred to surrender to an influential man, someone the Kirks couldn't afford to mess with in Daville.

The lounge on the second floor was dark, yet Ashley could make out the noisy chaos below clearly.

Beyond the expansive windows, the auction was charged and animated.

Anxiety gripped her, causing her to act awkwardly.

It was common knowledge that Elijah practiced abstinence. No woman had managed to be intimate with him.

His indifference seemed confirmed as she failed to draw his interest.

"Is this all you have to offer? I expected more from a woman who dares entice me," he said, his eyes narrowing in apparent dissatisfaction.

He had just returned to the country tonight, and already a woman had boldly presented herself to him.

Despite her apparent ardor, her inexperience was evident.

Sweat lightly coated her delicate skin, and her long hair clung to her face. She had initiated this, yet her every action left her blushing more deeply.

Despite his first impulse to push her away, Elijah found himself drawn in. He caressed her waist gently.

"Let me teach you," he offered.

Lying back, his muscular form relaxed, he allowed her to lead.

He guided her with both his words and his gentle touches.

The auction continued beyond the window.

"Next, we present a rare antique, a sculpture of a beauty. This exquisite piece embodies timeless elegance and highlights the exceptional craftsmanship. The lifelike details and delicate texture of the sculpture are truly remarkable. We will start the bidding for this stunning piece at $3 million."

Elijah cradled the gorgeous woman in his arms.

Ashley's moans were muffled by the auctioneer's booming voice.

"$10 million, going once, twice. Sold right here."

The sound of the gavel merged with Elijah's deep breaths and Ashley's muted moans.

As the night grew darker, the rocking of the cruise ship with the waves paled in comparison to the entwined figures in the bed.

...

At dawn, the cruise ship returned to the harbor.

Ashley seized the chance to escape while he showered.

Pain in her waist and legs altered her walk.

She wrapped a woolen shawl around her shoulders and neck, hiding the marks he left.

She noticed Daniel, waiting restlessly with her friend, Sarah Mason.

She had long understood that Daniel and Sarah were involved.

Yet, she had no proof and couldn't end the engagement.

"Daniel, I'm back." Ashley approached, her demeanor submissive and obliging.

She once thought her fiancé would be her escape from the Kirk family, but he intended to exploit her just like her foster mother did.

When she reached out her hand, Daniel shrank back with a look of disgust. "Did you have a productive meeting with Mr. Wells? Were you able to finalize the agreement?"

How could that old man, Andrew Wells, last over three hours?

Daniel's expression shifted suddenly as his gaze rested on Ashley's face.

She stood before him with misty eyes, swollen lips, and a lingering flush on her cheeks, her breath carrying a nearly intoxicating allure. He couldn't help but feel drawn to her radiance.

"Yes, I did exactly as you asked," Ashley replied, her smile seductive.

Yet, her first experience had left her far from happy.

Elijah had been rough.

Suddenly, Daniel realized his thoughts and was struck by a wave of revulsion.

"That's all you're good for," Daniel scoffed.

In Daville, it was well-known that the daughters of the Kirks were mere high-class escorts, notorious for their promiscuity.

Pressured by his family, Daniel had agreed to engage Ashley, the third daughter of the Kirks. His family aimed to connect with the Warren family, the Kirk family's ally, through the engagement.

Consequently, he had become the laughingstock among his friends, mocked for having a fiancée who got around.

With no permission to break the engagement, Daniel had resorted to using Ashley to amuse his business contact.

"Daniel, Ashley must be exhausted. Let her go home and rest," Sarah suggested, leaning against Daniel with a coy smile.

Ashley, feigning ignorance, played the role of the demure and compliant girl.

"Sarah, you're so considerate. Since you and Daniel are both headed the same way, we should let him take you home," Ashley responded with feigned casualness.

It became clear that Sarah had befriended her in school only to ruin her reputation and charm Daniel away.

But Ashley had no desire for such a despicable person!

"I got it," Daniel exclaimed, feeling an unexpected warmth surge through him at Ashley's sight.

As soon as they were in the car, he drew Sarah in for a passionate kiss.

"Daniel, slow down. Ashley hasn't left yet-what if she sees us?" Sarah protested playfully, which only heightened Daniel's urgency.

Though Ashley was strikingly beautiful and well-formed, it was rumored she had been with many men, while Sarah only had been intimate with him. Hence, he preferred Sarah to Ashley.

...

Upon returning to the Kirk family's residence, Ashley found her foster mother, Claire Kirk, in the living room.

"Mom, I secured a business deal for Daniel tonight," she declared, kneeling submissively at Claire's feet.

Claire observed the love bites on Ashley's neck and commended her. "Ashley, as a woman, your highest duty is to heed your partner and ensure his happiness."

"I'll remember that, Mom," Ashley responded, her smile forced as she clenched her fists.

"You've done well. I'll take care of Hadley's medical bills this month," Claire stated, resorting to her usual manipulative strategies.

Ashley's anxiety melted away with her foster mother's reassuring words. "Thank you, Mom."

A decade ago, Claire had adopted Ashley and her twin, Hadley Kirk, from the orphanage.

Hadley's severe heart condition led to daunting medical bills, effectively shackling Ashley to this family-a bond she could not break.

Before heading to freshen up, Ashley handed her dress and jewelry over to Peyton Gill, the family's housekeeper.

Peyton scrutinized each item and then demanded coldly, "Where's the other earring?"

"It can't be-it should be in my bag!"

She was certain the jewelry hadn't been misplaced as she had taken it off herself last night.

Digging through her bag, Ashley located the missing earring and gave it to Peyton for examination.

After ensuring all was correct, Peyton sternly cautioned, "Remember, Miss Kirk, all that you possess is bestowed by Mrs. Kirk. Should you steal jewelry again as you once did, you'll find yourself confined to the basement. Do you comprehend?"

"I won't do it again," Ashley murmured, averting her eyes.

Yet, once Peyton departed, Ashley's gaze lifted, showing a resolve unmarred by fear.

She resolved to break free from this confinement and seize her freedom!

...

The following day, Robert Warren, Elijah's father, hosted a welcoming banquet.

On such occasions, Claire would adorn Ashley exquisitely to captivate influential men.

As they made their entrance, the Warren family's relatives mingled, paying no heed to Ashley and Claire.

Then, a black sports car pulled up.

"It's Elijah!" someone shouted.

At that, Ashley tensed and shifted her focus towards the vehicle.

The crowd hurried to welcome Elijah.

Elijah remained in the car, merely lowering the window and proffering his left hand, which clutched a cigarette.

A signet ring adorned his thumb.

This ring had tormented Ashley during their intimate moments last night.

At the sight of the signet ring, embarrassment heated Ashley's cheeks, and she reflexively averted her gaze.

Suddenly, Claire nudged her forward, urging, "Elijah hasn't returned in three years. Go greet him."

Taking a deep breath, Ashley approached him slowly.

It had been three years since their last formal encounter.

Ashley wondered if he recognized her from last night.

Ashley was filled with unease. She had not anticipated encountering Elijah so soon after their last night's encounter.

Her body still ached, and she concealed the marks scattered across her skin beneath her clothes.

As she approached, the window of the sports car suddenly closed.

Elijah departed silently.

At that moment, the laughter around her was both unmistakable and harsh.

"Who does she think she is, trying to approach Elijah? It's laughable."

"Why is an outsider present at our family event?"

Ashley cast her gaze downward, yet inside, she felt a surge of relief.

Fortunately, Elijah was unaware she was the woman from last night.

She needed to safeguard herself. To avoid becoming a pawn in their games, she had to strategize her exit from the engagement.

Elijah was merely a last resort, and she realized he would not protect her merely because they had been intimate.

Confronting him was too risky. Given his nature, he might well be the first to retaliate.

Ashley entered the mansion following her foster mother, as Daniel was ushered in by a servant.

"Daniel is your fiancé, so naturally, he must join us at the Warren family's banquet," Claire remarked, seizing every opportunity to enhance her standing.

Before the meal commenced, everyone settled into their places.

The seating at the banquet was arranged by hierarchy.

Robert occupied the head of the table, leaving the second most significant seat to his right vacant.

Once eager for such gatherings, Daniel now found himself isolated at the table's far end, his demeanor souring.

He had tolerated the disgrace of this engagement, hoping to leverage the Kirk family's ties to forge a connection with the Warrens.

"Is this how your family is treated?" Daniel protested.

Ashley offered no contradiction.

Her stepfather, David Kirk, had been Robert's adopted son. Following her first marriage, Claire had wed David, who had no children of his own and thus raised Claire's three daughters. The Warrens had respected David, accepting him as family. However, he had passed away years ago.

Robert maintained the Kirk family's presence out of respect for David's sake, and Elijah, merely seven years Ashley's senior, was deemed her honorary uncle.

Despite the Kirks' inclusion, the Warrens had no love for them.

The banquet had not started yet.

The table brimmed with delicious dishes, yet no one dared to eat before Robert's signal.

Elijah, whom Robert had held this banquet for, was nowhere in sight.

"Go and fetch Elijah," Mila Warren, the Warren family's eldest daughter, urged.

Mila matched any man in ambition. Through her arrangements, her husband took her family name, and their children bore the surname Warren.

"Seeing him is even challenging for us," Wyatt Warren, the second son, commented with a knowing smile.

"It's been three years since you two last saw me. I didn't realize you missed me this much," Elijah remarked as he entered, his stature instantly drawing the room's focus.

Standing nearly six feet three, he was dressed in a black shirt and pants, his presence both striking and immediately engaging.

"Sorry for the delay, Dad. I had matters to attend to," Elijah said, taking the seat to Robert's right, which showed his standing in the family.

With Elijah seated, the banquet commenced.

"Elijah, you've diligently managed the family business abroad for the last three years. Now that you're back, I entrust the Daville operations to you," Robert announced.

Mila and Wyatt appeared uneasy with Elijah's return.

Ashley observed Elijah from afar.

Although he was famous for being cold and ruthless in Daville, Elijah's appearance was both mesmerizing and intimidating. His piercing eyes and the sharp contour of his nose and lips gave him an aura of a sovereign ruler.

His formidable presence was even more daunting in intimate settings.

Ashley averted her gaze swiftly.

Suddenly, Elijah regarded her with a piercing look.

As the banquet progressed, Elijah was the center of attention.

"Elijah, did you discover any treasures at the auction last night?" someone inquired.

A smile crossed Elijah's face as he reminisced. "Yes, there was one piece particularly rewarding to handle."

"You didn't come home last night, did you?" Wyatt prodded subtly.

"I had just returned from overseas and was welcomed with a significant gift. It demanded my immediate attention," Elijah responded, his voice rich with amusement.

Ashley's cheeks warmed as she remembered last night.

Was she reading too much into it?

Surely, he hadn't recognized her.

"I heard we've got some good news recently," Elijah said nonchalantly.

No response came at first.

"Yes, there is good news," Claire declared, rising with a flirtatious smile. "Ashley and Daniel are engaged. Elijah, since you've just returned, let them toast to you."

Ashley felt a surge of unease-this was definitely not welcome news.

Beside her, Daniel was visibly excited, seizing his chance to speak with Elijah.

Elijah reclined in his seat, his deep eyes narrowing, his expression unreadable.

Overwhelmed, Ashley looked down, too anxious to even draw a deep breath.

Ashley and Daniel raised their glasses in Elijah's direction.

However, he ignored the gesture. "How should you address me?"

"Elijah, I'm from the Blake family-" Daniel began, eagerly seizing the moment.

"Did I tell you to speak?" Elijah's chilly voice, heavy with authority, silenced the room.

If he didn't want Daniel to speak, it was Ashley's turn.

Memories of the previous night haunted Ashley, but she maintained her composure.

With a deep breath, she called out, "Uncle Elijah."

Elijah pretended not to hear, casually touching his left ear, his tone becoming sharp and commanding. "Louder!"

His gesture caused a hush to fall over the crowd.

Since his left ear was impaired, he relied on a hearing aid.

What might have been fodder for ridicule instead underscored the gravity of Elijah's stern demeanor.

Removing his hearing aid was a known prelude to his anger, a situation everyone preferred to avoid.

Ashley's hands shook slightly, her fear mirroring that of everyone else in the room.

She clearly remembered he had issued the same command last night.

It was clear Elijah was testing her.

Gradually, Ashley lifted her gaze, struggling to read the impenetrable darkness in his eyes.

Submissively, she shifted into a posture of reverence, looking up at him. Her voice was gentle, yielding. "Uncle Elijah."

In Elijah's formidable gaze, she was but a small, compliant creature.

Elijah clinked glasses with her, sipping his wine with a cold curl of his lips.

"Since this is joyous news for the family, I will arrange a lavish gift for you," he remarked, his smile chilling rather than comforting.

As the banquet continued, Claire took Ashley aside to give her a dance dress.

"Robert's attention today is on your engagement. You should perform a dance later to ensure everyone is impressed," Claire directed.

"Understood, Mom," Ashley responded, masking her profound disgust with a smile.

Claire had raised her to be accomplished, meticulously training her in music, chess, piano, and dance, shaping her into an ideal showcase.

Ashley detested every performance, where her value was judged by obedience and beauty, aiming solely to garner a man's approval. She felt like an ornament, shackled by golden chains within the elite social circles.

While changing in the bathroom, Ashley suddenly felt large hands on her bare back.

Startled, she turned, only to have those hands press painfully on a sore spot from last night, causing her to cry out sharply.

Looking up, she saw Elijah standing before her, fear flooding her body.

"Uncle Elijah-" she murmured, her voice shaking.

Elijah stepped closer, effectively trapping her. "You fled so hastily last night, and now you act as if you've forgotten. Your coy act is far more convincing than your efforts in bed."

He loomed over her. His hand pressed against her, tracing the contours of her body he claimed last night.

Then, he grasped her neck with one hand, slowly tightening his hold.

"Who sent you to my bed, Ashley?" he demanded, his tone icy and menacing.

A wave of intense fear overwhelmed Ashley.

Was Elijah going to kill her?

Ashley's body trembled slightly. "I wasn't-" she began, but Elijah was quick to cut her off. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and with a menacing gesture, he pinched her waist with the other hand, causing her to cry out in pain.

"I recognize that voice. Last night, you knew it was me, and you still dared to climb into my bed. Who sent you?" Elijah's voice was cold, thick with suspicion.

This was not the first time Elijah had been targeted in such schemes.

Previously, Wyatt had tried to send many women to his bed, but none succeeded.

Ashley's attempt to entice him on his first night back sparked suspicions.

"Think carefully before you answer. You only get one chance," he warned her.

Trapped in Elijah's powerful grip, Ashley felt utterly vulnerable, her life at the mercy of him.

Elijah was a formidable figure in the Warren family. She had cozied up to him to escape the Kirk family, yet here she was, her life on the line.

"I didn't mean to-" Ashley's voice cracked, and tears quickly followed.

She was desperate to keep their liaison a secret.

Being exposed would brand her as the woman who seduced Elijah, jeopardizing her engagement and Hadley's medical support.

"I was drunk at the auction last night. I don't even remember how I ended up in your room. I was terrified-please, don't let anyone know about last night," Ashley pleaded.

She could never confess that she had orchestrated their encounter.

Elijah, skeptical, studied her intently. "Oh? You got drunk and wandered into the wrong room?"

"I was with Daniel at the auction. I would never intentionally do such a thing," Ashley sobbed, her voice a mere whisper. "I still have to marry Daniel. I can't let my mother's efforts be in vain. I don't want to destroy my life in high society."

Elijah's disappointment was palpable, his voice tinged with anger. "Tsk, in just three years, the Ashley who once was bold enough to dance on rooftops has been completely destroyed by Claire."

The Kirk sisters' reputation in Daville was already tarnished, and Ashley, known for her beauty in high society, carried the weight of this infamy.

Last night, Elijah saw a different side of her. He had been her first, which intrigued him.

He had believed that her determination would keep her from being manipulated by the Kirk family. He would have even applauded her if she had admitted that last night was her little scheme.

Despite his earlier impressions, he ultimately viewed her as just another beautiful, soulless plaything, molded to meet the desires of others.

Tears filled Ashley's eyes as she absorbed the weight of his words.

Three years ago, on her eighteenth birthday, Claire had taken her to a family banquet at the Warren family's home.

She wore a stunning red gown and became the center of attention. Her foster mother had insisted she perform a dance to captivate the audience.

That night, Ashley overheard a devastating truth-Claire was parading her as a mere commodity, available to the highest bidder.

Realizing she was ensnared by invisible chains, Ashley later rebelled by dancing alone on the rooftop under the dark sky, an act of defiance against being treated as an object.

She believed she was alone, unseen, but much to her shock, Elijah had witnessed everything.

With her secret exposed, Ashley felt it put her in great danger.

"My mother has provided everything for me, and I owe her so much. I don't want to ruin my chance to marry into a wealthy family over a single mistake. Please, I beg you, let me go. I acknowledge my error," Ashley implored, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.

She had only met Elijah a few times and knew little about this dangerous man.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Miss Kirk, Mrs. Kirk asked me to remind you to get ready," a servant called from outside.

Ashley's heart raced with fear as Elijah showed no signs of relenting.

"What do I need to do for you to keep this a secret? I have to marry into the Blake family. If I do this one more thing for you, will you let me go?" Ashley said, her eyes searching Elijah's for any sign of agreement while her hands nervously reached toward his belt.

At that moment, Elijah's anger flared visibly.

His fleeting interest vanished, replaced by disgust at seeing how low Ashley had stooped.

With a disgusted look, he released her, no longer willing to expend any energy on her.

"Don't flatter yourself," he commented coldly.

Ashley collapsed to the floor, disheveled and sobbing, as Elijah walked away, clearly disappointed.

But once he was gone, Ashley's tears ceased. She overcame the pain from his harsh grip and quickly changed into her dance gown.

When she reappeared, Claire informed her that there was no longer any need for her to perform.

Feigning disappointment, Ashley breathed a sigh of relief. She had managed to deceive Elijah.

Understanding when to retreat and when to push forward was crucial if she was to navigate risks without consequences.

Yet, she pondered if she could truly handle someone as formidable as Elijah.

...

Charm was the most upscale nightclub in Daville.

That evening, Ashley donned a revealing dance dress, her striking makeup concealing her natural features. She accessorized with a golden wig, blue contact lenses, and a face veil.

Tonight, her purpose was clear: she was here to earn money through dancing.

Kaleigh Mitchell, clad in a provocative uniform, encountered Ashley and expressed her remorse. "Ashley, I'm so sorry. I initially brought you here to play the piano, but the boss demanded more engaging performances. He insisted you dance instead. I feel terrible about this."

"It's fine, honestly. It's not a big deal. I couldn't find a part-time job that pays as well as this," Ashley responded, her reflection in the mirror appearing unfamiliar to her.

From a young age, Claire had trained Ashley to develop traits appealing to men, steering clear of any chores that might roughen her hands.

But the need for money was pressing.

Without it, Hadley's ongoing medical expenses would remain a tool for Claire to exert control over her.

Determined to secure her future freedom and dignity, Ashley was prepared to make sacrifices now.

"Yeah, if it weren't for the money, who would want to be here?" Kaleigh remarked, a single mother herself, who did whatever necessary to support her ill daughter.

Kaleigh was Ashley's sole genuine ally.

...

After her performance, the bar owner directed Ashley to the VIP section. "Mr. Wright has arrived. Go and greet him," he instructed.

Anthony Wright was a VIP known for his prestigious status and frequently requested Ashley's performances. She couldn't risk offending him.

Ashley anticipated a brief greeting, yet she was taken aback to find Elijah seated beside him.

"Mr. Warren, you're fortunate to see her dance tonight. She's truly the gem of the club," Anthony remarked, having never actually seen Ashley's real face. He noted her distinct purity compared to other dancers in the club.

"Oh? A gem, huh," Elijah responded indifferently, lounging on the sofa and idly playing with his signet ring, his intense gaze examining Ashley.

Ashley froze, wondering if Elijah recognized her.

He looked away nonchalantly. "Dancing is boring. Come have a drink with me," he suggested.

Ashley, masking her voice, declined. "Sorry, I only perform. I can't drink."

"Is it that you can't drink, or you just don't want to drink with me?" Elijah challenged, his demeanor turning threatening. "If you don't drink, then you can't work here. I'll shut down this bar."

Stunned by his irrational demand, Ashley was cornered.

Refusing him could jeopardize not just her job but also the livelihoods of others at the bar.

"Fine, I'll drink," she conceded reluctantly, hoping he wouldn't recognize her.

With cautious steps, Ashley approached to pick up the drink.

Suddenly, Elijah extended his leg, nudging her off balance.

Her knees buckled, and she inadvertently ended up sitting on Elijah's lap.