Renewing Love's Contract With His Beloved Secretary

In the CEO's lavish office on the 38th floor of the Powell Group building.

"No, Mr. Powell, please, not here."

As soon as Raegan Dixon entered, attempting to deliver a report to Wesley Powell, he pushed her against the door, sealing her lips with a fervent kiss.

In a husky, teasing voice, he whispered into her ear, "How's the wine in Sladena?"

"I only had a little," she managed to reply. Days earlier, a business trip to Sladena City had demanded social drinking for a successful deal. The pressure from her collaborators left her with no choice but to partake.

Unsatisfied with her response, Wesley's frustration manifested physically as he aggressively began to undress her.

His breath, heated and erratic, grazed her neck. "I want you," he stated plainly, marking her neck with a possessive bite.

Raegan's expression remained stoic, yet her body reacted involuntarily. She clenched her teeth, refusing to give voice to her discomfort.

The fear of discovery by any employee weighed heavily on her, given the clandestine nature of their relationship.

Wesley's persistence left Raegan with no choice but to reciprocate his embrace, a tacit acknowledgment of her situation. She understood that resistance was not only futile but would also provoke further intensity from him.

Following their encounter, Wesley nonchalantly adjusted his attire before cautioning Raegan against future attendance at less significant social gatherings.

She understood his directive; he wished to keep her from the public eye. Submissively, she agreed.

Wesley raised his eyebrows a bit when he looked at her. "Next time, don't let just anyone in. Did you not notice the Buckley Group's female CEO was wearing aphrodisiac perfume?"

This revelation hit Raegan like a ton of bricks, helping her piece together the puzzle behind Wesley's earlier behavior.

Her fingers tightened into fists, and her face lost its color.

"I'm sorry," she said, her head bowed in apology, hiding the pain coursing through her body.

For nearly three years, Raegan had been juggling roles as Wesley's secretary by day and as his companion by night.

"You'll see half your bonus gone this month," Wesley declared, his voice devoid of warmth, before gesturing for her to leave.

Stepping outside his office, Raegan's phone rang with a call from the hospital.

"Miss Dixon, the funds you deposited are nearly depleted. Given your grandmother's condition, it's critical she continues her medication. Please, arrange for additional payment soon."

Raegan remembered then that she had neglected her grandmother's medical bills for days.

She quickly transferred what money she had to the hospital, emptying her account.

Yet, it was a drop in the bucket, barely covering two days of care.

Recently, Wesley had stopped sending her money after their nights together, leaving her puzzled and worried.

She knew something had to change.

Without hesitation, she called her best friend, Nina Jenkins, hoping for advice on earning money quickly.

"The Grandeur Group is eyeing the government's environmental project, but it's still up for grabs. Why not give it a shot? Helping them secure it could mean you wouldn't have to worry about medical bills for months," Nina suggested, her role as a financial journalist providing her with insider knowledge.

Yet, Raegan knew Grandeur Group was a direct competitor to Wesley's company for this very project.

Despite her financial desperation, she couldn't bring herself to betray Wesley by aiding his rival.

After much thought, she turned around and knocked on Wesley's office door again. "Mr. Powell."

"What's the issue?"

Raegan pressed her lips together. "You've yet to send the money my way."

Wesley's gaze swept over her, his voice dripping with cold sarcasm. "Seems your face is the only thing of value. Unlike you, she wouldn't grovel for money."

Those words cut deep, chipping away at Raegan's self-worth.

Each jab was a cruel reminder of her place as nothing more than a stand-in for his true love.

Lifting her gaze to meet his, her eyes swirled with a storm of bitterness.

With her voice caught in her throat, she managed to say, "Our agreement was clear. Payment follows our encounters."

Wesley's response was a sneer, his lips twisting in disdain. "So, Raegan, your love for money knows no bounds?"

"Yes," she replied, her resolve as firm as ever. Hidden by the room's dim light, the tears welling in her eyes remained unseen. Her voice, however, carried her determined stance. "Why else would I cozy up to you if not for the money?"

Silence fell between them, a heavy veil that neither wished to lift.

Eventually, Wesley's phone came to life as he transferred the funds, though his expression remained sour. "Being a stand-in, you ought to grasp the essence of the one you're mimicking."

His warning was foreboding. "Don't let greed define you."

Without another glance, Wesley turned away.

"Thank you." Clutching her phone, Raegan searched for words that refused to come. Rooted to the spot, she remained motionless.

Wesley's patience wore thin. "Don't forget the pills," he remarked, an edge to his voice.

Raegan's heart ached as she bit down on her lip, turning to leave. The door's click echoed, a stark symbol of her fractured spirit.

She found herself sinking to the floor, knees hugged tight. Tears threatened, yet none came.

Her grandmother's health was a ticking clock, and pleading with Wesley was not an option. Badly in need of money, she had no choice but to...

"Nina, I'm keen on giving that project a whirl."

Raegan found herself dialing Nina's number, her voice laced with a newfound determination to secure the environmental project for Grandeur Group.

Despite knowing she'd have to go against Wesley, she couldn't back down.

After all, money was her driving force.

After her day's work, Raegan adorned herself with her most striking makeup and headed for the private room reserved by Alec Marshall, the man at the helm of Grandeur Group.

Her presence didn't go unnoticed as she passed; admiring glances from the playboys in the vicinity followed her every step. She possessed a beauty that was truly mesmerizing.

Upon opening the door, her greeting began with a smile. "Apologies for my tardiness, Mr. Marshall..."

Her voice trailed off, her smile stiffening upon seeing the room's occupants.

Among the gathering of business magnates sat Wesley, her superior, at the center of attention.

By his side was his childhood friend Brett Watson, one of the few privy to their entanglements.

Brett, unlike the aloof Wesley, had a warmth to him. However, now his eyes flitted between Wesley and Raegan, filled with an impish curiosity.

Wesley, on the other hand, seemed to retreat into a cold facade, his chin raised slightly as his hand tightened around his glass.

"It's a pleasure to have you, Miss Dixon." Alec, charmed by Raegan's entrance, didn't hesitate to welcome her. He guided her to a seat next to him with a hand gently placed around her waist.

Raegan, now seated, could sense Wesley's mood souring. She greeted Brett, her voice steadied by feigned calmness.

Brett's response was a strained smile, his discomfort evident.

Alec's interest in Raegan was unmistakable, his gaze repeatedly finding her. She managed an awkward smile in return, feeling his eyes on her.

"Mr. Marshall, I'm here because Nina mentioned you're aiming to clinch the environmental project, and I believe I can be of assistance..."

She didn't get to finish what she was saying, but her message was loud and clear.

Her pearl earring moved gently, mirroring the unease in her heart. Despite her preparations, she hadn't anticipated encountering Wesley or being caught by him in such a compromising position.

Alec's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he observed Raegan, trying to discern if her intentions were genuine or not. "Oh? So, you're willing to help me secure this project? It's no small feat..."

"Notice how Alec is ogling Raegan, as though he wishes to undress her with just his look," Brett whispered to Wesley, a smirk on his face.

A shadow crossed Wesley's features, his expression turning more inscrutable.

"I'll not disappoint you, Mr. Marshall," Raegan declared, lifting her glass in a gesture of commitment.

Her attire for the evening was daring, featuring a high slit that exposed her legs and attracted the attention not just of Alec but Wesley as well.

Wesley watched silently as Alec engaged in lively conversation across from him. Then, barely audible, he said to Raegan, "Have I treated you so badly that you feel the need to seek another benefactor?"

His cold stare intensified as he spoke.

Raegan kept quiet, knowing full well that any explanation would be futile at this point.

Provoking Wesley would do her no good.

She could hear a sneer, seeing the mockery on his face all too clearly.

"A toast, Raegan." Alec, all smiles, returned to his seat and took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

Raegan tensed and tried to withdraw her hand, catching Wesley's icy gaze out of the corner of her eye.

"Mr. Marshall," she said, seizing the chance to free her hand as she raised her glass. "A toast to you."

Disappointment flickered in Alec's eyes, yet he raised his glass in a gentlemanly fashion and took a sip.

Men understood men best.

Wesley, irritated and understanding Alec's intentions all too well, suddenly stood up, drawing the attention of everyone at the table.

However, he didn't seem to care. With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he looked at Raegan and remarked in a mocking tone, "Mr. Marshall, you have exquisite taste."

Then, he left with determined steps.

Outside the club, the chill of the night air bit at Wesley's skin.

He lit a cigarette, his expression clouded, as he waited for his driver.

Then, footsteps approached. He turned to see Raegan hurrying towards him.

Her cheeks were flushed. To escape Alec's advances, she had drunk three glasses of strong liquor, and now she felt the burn in her stomach.

She gasped for air, attempting to speak. "Mr. Powell..."

"Enough!"

Just then, the car arrived, and Wesley, without another word, pushed Raegan into the vehicle.

The driver, understanding the situation, wisely exited the vehicle.

Wesley, driven by a tumult of emotions, accelerated the car, swiftly arriving at an apartment.

Upon entering, before even the chance to flick on the lights, Raegan found herself against the wall, Wesley's anger palpable in his firm hold.

She pressed her lips tightly together, opting for silence.

Behind her, Wesley's movements were brisk, his breath the only sound in the enveloping darkness.

"Do you think you have the right to seek me out after what you've done?"

His voice, deep and alluring, brushed against Raegan's ear with each word, his frustration evident.

"I..." She gritted her teeth, attempting an explanation, but the ringing of her phone shattered the moment.

Regaining her senses at the sound, her distraction elicited a dissatisfied grunt from Wesley.

The call was from the hospital. Raegan's concern escalated, struggling against Wesley's hold to answer.

"Miss Dixon, your grandmother has suffered severe myocarditis. We need you here."

Her heart raced with worry, her focus solely on her grandmother, which only served to aggravate Wesley further.

Grabbing her chin, forcing her gaze to his, he inquired, his voice laced with mockery, "Am I not enough for you, Raegan? Is that why you seek others?"

Raegan's complexion drained, but her mind was elsewhere, troubled by her grandmother's health, her distracted state further provoking Wesley's ire.

He tightened his grip, his warning low and stern. "Remember who you are."

Raegan's gaze cleared momentarily, a bitter smile touching her lips.

She should remember who she was? To Wesley, she was nothing more than a nocturnal companion, a means to an end devised by his mother to divert his affections.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Powell. It's my fault. But please, can we go to the hospital?" Her concern for her grandmother prompted an apologetic request.

Wesley adjusted his attire, collected the car keys, and commanded icily, "Get in the car."

When they got to the hospital, the doctors were just wrapping up a resuscitation effort.

"Her vital signs are now stable, but she still needs those specialty drugs. So, get ready for that, please."

Specialty drugs?

Wesley was stumped. Raegan had never mentioned anything about them to him. He knew only that the money he handed over was always for her grandma's medical bills.

Feeling Wesley's penetrating look, Raegan averted her gaze.

Then her phone rang. Seeing the number, her pupils shook. She quickly ended the call while Wesley wasn't paying full attention.

"Is he your new benefactor?"

Wesley's voice was cool, his eyes growing stormy as he looked at Raegan.

He could see the flicker of panic in her and his look turned frostier.

"Just a friend."

He just gave a snort and dropped the subject.

Wesley remained in the hospital until the first light of dawn.

Raegan let out a sigh of relief as she swiftly unlocked her phone, only to find it bombarded with a flurry of messages.

All were from Wesley's mother, Miranda Powell.

"Raegan, this is your last chance," one message read, echoing a clear threat.

The specialty drugs for her grandma were a rare find. Raegan had no choice but to rely on Miranda's extensive network to secure the necessary doses.

Knowing the urgency, Raegan didn't waste a moment. She called for a caregiver and made her way to the Powells' family estate.

Upon arrival, a maid escorted her to the garden where Miranda lounged, sunbathing. A poodle by her side snarled at Raegan, its demeanor less than welcoming.

"You little troublemaker, becoming more defiant by the day," Miranda muttered, her gaze shifting slowly to meet Raegan's. Her words, though seemingly aimed at the dog, were clearly intended for Raegan.

Choosing to ignore the jab, Raegan approached calmly. "Mrs. Powell, Wesley was with me yesterday, which made it difficult to respond to your call."

Miranda let out a cold scoff, a smirk playing on her lips. "It seems I made the right choice in picking you. Your charm seems even more potent than that of the woman before you."

The humiliation stung Raegan, even in the absence of an audience.

She stood, silent, her pride wounded.

Miranda's gaze hardened, her voice dripping with scorn. "Don't think your intentions are hidden from me."

Raegan met her gaze, her expression unreadable.

She had always heeded Miranda's caution: never to fall for Wesley.

"Wesley's fiancée, Lillian, is back in town. Their marriage will be arranged before the year ends," Miranda announced, sliding a check across the table to Raegan. "You've played your part these past three years. Wesley seems to have forgotten his past love. Now, it's time for you to step aside for Lillian."

Raegan eyed the check-five million-a sardonic smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

So, her youthful years were valued at this price.

Miranda's patience waned at Raegan's silence.

"Not willing to leave?" Miranda's eyes flashed with a hint of malice. "You're the adopted daughter of the Dixon family, aren't you? I've delved into every dark corner of your family's affairs. If you wish to return to them, I could facilitate that. Your resemblance to her was the sole reason for your opportunity here. Don't fool yourself into thinking that being with Wesley can sever my hold over you. If I don't hear about your resignation within a week, the supply of your grandmother's specialty drugs will cease. Make no mistake, at my command, no one will dare to assist your grandmother."

Raegan's journey had been a harsh one, navigating through her family's turmoil while caring for her gravely ill grandmother. Deception by her adoptive mother led to the loss of their only money, and a near escape from being trafficked or worse.

Her path crossed with Miranda's by chance after a desperate escape, leading to a life-altering encounter.

Miranda saw in her a resemblance to Wesley's first love, a potential key to unlocking his emotional walls. This gave Raegan a new lease on life, and under Miranda's guidance, she was placed beside Wesley, tasked with mending his heart.

And she succeeded, over three years.

Now, the time had come for her to depart. Yet, she understood Wesley too well. Even the revelation of her origins wouldn't deter his feelings.

A truth that might unsettle any other man seemed irrelevant to Wesley.

With a heavy heart yet a composed exterior, Raegan accepted the check. "Understood, Mrs. Powell. I'll ensure my departure is timely."

Miranda rose, sparing Raegan no further glance, and retreated indoors.

Raegan then headed to the office.

Her arrival did not go unnoticed, met with peculiar stares from colleagues.

But Raegan remained unaffected. She entered Wesley's office to find Lillian Morgan, Wesley's fiancée, lounging on the sofa, a gift box placed before her. Lillian's gaze lazily swept over Raegan. "Miss Dixon, nice to see you again."

Caught off guard, Raegan quickly pieced together the cause of the earlier stares.

Despite her discreet relationship with Wesley, rumors circulated in the workplace due to her proximity to him.

Now, with Lillian's presence, the office was abuzz, anticipating Raegan's departure.

With a composed smile, Raegan greeted her. "Miss Morgan, it's been a while."

Lillian grew up alongside Wesley, both of them bound by the expectations of their families from a young age. Her place in Wesley's life seemed preordained, his parents, especially his mother Miranda, showering her with affection as if she was already part of the family.

Despite Lillian's deep affection for Wesley, she couldn't seem to occupy the most cherished spot in his heart, a position seemingly reserved for his first love.

In contrast, Raegan seemed to effortlessly capture Wesley's attention, a fact that left Lillian simmering with jealousy.

Upon her return to the country, Lillian wasted no time in marking her territory.

"Remember the first time we met? You were at the bottom of the ladder, and now you're the chief secretary," Lillian remarked, her tone dripping with condescension. She lifted a necklace from its box, its luxury unmistakable, and clasped it around her neck with a practiced ease, casting a provocative glance at Raegan. "Wesley gave this to me as an engagement gift. Do you like it?"

"It suits you perfectly."

Raegan had always admired this necklace, gazing at it whenever she found herself near the display case at the mall.

How could she not? It was beautiful.

One day, Wesley had caught her looking. He casually inquired, "You like it?"

Raegan, not wanting to admit her true feelings, simply shook her head. She mentioned the design was innovative, a potential inspiration for his designers.

She never imagined that the necklace she dreamed of would end up as Lillian's engagement present.

The irony.

"Just thinking about marrying Wesley fills me with joy." Lillian, with a self-satisfied smile, looked at Raegan. "You've put in a lot of effort these days. Thank you."

A pang of sadness struck Raegan, but she kept her composure. "You're welcome. It's part of my job. Congratulations, Miss Morgan."

Lillian seemed pleased with Raegan's demeanor, taking it as acknowledgment of her own superiority. She was about to add another snide comment when Wesley entered the room.

He glanced at them, his face turning cold.

His eyes moved from Lillian's smug smile to Raegan. "What's going on?" he asked.

Raegan approached and placed her resignation letter on the desk. "I've decided to resign."

Wesley stopped in his tracks, his brows knitting together.

He looked at the letter and then at Raegan, who appeared indifferent.

"Okay."

His response was exactly as Raegan had anticipated.

Resigning didn't bring her joy or sorrow.

She realized she never really had a place in his heart. Leaving on her own terms, at least, let her keep some self-respect.

"Thank you, Mr. Powell," Raegan said, striving to sound unaffected.

Wesley, irritated by her calmness, responded briskly, "Make sure to properly hand over your responsibilities before you leave."

Raegan met his indifferent stare with a self-mocking laugh. Had she actually expected anything different?

"I will."

Without a backward glance, she exited his office.

"Wes, let's go have dinner. There's a great specialty restaurant nearby."

Wesley, irritated, noticed the open gift box. "Did you open this?"

Lillian was taken aback. Wesley had never used that tone with her before.

She clenched her hands tighter. "I'm sorry. I won't touch your stuff again."