The Ruthless CEO's Obsession

SOPHIE

"I don't think anyone really has a price. You're just refusing to admit what yours is," Maya says again, like she's been thinking about it for a while and won't let it go.

Vanessa leans back in her chair and looks at her. "What about you then? What's your price? Fifty bucks?"

Maya laughs immediately, shaking her head. "I wish. If I was that cheap, life would be so much easier than this."

Tyra tilts her head. "How exactly would that make anything easier?"

Maya shrugs like it's obvious. "Because then I could just pack my things, quit, and disappear from my boss's life without stress."

Vanessa laughs a little. "Yeah, but you'd miss us."

Maya pauses for a second, then nods. "Okay, that part is true."

I smile and look at her. "So what is your price then?"

Maya goes quiet for a moment. She leans forward slightly, lowering her voice like she's about to say something serious, something secret. "I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill you."

I don't even hesitate. I grab a fry and throw it at her. She laughs and jerks back, acting offended but clearly enjoying it.

Vanessa turns her eyes toward me. "You're all talk, Sophie. But really... what's your price?"

I shake my head slowly. "I don't have one."

Maya lets out a short laugh, like she doesn't believe it for a second. "Liar."

I shrug again, calm. "I like my job. I really don't need anything else."

Maya doesn't drop it. "You still have a price. Everyone does."

"No, I don't," I say, a little firmer now. "I actually like what I do. I like my work, and I like the people I work with. You'd literally have to drag me out of there."

And I mean it. I didn't fall into this job. I worked for it. I got into Harrison Calloway during my internship while I was finishing my master's in finance. Harrison Calloway is the biggest investment capital firm in the Midwest, and the third biggest in the whole country. It's not a small place where people just pass through.

Harrison Calloway himself, the founder, has been running it since 1984. During my internship, I reported directly to him. He didn't ignore interns like most people at that level. He actually watched, corrected, and taught. He saw my work, paid attention to it, and didn't just brush it off.

When I graduated, I got a full-time position without having to beg for it. He approved it himself.

Now it's been five years. I'm the youngest person to reach a fourth-level director position. That puts me just one step below vice president. I still don't fully act like I belong there sometimes, but I do the work, and it shows.

Vanessa rolls her eyes at me. "How do you even enjoy that? It's just numbers all day. That sounds exhausting."

"Exactly," Maya agrees quickly, like she's been waiting to say it.

"It's not just numbers," I say. "And even if it was, what's wrong with that? Numbers don't lie. Two plus two is always four. There's no guessing, no confusion, no maybe."

Tyra groans and leans back in her chair. "That sounds so boring. Where's the fun in that? Where's the excitement?"

I look at her. "Fun? Is that what you call your job?"

Tyra smiles a little, like she already expects this argument. She works in medical device sales, and she's often inside operating rooms guiding doctors on what equipment to use. "At least I'm in surgeries. That's way more interesting than sitting behind a screen all day."

I make a face and shake my head slightly. "Blood is definitely not for me."

"Same," Maya and Vanessa say at the same time without even thinking.

Tyra points at Maya right away. "What are you even complaining about? Your phone dying?"

Maya smirks. "Very funny." She's an editor, and she spends most of her day reading steamy romance novels and editing them.

Vanessa nods slowly. "Honestly, that sounds like a dream job."

I turn toward Vanessa. "What about real estate? You liked it, didn't you?"

Vanessa shrugs one shoulder. "I do like it. It's fine. It's just not exactly something that keeps me warm at night... unlike Maya's job probably does."

Maya groans loudly. "How many times do I have to explain this? Real life is better than B.O.B. I like my job, but if I don't get actual attention soon, I'm going to break some kind of record."

I grin. "What record? Two weeks?"

She nudges me hard with her elbow. "Shut up. That's not funny."

Tyra leans back in her seat again, quieter now. "Honestly, none of us are really doing great right now. It feels like a dry spell for everyone."

Maya looks at her. "What are you talking about? What about Lamal?"

Tyra's expression shifts a little. She looks away for a second. "I think I need to end it."

I sit up a little. "No. I like Lamal."

Tyra shakes her head slowly. "It's not there anymore. I can feel it. I just can't get it back, no matter what I try."

Vanessa reaches over and covers Tyra's hand. "Are you okay?"

Tyra shifts in her seat, uncomfortable but honest. "I'll be fine. I just need to do it. I just don't like how it's going to happen. It's going to be awkward, especially since we work together. Lesson learned. Don't date someone you work with."

No one disagrees. We all just sit with that for a moment and nod.

Then my phone alarm goes off.

I glance at it and sigh. "Sorry, I have to go. Harrison called a meeting for managers and above."

I pull out cash from my wallet and drop it on the table without thinking twice.

Maya smirks at me as I stand. "Go enjoy your numbers, Sophie. And let me know when you finally figure out your real price."

I pick up my bag and shake my head. "Don't wait for it."

SOPHIE

It's only a short walk, maybe half a block, back to the Calloway Holdings Tower. There's been an accident up ahead, and the sidewalk is blocked off. Police are redirecting people into a narrow side street instead.

Normally, I wouldn't care. It's a warm April day. Almost seventy degrees. I didn't even bother with a jacket.

But the detour slows me down. I start walking faster, trying to stay on time.

I'm two streets away when the weather shifts without warning. The sun fades fast. The sky goes darker. Then rain starts pouring hard, like someone flipped a switch.

I break into a run.

My heels slap the wet pavement. I'm almost at the building when my heel catches on an iron grate hidden in the ground.

I lose my balance completely.

And I fall forward onto the pavement.

For a moment, I just lie there. People move around me like I'm not even there. The rain keeps hitting my skin. My knee burns badly. Blood runs down my shin, mixing with rainwater and spreading.

"Shit," I mutter under my breath.

I push myself up slowly. My leg hurts, but I don't stop. I limp the rest of the way to the entrance, past security, and into the building.

Inside, I take the elevator up. My body feels unsteady, but I keep it together.

When the doors open, the office is busy like usual.

Tammy looks up from reception and immediately freezes.

"Good Lord. What happened to you?"

I glance down at myself and shrug. "Rain. Running. Heels. Pavement."

She grimaces. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine," I say. "Did the meeting already start?"

"Yeah."

Of course it did.

I briefly think about going to the bathroom to fix myself, but I already know it won't help. I don't have spare clothes. My hair is soaked, curls heavy and dripping down.

Cold air hits my wet skin and I shiver.

I walk into my office, grab my padfolio, and head down the hall.

I've worked at Harrison Calloway's company for five years. I've never been late to a meeting. Not once. That alone matters to me more than I want to admit.

Now my chest feels tight. Not because I expect anger from him. He's kind. One of the kindest men I know. But I don't do late. I don't arrive like this. It feels wrong.

Then I look down again.

My leg is covered in dirt and blood streaks from the fall. My skirt is torn high up my thigh. The front of me is wet, messy, and completely disheveled.

For a second, I think about cleaning up first. But I remember the memo. This meeting is important. Mandatory attendance.

I take a breath and push the door open.

The conference room is full. Everyone is facing Harrison at the front.

There's only one empty seat, near the front row. I hurry and take it.

Harrison pauses mid-sentence.

"Sophie, are you all right?" he asks.

"Sorry," I say quickly. "There was an accident. The road was blocked. I got detoured, then ran in the rain and caught my heel."

His face shows concern right away. "Do you need first aid?"

"I'll clean up after the meeting. Sorry for interrupting."

I turn slightly to sit properly and freeze.

My chest tightens. My throat goes dry.

There's a man sitting right next to me.

I've never seen him before.

He looks like he doesn't belong in the background of anything. Tall. Dark hair. Strong features. Very still, very controlled. But his expression is not calm at all.

He's scowling.

His eyes move over me slowly. Not once, but again, like he's studying every detail.

I feel exposed under it.

My face heats immediately.

My wet blouse is clinging to me, making everything obvious in a way I can't ignore.

His gaze drops lower to my thigh where my torn skirt exposes too much skin. He stares longer than he should.

My jaw tightens.

Who is this guy?

The only empty chair is next to him. He pulls it out and speaks in a low, rough voice.

"Sit."

I hesitate for half a second, then sit.

I try to focus on Harrison speaking, but I can still feel him beside me. Watching. Not looking away.

There's a clean, earthy scent coming from him. It's subtle but distracting.

I lean slightly toward him and whisper, "I know you're new, but we smile here. And staring is rude."

He turns his head just enough to look at me.

"Is that so?" he says.

"Yes," I whisper back.

His eyes stay on me. "What's your position here, Sophie?"

I don't usually care about titles, but something about his tone irritates me.

"I'm a fourth-level director," I say, a little sharper than intended.

I expect a reaction. He gives none.

Instead, his eyes drop again.

I follow his gaze.

I had crossed my legs without thinking.

My skirt has shifted worse than I realized. My entire thigh is exposed. The edge of my lace blue panties is visible.

My hand moves quickly to cover it. Too quickly. I realize I'm pressing down without meaning to.

Heat rushes through my face.

His expression changes slightly. His jaw tightens. His tongue presses briefly against his lip before he pulls it back, controlling it.

I quickly uncross my legs and try to fix the position.

It doesn't help. The tear shifts again. More is exposed now.

I freeze completely.

His breathing changes. Still controlled, but heavier now.

Without asking, he takes my padfolio from my lap. Opens it. Flips it upside down and places it over my legs, covering me while still looking at me.

His eyes don't leave mine.

Then the moment breaks.

Applause fills the room.

He stands up.

Walks to the front like he belongs there.

Shakes Harrison Calloway's hand.

I slowly turn my head toward the screen behind them.

My stomach drops.

His profile is displayed there. Name. Photo. Title.

Welcome to Calloway Holdings Tower.

Ethan Calloway.

Co-CEO.

Harrison Calloway's successor.

ETHAN

My blood is moving too fast. I give a simple nod anyway. "I'm excited to be here and work with you all."

I don't hear my own voice properly. I don't feel present. I can't remember a single line from the speech I rehearsed over and over. It all disappears.

My mind is stuck on Sophie Matthew.

Her blue lace panties. Her legs. The way she was sitting earlier.

I shouldn't be thinking about it. I know that. But it's still there, sharp and distracting.

I worked ten years for this role. Ten years of pushing, building, proving myself. And she managed to shake me in a way no boardroom ever did. Without even trying. Just by existing in the same room.

"Don't start celebrating yet. I'll still be around, but as you all know, this gray hair didn't come from nothing," my uncle Harrison Calloway says.

The room breaks into light laughter.

Everyone laughs.

Except her.

Sophie shifts in her seat. A small movement, like she's adjusting herself, trying to stay composed. Her face is slightly red now. Not fully embarrassed, but enough to notice. Her long curly brown hair is a bit messy compared to before, like it lost its smoothness.

I try to ignore her. I really do.

But my body reacts anyway. Heat builds. Pressure in my pants that I don't want to acknowledge. I tighten my jaw.

Harrison continues, still smiling. "Ethan's experience in mergers and acquisitions is going to bring new energy here. Sophie, I'm reassigning you to work directly with him. And I'll need you to stay after the meeting."

My head snaps slightly toward him.

He didn't tell me this. Not even a hint. Shit.

Don't look at her.

But I do.

Our eyes meet across the table. It lasts a second too long. Neither of us looks away first.

I expect something different from her. Maybe discomfort. Maybe she would try to smooth things over after earlier.

But she doesn't.

She just sits there. Calm. Straight. Like none of this shakes her.

That makes it worse.

Harrison keeps talking for a few more minutes. The meeting wraps up shortly after.

People start moving. Chairs shift. Hands are shaken.

I go through the motions. I greet directors, managers, VPs. I smile when I have to.

But my attention keeps drifting back.

When it's done, I turn toward Sophie again.

She hasn't moved much. Still seated. Still holding her padfolio on her lap like it's part of her.

I step closer and offer my hand.

"No need to stand."

A faint blush returns to her face. It's subtle, but I see it. She glares at me first before taking my hand.

Her grip is firm. Not soft. Not hesitant. Stronger than I expected.

"Welcome," she says. Flat. Controlled.

Her skin is warm in my hand. I hold it longer than I should. I tell myself to let go, but I don't immediately.

Then I release it.

Harrison pulls out a chair beside her and sits. "Ethan, sit. Sophie is not only our youngest director ever, she's also a level-four director and on track to become VP soon."

There's pride in his voice. Real pride.

Youngest.

The word sticks.

How young is she?

The thought comes fast. I almost ask, but I stop myself. Wrong question for this setting. Not something I should even be thinking about.

"Congratulations," I say, forcing my attention away from her.

"Thank you," she replies. No change in tone. No warmth.

"Sit," Harrison repeats.

I sit beside her.

Her scent hits me immediately.

No perfume. Nothing artificial. Just her. Clean. Close. It's worse than anything else because it feels real.

I inhale before I can stop myself, then force a slow exhale. Try to reset.

Harrison leans back slightly, smiling. "I'm excited about this. Both of you working together is going to be good."

I try to think. I try to find a way out of this situation already forming around me.

Before I can, Sophie speaks.

"Bennett, I appreciate the opportunity, but I'm in the middle of sixteen projects. I don't think I can take on something else. There might be someone better suited."

Harrison doesn't hesitate. He smiles wider, like he expected this.

"I already reviewed everything. Your projects have been reassigned. Those were small compared to this. Ethan's work matters more. You need to be here."

She pauses. You can see her thinking it through. She doesn't like it.

"I don't like leaving things unfinished," she says.

Harrison cuts in immediately. "Don't worry about it. That's handled. This is where you're needed."

She breathes in slowly. Controlled. Like she's trying not to show frustration.

"Alright, Harrison. If you think it's the right decision."

"It is. Now both of you take some time. Get to know each other. Ethan, bring her up to speed."

He stands and leaves the room.

The door closes.

Silence settles.

It's just us now.

I lean back in my chair, letting my posture relax while my eyes stay on her.

She turns toward me slowly, like she's been waiting for this moment. "Well?"

She taps her pen on the table. Small, steady sound. Not nervous. Not rushed.

I know I shouldn't say what comes next.

But I do anyway.

"I expect employees to show up on time and dressed appropriately."

Her expression shifts immediately. A flash of surprise. Just a second.

Then it's gone. She recovers fast.

She leans back slightly, then resets her posture. Calm again. Controlled again.

"I explained why I was late. A decent person would've asked if I was okay," she says. Her voice is steady, but sharp at the edges. "Maybe take some lessons in kindness from your uncle."

My eyes drop before I can stop them. I don't mean to look, but I do. Her blouse, her shape, the way she sits without noticing the effect it has.

I force my voice to stay even. "Good thing I'm not decent."

Her jaw tightens.

She stands up slowly. No hesitation now. Then she steps forward and stops right between my legs, close enough that I have to tilt my head up slightly.

"I think this meeting is over. Is that okay, boss?"

A small grin pulls at my mouth before I can stop it.

"You can go. I'll let you know when I need you. And clean your knee. It'll get infected."

Her face twists in disgust, like I crossed a line she won't even explain.

She turns sharply and walks out.

The door shuts behind her.

I stay where I am.

The room feels too quiet now.

I run both hands down my face and breathe out slowly, trying to get control of myself again. Trying to push everything back where it belongs.

It doesn't fully work.

She hates me now.

That part is clear.

Good. That's how it should be.

But it doesn't fix anything.

I still want her.

And that thought sits there, steady and unwanted, like it's not going anywhere.