Chapter 26: Victoria’s Challenge

Victoria Clarke had always been the queen of Orlando’s business elite. With beauty, power, and ambition, she dominated the corporate world and had no shortage of wealthy suitors.

Yet, despite her allure, no one had ever heard of her having a boyfriend.

Maybe Victoria Clarke is into women.

The thought crossed Jordan Steele’s mind for a brief moment as he studied her stunning secretary, Ashley Rose, who had just stormed into his office demanding answers.

“Hey, what are you thinking about!?” Ashley snapped, breaking Jordan’s momentary amusement. “Answer me! Why are you here in our office!?”

Jordan leaned back in his chair and smirked. “I’m Jordan Steele, the new president of Ace Corporation.”

Ashley’s eyes widened in shock. Her mouth opened, then closed, then opened again—like she was trying to form words but couldn’t process what she had just heard.

“You… you’re the president!?”

Jordan raised an eyebrow. “That’s what I said.”

Ashley gasped and immediately bowed her head in apology. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Steele! I was too stupid! Since you had the key, I should have realized… But Miss Clarke told me there was a suspicious person in the office, so I—”

Jordan sighed. The Camdens again.

“Damn, they’re still having me followed? Annoying pests.”

Shaking his head, Jordan dismissed Ashley with a wave of his hand. “You can go back to work. Oh, and when Miss Clarke arrives, tell her to come see me immediately. I’ve heard she’s the most beautiful deputy president in Orlando—I’d like to see if that’s true.”

Ashley blushed and nodded before hurrying out.

---

Victoria Rushes to Meet the New CEO

Steering her sleek Porsche through the morning traffic, Victoria Clarke answered her Bluetooth call.

“Ashley, have you checked the office? Is there a suspicious person inside?”

Ashley’s voice was hushed with excitement. “Miss Clarke, there’s no suspicious person. But you won’t believe who I just met!”

Victoria frowned. “Who?”

Ashley took a deep breath before saying, “It’s Mr. Steele! The new president of our company! He’s already in the office, and he asked to meet you as soon as you arrive!”

“What!?”

Victoria nearly slammed into a Land Rover in front of her.

The new president was here?

The man she had been dying to meet?

Without hesitation, she floored the gas pedal. The speedometer shot up past 100 kilometers per hour as she weaved through traffic, eager to reach the office tower as soon as possible.

---

A Desperate Attempt to Impress

At the entrance of the Ace Corporation building, Tyler Collins had been waiting for Victoria. The moment he saw her stepping out of her car, he rushed over eagerly.

“Miss Clarke!”

Victoria glanced at him, recognizing him immediately. “Mr. Collins?”

Tyler put on his best smile. “I was worried that punk Jordan Steele might hurt you, so I rushed over to help. Let me go upstairs with you!”

Victoria fought back the urge to roll her eyes. Tyler was nothing more than a rich kid trying to climb the social ladder. He wasn’t in her league.

She brushed him off smoothly. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve already confirmed there’s no threat in the office. I have urgent matters to attend to.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked briskly to the elevators.

Tyler called after her, “Miss Clarke, wait! Jordan Steele is really up there!”

Victoria ignored him completely.

---

Gossip in the Office

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Victoria saw a small group of women gathered together, whispering excitedly.

“Miss Clarke, you’re here!” Ashley greeted her, practically bouncing on her heels.

Victoria gave her a nod before glancing at the two other women standing beside her—a department supervisor and a young intern.

“What are you two doing here?”

The intern was practically squealing with excitement. “Ashley told us that the new president is insanely handsome! We ran here straight from our apartments before even putting on makeup!”

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How handsome is he?”

Ashley clasped her hands together dramatically. “More handsome than a celebrity! And he’s young too. He looks like he’s about 23!”

Victoria paused at that.

23?

She was 32. A nearly ten-year age gap.

Ashley’s excitement continued. “He must be from an extremely wealthy family! Otherwise, how could he suddenly be appointed as president? His future girlfriend is going to be so lucky!”

Victoria’s lips curled into a sly smile as she crossed her arms. “You three are ridiculous. Stop acting like love-struck teenagers.”

Ashley giggled. “Don’t worry, Miss Clarke. We know we’re not worthy of Mr. Steele. He’s a powerful CEO—only you could match him.”

The investment department supervisor added, “Mr. Steele specifically asked to see you first when he arrived. He even called you the most beautiful deputy president in Orlando! Maybe he came in early just for you!”

Hearing those words, Victoria’s smile widened.

So, the young new CEO was already enchanted by her?

It was no surprise. She had been in the business world long enough to know the power she held over men.

She ruffled her hair and smirked. “I’ve been part of Orlando’s elite for years. There isn’t a man I can’t subdue.”

Then she straightened her blouse and adjusted her hair, preparing to meet the new CEO.

“The domineering president you’re all excited about? He’s just another bootlicker to me.”

She walked toward the president’s office with confidence.

“Watch how I make him submit in three minutes.”