Chapter 39: The Game of Power and Love
by SlivvoElle sat eagerly in the conference room, her heart racing.
She was determined to win over Mr. Steele, the powerful and elusive president of Ace Corporation.
Herman leaned in, speaking in a low, calculated tone.
“Elle, you can’t be too forward. If you dress too provocatively, he’ll assume you’re nothing but a gold digger. You need to exude class, elegance, and restraint.”
Elle pouted but nodded. “Fine, I’ll hold back. But once I marry him, I’ll be the one calling the shots.”
Herman smiled proudly. His daughter had the beauty and cunning to pull this off.
If Elle married Mr. Steele, the Camdens’ fortune would be secure.
All they had to do was play their cards right.
A Rude Awakening
Minutes passed. Then half an hour.
Elle’s patience wore thin.
“Dad, why hasn’t he come yet?” she huffed, shifting uncomfortably in her chair.
Herman scowled. “It seems he doesn’t value us very much.”
Elle sighed dramatically and kicked off her heels, stretching out across the couch.
Just as she did, the door burst open.
Jordan walked in.
Elle jerked upright, scrambling to sit like a lady again.
Jordan’s sharp eyes took in the scene. His expression unreadable.
“Elle, I know you behave casually at home, but do you really have no self-respect in public?”
Elle’s face flushed red.
Before she could respond, Jordan’s gaze flicked over her outfit.
“Well, it’s the first time in three years that I’ve seen you cover so much of your body. I have to admit, it’s… refreshing.”
Elle fumed.
“Get lost! Stop ogling me! I didn’t dress up for you!”
Herman chuckled awkwardly. “Jordan, why are you here? Where is Mr. Steele?”
Jordan folded his arms, unimpressed.
“You’re here to discuss the project. You can speak to me.”
Herman scoffed, leaning back in his chair.
“Why would I waste my time talking to a mere bodyguard? What could you possibly know about business?”
Jordan’s patience snapped.
“Then there’s nothing to discuss.”
He turned to leave.
A Desperate Gamble
“Wait!”
Elle grabbed his wrist.
Jordan froze, surprised.
Elle’s expression had softened—her usual arrogance replaced with curiosity.
“Jordan, you’ve been Victoria Clarke’s bodyguard for a while now… right?” she asked, her voice syrupy sweet.
Jordan narrowed his eyes. “And?”
Elle leaned in closer, her perfume faintly intoxicating.
“Well then, you must know everything about her and Mr. Steele.”
Jordan raised an eyebrow.
“What’s their relationship really like?” Elle pressed. “Do they live together? Are they in love? Or… is there trouble in paradise?”
Jordan smirked, immediately understanding what Elle was up to.
She wanted leverage.
So he gave it to her.
“They broke up.”
Elle and Herman both gasped.
“They WHAT!?”
Elle clapped her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement.
“This is perfect! If Victoria’s out of the picture, I have an open shot at Mr. Steele!”
Herman beamed. “Heaven is truly helping the Camdens!”
Jordan watched them, amused.
He had no idea Elle would be so delighted over Victoria’s “breakup.”
The Real Power Move
Elle crossed her legs elegantly, flashing Jordan a self-satisfied smirk.
“Jordan… or should I say Jordy?”
Jordan stared blankly. “Jordy?”
Elle winked.
“Now that Victoria’s out of the picture, I’ll be the next Mrs. Steele. It’s inevitable.”
Jordan tilted his head, intrigued. “Oh? And why is that?”
Elle grinned.
“Because powerful men always want the best—and I am the best.”
She leaned forward, lowering her voice.
“You want to be on the winning side, don’t you?”
Jordan’s lips curled into a slow smile.
Elle assumed she had him wrapped around her finger.
She had no idea who she was dealing with.
Jordan stepped forward, towering over her.
“Then prove it.”
Elle’s confidence wavered for the first time.
“W-What do you mean?”
Jordan turned, walking toward the door.
“You claim to be the best. Let’s see if you can survive in my world.”
Elle swallowed hard, suddenly unsure if she had just won—or lost.
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