CHAPTER 0013 Alaric's POV : The boardroom was silent . Not respectful silent . Not attentive silent . But the kind of silence that came when fear settled over every single person like a second skin . Perfect . I didn't tolerate mediocrity , and I sure as hell didn't reward disloyalty . But today , I was about to do both . And it's all because of what I knew she wanted . Meadow Russell . My sweet , innocent doe . I hadn't been able to take my mind off her ever since I felt her touch for the first time six months ago . It had been an accident - one that I was sure she didn't even remember . But she'd been standing just outside this building , waiting for that damn bastard , and her hand had brushed against mine . It was faint , but I felt it . Meadow's touch . I made it a point to know every single thing about her , though it had been a bit difficult to delve into her past . It wasn't long before I discovered what her twin sister had been doing without her knowledge . And from that moment on , I knew it was only a matter of time until she was mine . And now - she was . She just didn't want to accept it yet . A sharp feminine voice pulled me out of my thoughts . " Last item , " Dana said from my right , flipping the page of her leather folder . " Executive assistant to the CEO . Top internal candidate : Tyler Cross . " There it was . Dana turned the file so I could see , but I didn't need to even spare a glance at it . I already knew every detail about him - where he lived , how he spoke , how he thought he was clever enough to juggle two women under the guise of screwing one over . How he thought he could touch what belonged to me without consequence . " He's led the sales team for the last eighteen months , " Dana continued . " Metrics are solid , projects delivered on time ... He's confident . " He was the entire reason this meeting was being held in the first place . The department heads and advisors just didn't know it . They thought they were here for employee evaluations . 1/4 CHAPTER 0013 +15 BONUS Which , practically , they were . But not for the same reasons that I had in mind . I looked straight ahead , resting one hand against the table . " Let him in , " I said , keeping my voice flat . Exactly one minute later , the door slid open , and Tyler Cross walked in with that polished , fucking eager look on his face . Slacks over - pressed , tie knotted tight , smile dialed down to a modest ' I'm - just - so- grateful - to - be - here ' curve . But I saw right past all that bullshit . I've never claimed to be a good man , but at least I own up to it . I don't fucking pretend to be in love with someone for two years while I'm fucking the twin behind her back . Well , on the plus side , at least I knew that he'd never touched her . Not the way I wanted to touch her . And for that ... he would live . Suffer , but live . Like the pathetic fuck he was . " Mr. Ashford , sir , " he bowed his head slightly , completely unaware of the storm he'd just wandered into . Completely unaware that the woman he'd humiliated was now comfortably in my home . That I'd watched her fall apart in my arms . And that she would sign my name in ink before the week was done - because she was mine . I stared at him blankly . Tyler straightened , probably mistaking my silence for intimidation . It wasn't . I was just calculating how long it would take to make him squirm . He cleared his throat . " It's an honor to be considered , sir . " Honor . I wondered if it had been an honor to fuck Meadow's sister while she was still sleeping in the apartment they shared . To take her trust and twist it into a fucking game . To leave her feeling hollowed out and small Oh , I was going to have so much fun with this one . " I'm promoting you , " I said finally " Effective immediately , you're my executive assistant " The boardroom went pindrop silent again - only now , there was less dread , more disbelief . Because they all knew . L CHAPTER 0013 +15 BONUS They knew I didn't do favorites . Promotions weren't handed out like candy . You either bled for them or you didn't get them at all . And it seemed Tyler Cross had just realized that too . His eyes widened . " Sir ... Uh , thank you ! " he exclaimed , practically bouncing on the balls of his feet . Meadow never needed someone as weak and cowardly as Tyler Cross . " I won't let you down , " he finished . " Oh , I know , " I said . I let the silence stretch again . None of them knew the truth - that I wasn't promoting him to reward him . I was promoting him so I could watch him fall from higher ground . So I could be the one to strip away everything he built , inch by inch , while he thought he was winning . And when Meadow found out ? When she learned what it meant to be mine ? She'd be glad she kept my ring on her finger . " Meeting adjourned , " I said , rising to my feet . Tyler smiled as he turned to leave , and I was fairly certain he did a happy kick on his way out . I smiled too . This was only the beginning . I took my phone out of my pocket as everyone else exited the boardroom , glancing at the screen to see a message from my driver , West . ' She's in , ' the text read . Good . I tapped out a reply , exited the message app , and scrolled through the few other apps on my phone until t found what I was searching for . And when I opened the app , I sat back down into my seat , a satisfied smile curving the edges of my mouth as I watched Meadow enter the guest suite right after the housekeeper , Mel And as I watched her take in her surroundings , surprise and wonder etched in her expression - I could tell , even though the feed was slightly grainy - only one word echoed in my mind . Mine . 3/4 CHAPTER 0013 Because she was mine . Meadow . My doe . +15 BONUS Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.