Chapter 26

Chapter 26
Fernandez's voice cut through the chaos, "Meeting adjourned. We'll reconvene later." He stood, his eyes never leaving Anna's face, and grasped her waist, leading her out of the meeting room.
In his office, Anna disengaged from his grasp and retrieved a handkerchief from her bag. She delicately cleaned her skin, erasing the touch of Fernandez's hands. The gesture was a clear rebuke, and Fernandez's eyes narrowed.
Anna settled into his chair, her curves on display. Fernandez's gaze roamed over her body, his expression darkening. "Why are you dressed like this?" he growled. "You should only dress like this for me, no one else."
Anna clicked her tongue, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Oh, so it's bad that I'm dressed like this, but it's okay for one of your male employees to offer me a one-night stand?"
Fernandez's face turned red with rage. "Who was it?" he thundered, his fists clenched.
Anna's smile grew wider. "Just a brave soul who thought I was available."
Fernandez's eyes blazed with fury. "I'll find out who it was, and he'll pay." He took a step closer to Anna, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You're mine, Anna. No one else touches you."
Anna's laughter was like ice. "Possessive, Fernandez? How...quaint."
Fernandez's eyes sparkled with mischief as he warned, "Be careful, Anna. It seems your wounds have healed, and you've forgotten the punishment you received till midday."
Anna's fists clenched, her anger simmering just below the surface. She struggled to maintain control, but her eyes flashed with fury.
Fernandez watched, fascinated, as Anna's emotions played across her face. He found her attempts at revenge adorable, and this side of her captivated him.
"Why are you here, Anna?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Anna crossed her legs, a sly smile spreading across her face. "I'm here to be your Personal Assistant."
Fernandez's confusion was evident. "I already have a Personal Assistant."
Anna's smirk grew wider. "You proposed that I work in your company, remember? If you won't give me the post I want, I'll leave."
Fernandez's expression changed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Don't leave, Anna. I'd be delighted to have you as my Personal Assistant. You'll be within my grasp, and I can monitor you closely."
Anna scoffed inwardly, thinking, "He has no idea what's coming. No one will tell him before he fires me."
"I'm glad we understand each other," Fernandez said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Anna's smile was a thin, wicked line. "Oh, we do."
As they locked eyes, Mr. Thompson knocked on the door, his voice hesitant. "May I come in, sir?"
Fernandez nodded, his gaze still fixed on Anna. "Enter."
Mr. Thompson stepped inside, his eyes darting between Fernandez and Anna. He cleared his throat, "I, uh, didn't want to discuss this in front of..."
Anna's smile was knowing. "No need to worry, Mr. Thompson. I'm now Fernandez's Personal Assistant."
Mr. Thompson's eyes widened, and he choked on his spit. "M-madam, I..."
Anna stood, her movements fluid, and patted Mr. Thompson's shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't affect your job. Fernandez just needs a Personal Assistant like me by his side." She winked at Mr. Thompson, who looked like he wanted to disappear.
Fernandez's cold voice cut through the air. "Are you here to chat with my wife or discuss the reason why you're here?"
Mr. Thompson quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Alex is here, requesting to see you. He's...he's asking what he's done to deserve bankruptcy and begging for mercy."
Anna whispered under her breath, "Jealous psychopath."
Fernandez's eyes narrowed, his gaze warning Anna to behave.
Mr. Thompson continued, "He's willing to do anything to avoid bankruptcy, sir."
Fernandez's expression was unreadable. "Send him in."
As Mr. Thompson left, Anna's smile was a thin line. She knew she had to tread carefully, but she was determined to play this game to the end.
Anna's expression turned unreadable as she heard Alex's name. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, unsure of what to do. She had lied to Alex, telling him she was single, and now Alex was coming to face the consequences of her actions.
Fernandez's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he tried to read Anna's thoughts. He was consumed by jealousy, his mind racing with the possibility that Anna still had feelings for her lover.
"You haven't learned your lesson, have you?" Fernandez spat, his voice venomous. "You're still feeling pain for your lover. That's normal, but he isn't escaping bankruptcy."
Anna's eyes snapped up, her pride forgotten as she begged, "Please, Fernandez, don't let him go bankrupt. I'm the one who told him I was single."
Fernandez moved closer, his voice low and menacing. "If you knew what he planned to do to you, you'd know that's what he deserves."
Anna tried to speak, but Fernandez raised his hand, silencing her. She sighed, resigned, as they waited for Mr. Alex to enter. Her only hope was that Fernandez would change his mind.
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. Anna's heart raced, her mind racing with the consequences of her actions. She could only pray that Fernandez would show mercy.
Alex entered the room, his eyes locking onto Anna. He couldn't help but compliment her, "Anna, you look stunning. That dress was made for you."
Anna chastised him in her mind, "Idiot, can't you see the tension in the room?"
Alex seemed oblivious to Fernandez's glare, his eyes still fixed on Anna. "I was so worried about you yesterday when I didn't see you at the party. I tried calling you, but you didn't pick up."
Anna's eyes darted to Fernandez, her mind racing with the memory of her punishment. "Why would I pick up when someone was busy punishing me?"
Fernandez's smirk was almost imperceptible, but Anna felt it.
Before Alex could continue, Fernandez made a sudden move, picking Anna up and settling her onto his lap. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she felt his arms wrap around her, his grip possessive.
Alex's eyes widened, his mouth hanging open in shock. "Ah, I...I see."
Fernandez's eyes never left Alex's face, his expression daring him to say another word.
And with that, the room fell silent, the tension palpable, leaving Alex wondering what he had just walked into.