Chapter 3: Why Care About Them

"I don't want to understand, and I don't care."

Heather's words dripped with elegant indifference as he adjusted his tie, striding out the door.

"Off to a meeting," he added dismissively without a backward glance.

Prisley clutched her folder, a few tears escaping. She quickly wiped them away with a tissue, pulling herself together in seconds. She put on a facade of confidence as she followed, though inside she felt shattered.

Her lips were slightly swollen, the taste of blood lingering. Prisley blinked hard, forcing back the hint of redness in her eyes.

In the conference room sat the company's top brass. Heather's brother, Vice President David, looked at Heather arrogantly as he entered.

"Heather, you're late," David sneered.

Heather raised an eyebrow but didn't acknowledge him, taking his seat in the middle.

Prisley followed behind, nodding slightly at David as she gestured at her wristwatch.

"Mr. Rynn, we have 30 seconds before the meeting officially begins." She wouldn't allow her boss to be late, although a slight delay wouldn't have mattered much. She just make sure everything was precise and orderly.

David didn't gain any advantage and was angry. He always clashed with Heather, always trying to undermine him.

Today's meeting was about the acquisition of Macron Tech.

"We're looking to expand into new sectors, and Macron's smart products have a promising future, with impressive financials," David boasted.

"If the acquisition goes through, we're confident we can triple our market share within a year and become a leader in the industry."

David wanted a project that would showcase his abilities, rather than be overshadowed and criticized by Heather in the family business.

David went on at length about Macron Tech, while Heather casually flipped through documents, played with his pen, and openly displayed his disdain. "Sorry, David, but this company is garbage."

David flushed with anger. "The financials and market analysis are sound! You doubt my competence?"

"I don't doubt it. But I only trust my team."

David pointed at Prisley. "Her? That slut? She only knows how to spread her legs for you!"

There were mocking snickers. Prisley felt the weight of the hostile looks, but she maintained her professional demeanor even though she felt utterly miserable inside.

She pulled up the file on her computer and projected it onto the big screen. "Gentlemen, here is the updated data we just compiled. There are discrepancies with the data you have, especially regarding the market outlook. I'll need about 10 minutes of your time."

Heather leaned back in her chair, his chin resting on his hand, watching Prisley speak with obvious pleasure.

Prisley always handled these mundane tasks for him flawlessly. He never had to worry about her messing up.

Although Prisley and Heather didn't openly acknowledge their relationship during work hours and maintained a professional distance, rumors circulated throughout the company. It was hard for others not to speculate, given their compatibility and camaraderie.

David stormed out in a fit of anger. "Heather, you need to take responsibility for the company!" he roared.

"My responsibilities don't need your reminders," Heather lazily replied, getting up to leave as well.

In the President's office, Prisley handed Heather the minutes of the meeting for review.

Heather caught Prisley's hand as she pulled it back and toyed with it absentmindedly.

"In the future, just handle these idiotic meetings for me. I don't want to waste my time."

"But David is your brother. If he's running the meeting, shouldn't you show him some respect?" Prisley tried to pull her hand back, but Heather's grip tightened.

"He's not cut out for this. I won't play pretend with him anymore."

Heather kissed Prisley's hand. "Your report was well done, better than I expected."

He didn't mention the unpleasantness from earlier. Prisley wasn't sure if he’d let it slide or just forgotten about it.

"Thank you for the compliment, President Rynn," Prisley replied in a professional manner.

"What, not happy?" Heather asked, "Take this." He pulled out a check for $5 million and the documents for a property out of his drawer.

It wasn't the first time Heather had given her a check outside of their contract, but this amount was significantly larger than before, and now there was also real estate involved.

Prisley didn't take it. "Why?" Heather's behavior had been frightening moments ago, but now he was offering her so much.

"Just take it and stop asking questions," Heather replied nonchalantly, tracing her lips with his finger. "Swollen? It's even sexier." He kissed her lightly again. "You can have it all with me. Don't overthink it."

Prisley didn't have to worry about him crossing any lines; Heather never overstepped boundaries in his own office. If he wanted intimacy, he would seek it out in her office cubicle.

Seeing Prisley hesitate to take the check and property documents, Heather asked, "Why don't you taking it?"

Prisley looked down. "Heather, I don't need this. I wish you would have stood up for me just once during the meeting."

Heather's look turned cold. "Why care about them? You know I can't publicly acknowledge our relationship." He sounded completely indifferent.

Prisley's eyes dimmed. She understood. Heather saw her only as a bedmate, her thoughts unimportant to him.

Disappointed, Prisley prepared to leave. "President Rynn, I'll print another copy of my resignation letter. Please sign it."

Heather's expression darkened and he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. "Prisley, I'll say it again, don't try my patience!"

Heather towered over her, his gaze shifting from the tender one a few minutes ago to one filled with malice.

Prisley felt his anger radiate, avoided his gaze, her voice shaking. "I will inform HR to find a suitable replacement as soon as possible."

Heather remained silent.

Taking a deep breath, Prisley continued, "I will leave after the handover is completed ." She said it all in one breath, finally daring to meet his eyes.

Unexpectedly, Heather released Prisley's hand and ran his slender forefinger delicately over her forehead, eyebrows, earlobes, chin, and finally down to her neck, as if admiring an exquisite work of art.

His touch was slow, filling Prisley with an inexplicable fear.

He remained silent, a hint of an ambiguous smile playing on his lips, while Prisley sensed a terrifying possessiveness in his gaze.

She had never seen Heather like this before, her body stiff with the uncertainty of how to react.

When his fingers lingered on her collarbone, caressing it gently , Heather said coldly.

"Get out!"