Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 262

"She has a split personality. No one can predict what she might do.

"But even if we end the partnership, will that really stop her from picking a fight?" Dawn let out a slow breath and shook her head. "Unless I hide like a mouse, she'll always find me if she wants to.

"Ethan, we didn't do anything wrong. There's no reason for us to cancel the contract on our own."

Besides, this was a good chance to see what she was planning.

Cutting ties now would only put them in a weaker spot.

Ethan stared at her calm, gentle face for a moment. The firm look in his eyes slowly softened.

The elevator doors slid open. He stepped out.

"Hey ... " Dawn reached out and caught his hand from behind. "You're not gonna think it over again?"

Ethan chuckled quietly, turning to clasp her hand in return. "How long has it been since I came by, huh? I won't cancel anything. Can't I at least take a look around, Boss Lady?"

Dawn was stunned.

She let go of him and walked ahead, keeping a polite distance between them.

Even though they tried to act casual, the moment the husband and wife showed up together, the whole company buzzed with whispers. Everyone they passed greeted Ethan with respect, then threw Dawn a knowing wink when they saw her.

She took a deep breath, speechless, and hurried back to her desk.

Ethan smirked faintly, glanced at her once, then turned away.

He headed straight to his office.

"Call Linda in."

His low, steady voice carried through the room like a command.

Janice, passing by, instantly felt the tension in the air. She gave Dawn a wide-eyed look that said, What's going on? Feels like someone's about to die in there!

Dawn shrugged, just as confused.

She never got involved in Ethan's work anyway.

A few minutes later, the sharp rhythm of heels echoed down the hallway. Linda hurried to the CEO's office and knocked respectfully. "Boss."

"Come in."

She nodded, stepping inside and quietly pulling the door shut behind her—not locked, but left slightly ajar.

Ethan stood with his back to the door, his gaze distant as he looked out the window.

"Tell me," he said in a calm, almost lazy tone, "what's going on with Roxanne?"

His voice sounded casual, but Linda could hear the edge in it—a quiet disapproval. Of the deal, maybe?

Biting her lip, she answered carefully, "Ms. West came to us first, asking for a partnership. Stonewarden Group is a big company. They want to get into the jewelry market, and we're trying to reach the international market. If it works out, it'll be a win-win for both sides."

Silence filled the office after she finished.

It was a while before Ethan finally turned around.

His eyes were deep and unreadable when he spoke again, still in that calm tone. "And if it doesn't work out?"

"Uh ... " Linda froze. She hadn't thought that far.

Uh ... No.

"I'm the one getting the special treatment," Ethan said with a teasing smile, thumb brushing over her hand. "Everyone knows we're a couple. No need to hide it."

That look of his—gentle but stubborn—made her heart skip faster and faster.

"You're still not leaving?"

"You're kicking me out?"

" ... Don't you have work to do at your company?"

"Yeah," he said, voice low. "Guess I should go."

He pulled her hand around his waist and drew her close, wrapping her in a tight hug. "What do I do? I don't want to leave you."

"You sound like a kid ... " Dawn tapped his waist, then, realizing how good it felt, gave it a little squeeze. "I still have work to do, you know."

"If Roxanne comes to you again, don't bother with her," he said softly. "She won't be around for long anyway."

He gave her a small, sincere smile. "You've been working hard, you know."

"It's really not that hard."

Dawn smiled. "Don't worry. I can take care of myself."

They lingered for a bit longer before Ethan finally left.

A few minutes later, Janice walked over, coffee in hand, shaking her head in mock envy. "You and Boss are so lovey-dovey it's making the rest of us nauseous. Everyone in the office has been talking about it."

Dawn shot her a look. "Save the gossip for your coffee breaks. When can I see the draft for Roxanne's project?"