Allyson's POV
The moment Michael Jade stepped into that conference room, my world tilted on its axis. At first glance, he appeared to be just another corporate executive in an expensive suit. But recognition slammed into me like a freight train when he introduced himself. This was the same man whose lips had claimed mine just hours ago. The same hands that had explored my body now gestured confidently toward the presentation screen.
My throat constricted as the horrifying truth crystallized. The man who had given me my first taste of real passion was Reagan's father. The universe had played the cruelest joke imaginable.
I forced myself to focus on his words, though my pulse hammered against my eardrums.
"The selection process for this software development project will be rigorous. Those chosen will collaborate directly with me to create technology that could revolutionize modern business practices. Jade Innovations will provide complete financial backing for the winning proposal."
Enthusiastic applause filled the room. Everyone around me buzzed with ambition and excitement, their dreams practically glowing in their eyes. Meanwhile, I felt like I was drowning in quicksand.
Michael's powerful frame dominated the space as he leaned against the conference table. His smile was professional, controlled, but for a split second, his gaze found mine. Heat flashed between us before I quickly looked away.
"Natasha will serve as your primary liaison throughout this process. She'll monitor your teams' progress and report directly to me. Remember, only one application will be selected. Those who don't succeed this round shouldn't lose hope. There's always opportunity for growth and improvement."
His voice carried that same commanding tone that had made my knees weak at the nightclub. Now it made my stomach churn with anxiety and shame.
After delivering a final encouraging smile to the room, Michael strode out with the same confident energy that had first caught my attention. The door clicked shut behind him, and I realized I'd been holding my breath.
My legs threatened to give out as I stumbled toward the hallway. I needed air, space, somewhere to process this nightmare before I completely fell apart. The nearest restroom became my sanctuary, but even getting there felt like running a marathon.
I shouldered through the door with trembling hands, colliding with a woman on her way out.
"God, I'm so sorry," I mumbled, trying to slip past her desperate need for privacy.
Instead of moving aside, she planted herself in my path. Her eyes swept over me with calculating interest.
"No problem," she replied, though something in her tone suggested otherwise.
"Excuse me," I attempted again, but she blocked my escape route.
"You seem familiar. Do we know each other?" Her head tilted as if she was solving a puzzle.
I ransacked my memory but came up empty. "I don't believe so."
Just as I turned toward the stalls, her voice stopped me cold.
"Actually, I remember now." A satisfied smirk spread across her face. "You're the girl who caught Reagan and me in bed last night."
The blood drained from my face. In the chaos and darkness of discovering Reagan's betrayal, I hadn't gotten a clear look at his partner. But now, studying her crimson hair and matching nail polish, the pieces clicked into place. These were the same nails that had raked across Reagan's back while I watched in horror.
"Sorry about the awkward timing," she continued with mock sincerity. "Reagan told me he was completely single, so I figured why not have some fun? I'm Lisha, by the way."
She extended her hand like we were meeting at a charity gala instead of discussing her role in destroying my relationship. The audacity was breathtaking. Her employee badge caught my attention, confirming my worst fears about having to work alongside this woman.
"Allyson," I managed, accepting her handshake while fighting the urge to vomit.
"Perfect! I was worried things might be weird between us since we'll be colleagues now." Her smile was pure poison. "But honestly, Reagan was just a quick stress relief for me. Nothing serious. I was in the mood, and he was eager to please... like always."
The casual cruelty of her words hit me like a slap. She wasn't just admitting to sleeping with my boyfriend, she was implying it happened regularly. That Reagan was some kind of serial cheater who made himself available to anyone interested.
"Have a wonderful day, Lisha," I forced out through gritted teeth before pushing past her into the restroom.
Alone at last, I began pacing like a caged animal. How long had Reagan been betraying me? How many women had there been? The questions multiplied like a virus, each one more painful than the last.
With shaking fingers, I pulled out my phone and dialed Gina. If anyone could help me navigate this disaster, it was her.
"Allyson? Shouldn't you be impressing corporate executives right now?" Gina answered with her usual energy.
"I should be, but Gina, you're not going to believe this. Michael, the man from last night, is Reagan's father."
Silence stretched between us before Gina found her voice. "Are you absolutely certain? You've never met Reagan's dad before, right?"
"I'm positive. Michael Jade, CEO of Jade Innovations. I never cared enough to meet Reagan's family before because I thought we had time. Now I wish I'd never met either of them."
"Holy hell, Allyson. This is completely insane. What's your plan?"
"I have no idea," I admitted, gripping the sink for support. "I practically threw myself at him, Gina. What if he thinks I'm some opportunistic little gold digger trying to sleep my way to success?"
"Stop that right now. You are not a gold digger or any other horrible thing you're thinking. Do you hear me?"
But shame continued washing over me in waves as I remembered how desperately I'd responded to Michael's touch, how I'd begged him not to stop.
"I'm completely screwed," I whispered.
"No, you're not. Just pretend nothing happened. Stay professional."
"How can I do that? If Reagan finds out I kissed his father, he'll destroy me."
"Who gives a damn what that cheating bastard thinks? He betrayed you first, remember?"
Her words sparked something fierce inside me. She was right. Reagan had thrown away our relationship for cheap thrills with women like Lisha.
Suddenly, Gina started laughing, and I frowned at her timing.
"What could possibly be funny right now?"
"This is perfect revenge! He cheated on you, so you kissed his dad. It's poetic justice. And I have to know, who's the better kisser?"
"Gina!" I gasped, shocked by her boldness.
"I'm serious. If I were you, I'd seduce his father just to watch Reagan's world burn. That would be the ultimate payback."
"Have you completely lost your mind?"
"Not at all. Men break hearts and walk away without consequences all the time. It's time for some payback. Though knowing you, you'll probably just suffer in silence. Look, I have to go, a client just walked in. We'll figure this out when you get home, okay?"
After she hung up, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Gina's words echoed in my mind, mixing with the memory of Lisha's smug confession and Reagan's betrayal.
The more I thought about it, the more her suggestion made sense. Reagan had humiliated me, broken my trust, and apparently made a habit of cheating with multiple women. He deserved to feel the same devastation he'd caused me.
And Michael Jade was exactly the man who could deliver that devastation.
But could I actually go through with it? Could I face Michael again without dying of embarrassment? What if he rejected me completely?
The pain and fury burning in my chest made the decision for me. I was going to make Michael mine, and I was going to hit Reagan where it would hurt him most.