Part 30 ( Juliet )

The morning light filters through my curtains, warm and soft against my skin. I shift slightly, stretching my arm across the bed, fingers instinctively reaching for the body that should be there.

But I tap against cold sheets.

My brows knit together, sleep still clinging to my mind as I blink against the brightness of the room. I turn my head, searching, but Ellie's side of the bed is empty.

What the fuck.

I sit up, my stomach twisting with disappointment before I can stop it.

She snuck out?

I scoff, running a hand through my hair, irritation flaring hot beneath my skin. Wow. Way to start where we left off, Ellie. Classic Crawford move, say something nice, make me believe it, then disappear before morning.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, reaching for my phone, already preparing to ignore her existence for the rest of the day out of principle.

My eyes catch something on the nightstand.

A note.

Oh?

I pick up the folded piece of paper, my fingers smoothing over it as I unfold it. Ellie's handwriting is slightly messy, like she wrote it quickly, but it's unmistakably her.

Sorry. I didn't want to wake you up. You looked too beautiful for me to ruin. Had to head early for practice today. Got a game tomorrow. I'll swing by your building later.

I stare at it.

My chest tightens in a way I refuse to acknowledge.

I fold the note back up, pressing my lips together. My fingers hover over it for a moment before I open the nightstand drawer and tuck it safely inside.

Idiot.

I shake my head at myself, but there's a slight, involuntary warmth creeping up my neck.

I push myself up from the bed, stretching before making my way to the bathroom.

I catch my reflection in the mirror, I pause.

There's this dusting of pink across my cheekbones.

I exhale sharply, rolling my eyes at myself. "Unbelievable." I mutter.

I turn on the faucet, letting the cool water run over my hands before splashing some on my face, as if that'll do anything to wash away the way I feel right now.

Because it's stupid.

It's stupid how one damn note has my heart doing things I don't approve of.

Shaking it off, I grab a towel and pat my face dry.

Enough of that.

I have a day to get through.

-

The familiar city life greets me as I step out of my car, the black vehicle barely coming to a full stop before I'm already moving. The towering glass structure of Baldwin Lux looms above me, modern, pristine.

And at the very heart of it? Me.

As expected, Claire is already there, waiting just outside the lobby doors, her tablet in one hand, her phone in the other, and that same sharp, unshaken expression on her face.

She barely gives me a second to breathe before diving in.

"Good morning, Miss Baldwin. You have a packed schedule today."

I exhale, adjusting the cuff of my blazer as I step inside. "Let's hear it."

Claire walks in stride with me, her heels clicking against the marble floors as she reads off my agenda.

"First, a board meeting in twenty minutes to finalize the Q3 reports. After that, you have a call with our European investors, Milan, specifically, regarding the fall collection. Lunch is scheduled with the new head of marketing at Vérité, but you have the option to reschedule if needed. Then, back-to-back meetings with the development team about the expansion in Paris and a briefing with legal about the contract revisions for—"

I hold up a hand, exhaling. "I get it. Busy day."

Claire doesn't blink. "As always."

I smirk slightly, shaking my head. "Remind me to give you a raise."

Claire lifts a brow. "You say that every time. Still waiting on it."

I huff a quiet laugh, pressing the button for the private elevator. "Duly noted."

As the doors slide open, I step inside, already shifting my focus.

First meeting of the day.

I walk in the boardroom. A perfect setting for negotiations, strategy, and power plays.

I take my seat at the head of the table, my expression calm, collected. Claire is stationed near the door, her presence a quiet but firm reminder that every detail of this meeting is being noted, monitored, and will be handled accordingly.

Across from me sits Richard Calloway, CEO of Luxe International, one of the biggest competitors in the high-end luxury market. Next to him are his two closest allies—Martin Crane, an investment mogul who's had his hands in everything from real estate to tech startups, and Louis Ferrara, a well-known face in old-money circles, notorious for his cutthroat business tactics.

I already don't like them.

"Juliet," Calloway greets smoothly, flashing a practiced smile. "A pleasure, as always."

I lean back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other. "We'll see."

He chuckles, as if amused, but its his eyes i don't trust.

Claire hands me the overview of the meeting, but I barely glance at it. I know what they're here for. Luxe International has been circling Baldwin Lux for years, always looking for an opening, a weakness to exploit.

They won't find one.

Calloway gestures to the presentation on the screen, numbers flashing in clean, neatly packaged slides. "Baldwin Lux has dominated the luxury sector for the last decade, but as you know, the market is shifting."

I arch a brow. "Is it?"

Crane jumps in, his voice smooth but laced with underlying arrogance. "Let's not play games, Juliet. We both know exclusivity isn't enough anymore. Consumers want accessibility."

I hum, tilting my head. "Accessibility." I glance at the numbers on the screen, then back at them. "So your grand vision is to dilute the Baldwin Lux brand? To make luxury... common?"

Ferrara leans forward, his grin slow, smug. "To make it profitable."

I exhale sharply through my nose, a hint of amusement flickering in my expression. "That's cute."

Calloway's smile tightens. "We're offering you an opportunity here. Luxe International has the infrastructure, the reach. A partnership could—"

I lift a hand, silencing him.

"You think I took over this empire just to let you and your investors tear it apart?" My voice is smooth, unwavering. "I don't do partnerships. I don't do watered-down branding. And I sure as hell don't take advice from men who don't understand the industry they're trying to infiltrate."

Crane scoffs. "Come on, Juliet, let's be honest—"

I turn my gaze on him, cold, unyielding. "Oh, let's."

He hesitates for half a second before clearing his throat. "Baldwin Lux is strong, yes, but even you can't fight market trends forever. Eventually, you'll have to—"

"I don't have to do anything." I lean forward slightly, the weight of my words pressing into the air between us. "And what I won't do is allow three men who couldn't innovate their way out of a paper bag tell me how to run my company."

Silence.

Then, Calloway sighs, shaking his head. "Juliet, you always did have a sharp tongue."

I smirk. "And you always did have a fragile ego."

His jaw tightens, but he forces another smile. "You could be making a mistake."

I tap my nails against the table, feigning thoughtfulness. "Or maybe I'm just not an idiot."

Ferrara exhales, shaking his head with amusement. "Fine. Have it your way. Just know that when the tides shift, and they will shift, Baldwin Lux won't be untouchable forever."

A warning.

I lean back in my chair, watching them carefully. "Is that a threat, Ferrara?"

He smiles. "It's business, sweetheart."

My expression doesn't waver, but internally, something sharpens.

They're not just here to propose a deal.

They're here to set something in motion.

I glance at Claire, giving her the smallest nod. She understands immediately, already typing away on her tablet.

If they think they can outmaneuver me, they're sorely mistaken.

I exhale, standing. "If we're done here, I have actual meetings to attend."

Calloway stands as well, adjusting his suit. "We'll be in touch."

I smile, unyielding. "No, you won't."

As they leave, I finally turn to Claire.

"Get me everything on their recent business moves," I murmur, my voice low. "And find out exactly what they're planning."

Claire nods. "Already on it."

I take a breath, my fingers curling against the edge of the table.

Whatever they're up to?

They just made a mistake.

Because if they want a war, they'll get one.

And I don't lose.

-

I step into my office, shutting the door behind me. The tension from the morning's meetings still lingers, threading through my muscles like an invisible weight. I exhale, rolling my shoulders as I walk toward the windows that overlook the city.

Break time.

Technically.

But my mind refuses to rest.

I press a hand against the cool glass, my fingers tapping lightly as I replay the meeting in my head.

Calloway. Ferrara. Crane.

Three men who think they can outmaneuver me.

It's not just a power play. They're up to something.

The warning Ferrara left me with, it wasn't just empty words. They wouldn't have wasted their time coming here if they didn't already have a move prepared.

I just don't know what it is.

Yet.

I straighten, pushing away from the window, my jaw tight as I pace back toward my desk. Claire's already running a deep dive on their recent business moves. If there's something buried beneath the surface, she'll find it.

And when she does?

I'll crush it before it becomes a problem.

Still, a rare unease stirs in my gut.

Baldwin Lux has enemies. That's inevitable when you sit at the top. I've dealt with threats before, hostile investors, lawsuits, media slander, all of it. I know how to handle people who want to take what's mine.

But this feels different.

More dangerous.

I sigh, rubbing my temple before taking a seat at my desk. My fingers brush over the neatly stacked papers in front of me, but I don't bother reading them. My mind isn't on reports or numbers.

I lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment.

They want something from me. They think I'll bend, that I'll cave the moment the market shifts, the moment there's pressure.

They don't understand.

I don't break.

A sharp knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts.

Claire steps in without waiting for permission.

She has her tablet in one hand, a knowing look in her eyes.

"I have something," she says simply.

I exhale slowly, already straightening in my chair. "Show me."

Claire walks toward my desk, her expression hard, which means whatever she found, it's not good. She places the tablet in front of me, tapping the screen once before sliding it over.

I glance down.

And my stomach tightens.

Emails. Financial records. A series of discreet transactions, carefully hidden under shell companies and offshore accounts.

They're buying out my suppliers.

One by one.

I swipe through the documents, my pulse steady but my mind already working through the implications. Luxe International, under the guise of secondary investors, has been quietly acquiring stakes in the manufacturers Baldwin Lux relies on.

Fabric mills. Leather suppliers. Exclusive artisans who only work with us.

"They're cutting off your supply chain," Claire says evenly. "Not all at once—just enough to make it seem like market shifts, like natural disruptions." She points to a name listed under one of the transactions. Crane Holdings. "Martin Crane has been spearheading this for months. Quietly. Strategically."

I exhale through my nose, a slow, simmering kind of anger creeping into my chest.

"They want to force you into a corner," Claire continues. "If they control your suppliers, they control your production. Which means you either play their game—"

"Or I lose everything."

Claire doesn't respond. She doesn't have to.

A flicker of amusement tugs at the corner of my lips. It's not humor, it's something that's been lying dormant for too long.

"They think they can starve me out," I murmur, tapping my nails against the desk. "think they can control me."

I let out a quiet laugh, shaking my head.

"They really don't know who they're fucking with."

Claire watches me carefully. "What's the play?"

I close my eyes for a second, inhaling slowly. When I open them again, the decision is already made.

"Start buying up shares in Luxe International. Quietly. We'll bleed them from the inside before they even realize it."

"Done."

"Send a direct message to our top suppliers, the ones they haven't gotten their hands on. Let them know I'm willing to match and double whatever Luxe is offering."

Claire smirks. "That'll cost you."

"I don't care."

Claire taps at the screen. "Consider it handled."

I lean back, eyes narrowing at the tablet in front of me.

"Also," I add, tilting my head, "leak the acquisition details to the press."

Claire pauses. "That might cause a PR nightmare."

I smile. "Exactly."

If they want to play dirty? I'll drag them through the mud.

"They wanted to do this quietly, wanted me to panic, to bend before anyone noticed." I shake my head. "Now? Everyone will know exactly what they're trying to pull."

Claire watches me for a moment, then nods. "I'll make the calls."

As she turns to leave, I stare at the screen again.

Calloway. Crane. Ferrara.

They thought they were being smart like I wouldn't see it coming.

But they made one crucial mistake.

They came after me.

I hum and lean back on my chair, satisfied.

-

The smooth scratch of my pen glides over the last line of the document as I sign my name, another contract sealed under Baldwin Lux. Just as I set the pen down, there's a knock at my office door.

Claire's voice follows immediately after. "Ms. Baldwin, Ellie Crawford is here to see you."

My lips curl.

Ellie.

I lean back slightly, glancing at Claire. "Let her in."

Claire nods and steps aside, revealing Ellie as she walks in, casual and composed, yet carrying an unmistakable presence.

And in her hands?

Tulips.

My favorite.

I push away from my desk and walk toward her, my gaze flickering between her and the bouquet. "For me?" I ask, reaching up to press a light peck to her lips.

Ellie smirks. "No, for your mom."

I roll my eyes and slap her shoulder lightly, unable to hide the amused smile tugging at my lips. "Idiot."

Ellie laughs, then leans in, kissing me again, slower this time, before pressing the bouquet into my hands. "Of course, they're for you, Jules."

I glance down at them, the soft petals vibrant against my skin. I inhale the faint scent of them before meeting her gaze again. "You remembered."

Ellie's eyebrows furrow. "Why would i forget?"

I hum. "No reason." I tap a single tulip against my palm as I study her, ignoring the way my heart flips at that and settle into my chair, watching as Ellie wanders around my office, her fingers trailing lazily along the polished surface of my desk before she leans against it.

"Since when do you bring me flowers?" I ask her.

Ellie tilts her head slightly, hands slipping into the pockets of her jacket. "Since I felt like it." She nods toward the desk. "Not that it's the first time I've left you something on there."

I pause, eyes narrowing slightly. "Ellie."

Her smirk deepens. "What?"

"You're being obnoxious."

She exhales a short laugh, stepping forward. "Am I?" She leans over the desk slightly, one hand splaying across the polished wood. "Because I distinctly remember you being the one who asked me to sit on this desk last time I was here."

I press my lips together, willing myself to stay neutral. "You must be imagining things."

"Oh, I don't think so." She glances at the chair I'm sitting in, then back at me, voice dipping just slightly. "I was standing right there." She taps the desk. "And you were right here. Legs spread. Hands gripping the edge. And you—"

I hold up a hand. "Ellie."

She grins, like she's enjoying every second of this. "What?"

"Ellie."

Her smirk only grows. "You know, I wonder if your board members ever sit in this chair and think, 'huh, something feels different about this office.'"

I exhale sharply, standing up. "Do you ever shut up?"

Ellie leans in slightly, her height forcing me to tilt my chin up to meet her eyes. "You didn't seem to want me quiet last time."

I clench my jaw, my fingers tightening slightly around the flowers.

Ellie hums. "I bet if I pulled you onto this desk right now, you'd—"

I stand up, my eyes looking up at her. "If you finish that sentence, I will kick you out of my office."

Ellie chuckles, eyes darkening just slightly as she watches me. "Mmm. Tempting."

I exhale through my nose, ignoring the way my pulse has picked up. "You're unbelievable."

Ellie grind, then she reaches past me to grab the pen on my desk. She twirls it between her fingers before holding it up. "Hey, look at that. Found the pen I knocked over."

I blink at her, unamused. "Get out."

Ellie laughs, stepping back with both hands raised in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll behave."

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. "You better."

Ellie walks over to the couch against the far wall and plops down like she owns the place, one arm draped over the backrest as she watches me. "Alright, How's your day been?"

I exhale, glancing at the stack of documents on my desk. "Busy."

Ellie hums. "Shocking."

I shoot her a look, but there's no real bite behind it. "And you? Practice?"

Ellie sighs, stretching her legs out. "Exhausting. Coach is on a rampage. Wants us in top form for tomorrow's game."

I nod, already picturing it. "Home or away?"

"Home." She grins. "You should come."

I tilt my head. "Should I?"

Ellie smirks. "You want to."

I tap my nails against my desk, considering her. "Maybe."

Ellie chuckles. "That's as close to a yes as I'm gonna get, huh?"

I lift a shoulder in a slow shrug. "For now."

Ellie watches me for a moment before shaking her head with an easy laugh. "You're something else."

I hold her gaze for a beat longer before looking away, reaching for the tulips again, running my fingers lightly over the petals.

Ellie watches me, then exhales softly, shifting forward slightly. "I wanted to see you."

I glance at her. "And bring flowers, apparently."

Ellie smirks. "I figured I needed to impress you."

I hum. "You're gonna need more than flowers to do that."

Ellie leans forward, resting her forearms on her knees. "That a challenge?"

I smirk, tilting my chin slightly. "It's whatever you want it to be."

Ellie chuckles, shaking her head as she leans back again. "I'm gonna win you over, you know."

I lift a brow. "Are you?"

Ellie nods, casual and confident. "Absolutely."

I hum, running my fingers over the tulips again. "Guess we'll see."

Ellie just watches me, her expression softer now, more genuine flickering in her eyes. And for a moment, I don't say anything.

I just let myself enjoy it.

Ellie leans forward, elbows resting on her knees, that signature smirk tugging at her lips. "So," she drawls, tilting her head, "does this mean you'll be wearing my jersey tomorrow?"

I hum, tapping my fingers against the bouquet in my lap. "Do you want me to?"

Ellie doesn't even hesitate. "Yes."

I raise a brow at her certainty. "That was fast."

She shrugs, an easy grin playing on her lips. "I know what I want."

I hum again, dragging it out just to watch her squirm. "Then I guess I'll be wearing your jersey."

Ellie's grin widens instantly and I swear she looks so damn pleased with herself. "You on the sidelines in my number? Might just be the best motivation I've had all season."

I scoff, shaking my head. "Oh, please."

Ellie grins. "I'm serious. Since you'll be watching....I might just have to put on a show."

I smirk, leaning in slightly. "Who says I'll be impressed?"

Ellie huffs, shaking her head like she can't believe me. "Right, because seeing me absolutely dominate on the field wouldn't do anything for you."

I hum, pretending to think about it before shrugging. "Guess you'll just have to show me."

She stands up from the couch and moves closer to me.

"You're actually coming?" she murmurs, quieter now, like she just wants to hear me say it again.

I nod, voice softer. "I'm actually coming."

Ellie exhales, she leans in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against my lips. It's not rushed, just warm, certain.

I sigh into it, my free hand finding the front of her jacket, pulling her just a little closer. She hums, kissing me again, deeper this time, her thumb brushing against my cheek.

I let myself sink into it, the warmth of her, the way she kisses me like she means it.

We break apart, breathless, but neither of us move away. Our foreheads press together, lips still ghosting over each other's. Her breath mingles with mine, warm. For a moment, it feels like the whole world narrows down to this. Just her, just us, just the quiet gravity pulling us closer.

A sharp knock on my door.

Ellie groans. "No," she mutters dramatically. "I refuse."

I exhale a quiet laugh, smoothing a hand down her arm. "I don't think that's how it works."

The door cracks open slightly, and Claire's voice follows. "Miss Baldwin, you have another meeting in five minutes."

Ellie sighs, her forehead dropping onto my shoulder. "Tell her no meetings. Juliet's busy."

Claire doesn't miss a beat. "Juliet is busy. With work."

I smirk, pulling back just enough to meet Ellie's gaze. "You heard her. Work calls."

Ellie groans then she leans back down to kiss me again, quick but firm. "Fine. I'll let you be important."

I roll my eyes. "How generous of you."

Ellie grins, brushing her fingers against my jaw one last time. "I'll text you later."

I hum, watching as she heads for the door. Just as she steps out, she turns back. "I'll bring my jersey later at your house tonight."

I shake my head, biting back a smile. "Tonight, huh?"

Ellie grins over her shoulder, eyes glinting with mischief. "Yeah, tonight. Unless you'd rather i give it to you tomorrow?"

I shake my head. "Tonight."

And with that, she's gone, striding out of my office.

The door clicks shut behind her, leaving a lingering warmth in the space she just occupied.

I barely get a second to exhale before I notice Claire standing there, still holding her tablet, eyes slightly wide.

"I didn't know you two were a thing." she says, utterly stunned.

I press my lips together, letting out a small huff as I grab the files for my next meeting. "It's a work in progress."

Claire blinks, processing, then lets out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Huh."

I glance at her. "What?"

She shrugs, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Nothing. Just... makes sense."

I narrow my eyes. "You're enjoying this."

"Not at all," she says, entirely unconvincing. "Just observing."

I roll my eyes, adjusting the papers in my hands. "I have a meeting."

Claire gestures toward the door, still smirking. "By all means, Miss Baldwin."

I huff a quiet laugh, shaking my head as I walk past her. Work mode back on.