C19 Rival Billionaire

Billionaire heir Damien Cross, the acting CEO of Starlight Incorporated, is seated majestically in his office chair.

His keen eyes focused on the report in Ferdinand's hands, his ears itching to hear what Lucas Hawke had been up to during his absence.

He had just returned from England two days earlier after completing a course, as insisted on by his father, Chairman Cross.

Chairman Cross is a strict man who doesn't joke with his business. He believes that having wealth and a thriving company does not necessarily mean his son would inherit them unless that son proves to be worthy.

Damien had been trying to live up to his father's expectations but it had always been a struggle. It still is.

All he got was the position of Acting CEO and even that was on probation.

It infuriated him that as someone born with a silver spoon, he had to hustle and struggle to attain positions in his own family company like a nobody while Lucas Hawke, a penniless orphan had achieved so much in the business world.

Damien started, "So," in a voice that was a perilous blend of tranquility and threat, "Lucas Hawke has a new art project. And he's discovered a muse?"

Ferdinand, his most trusted aide, gave a nod. "Sophia Lynns. Talented and gaining popularity in the art world. Additionally, she is...close to Lucas. Damien's forehead raised.

"You say close? That means they're together. Easy to use. People who are in love tend to act recklessly.” He got up and started pacing the space.

“You did well while I was away. I knew you were good but you outdid yourself." Damien stopped and praised Ferdinand, the satisfactory look on his face, hard to miss.

“Thank you, boss,” Ferdinand bowed deeply in appreciation. “I had enough resources at my disposal to carry out your orders. Once I noticed Lucas’s interest in the artist, I got to work immediately, harassing the lady with unfounded accusations against Lucas, using strangers, reporters, and the like. It was also easy to gain access to her studio and apartment should the need to plant something there arise.”

Damien listened with rapt attention to Ferdinand, nodding satisfactorily when the latter was done. “I want all of her information. That artist. I want to know why Lucas settled for her. He hasn't been with a woman since the death of his wife. Why now? Why her? That son of a gun is calculative. I won't be surprised if he has a trick up his sleeves.”

"Understood boss," Ferdinand replied. "I'll intensify in scaring her too. It's been easy so far. Doubts are like seeds—they grow fast when planted in fertile soil."

Damien smirked. "Good. Lucas may think he’s untouchable, but he’s blind to the knife I’ve been sharpening. Let’s make sure it cuts deep."

************************************************

Sophia slid into her lavender silk lingerie, the material slipping over her white skin.

Getting ready for bed, she let out a sigh as she relived the day's events. She wondered when Shirley was going the read the handwriting on the wall and just let her be. The woman should be the last person to act like she cares.

A knock on the door cut her thoughts short. She looked at the clock and scowled. At this hour, who would come?

Curious but hesitant, she walked to the door, wrapping a robe over her shoulders.

And she gasped, "Lucas?" as she opened the door.

Despite it being late, he stood there looking incredibly attractive in a casual button-down shirt and black pants. When his eyes met hers, they became softer.

"Hey," he murmured. "I understand that it's late, but I can't help it.”

“Help what?” Sophia inquired, still surprised.

Lucas shrugged, “Coming to see you.”

Sophia felt her heart beat faster. “It's almost midnight, Lucas. I'm sure could've waited till morning.”

His face lit up with a boyish charm as he smiled. “Not."

Despite rolling her eyes, she moved to make room for him. Her pulse quickened as the familiar smell of his cologne filled the air as he passed her.

Lucas scanned her comfortable apartment, his eyes resting on the drawings strewn on the coffee table. He said, "You've been working late."

Sophia pulled the robe tighter over her and shut the door. "It helps me think."

His countenance softened as he turned to her. "I didn't intend to bother you. I simply had to see you.”

She didn't miss the earnestness in his voice. She pointed at the couch. "Well, given that you're here already, have a seat. I can't turn you away anyway. Don't anticipate coffee, though.”

With a laugh, Lucas sat down on the couch and patted the area next to him.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Sophia joined him, feeling the warmth of his presence.

His gazes swept over her body, and he said abruptly, "You're beautiful," while maintaining eye contact with her.

Sophia's cheeks turned red. She said, "Lucas, stop," although she didn't mean it.

"I’m serious," he murmured, removing a lock of hair off her face. "You're amazing, Sophia. And, I've been foolish for not stating it more.”

Her chest constricted at the vulnerability in his voice. "What's this about, Lucas? Why are you here? I'm sure you didn't just come to flatter me.”

He draped one arm across the back of the couch and leaned back. "I came because I couldn't get you off my mind. It didn't seem like I'd get any sleep without seeing you. I didn't come to flatter you, trust me. And also, it seems like the perfect time to let you know that I'm always here for you, no matter what—Always.”

His comments pulled at Sophia's in unexplainable ways, making her heart race. "Lucas, you make it hard to resist you."

With a laugh, he drew her in until her head was on his chest. "Then stop trying."

For a while, they sat in cozy stillness while his fingertips traced soft lines across her arm. "You work too hard," he whispered.

She taunted, "Coming from a self-made billionaire, how ironic. Show me someone more hardworking."

Her comments made him laugh. "Touché." He raised her chin and fixed his eyes on hers. “But I do mean it, Sophia. Look after yourself. And have a little more faith in me.”

Sophia gulped forcefully, her feelings a jumbled whirlwind. “Okay, I'll try,” she whispered.

Lucas smiled faintly, “That's all I ask.”

Neither of them moved for a minute. The world seemed to shrink around them, leaving only the electrified space between their bodies.

Her voice was barely audible as she started, "Lucas—”

Before she could continue, however, he tilted her chin up and delicately brushed her cheek with his palm. He whispered gently, "Sophia," with a tone that she couldn't quite put her finger on. "Tell me to stop."

As she looked into his eyes, her heart thumped in her chest, conflicted between the part of her that yearned to get closer to him and the part that wanted to be careful.

But she didn’t tell him to stop. Slowly, almost cautiously, Lucas leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was both sweet and electric.

Although Sophia’s mind raced with the consequence of getting this way again with Lucas, her body responded immediately, her hand going up to rest against his chiseled chest, feeling his warm skin in her palm.

It seemed the world fell away for a moment, leaving only the warmth of his lips on hers, and the intensity of their connection.

With his breathing erratic, Lucas leaned his forehead on hers until they eventually separated, their eyes still closed for a moment before opening them to look at each other.

“You haven't told me to stop,” Lucas stated, his voice husky with desire.

“Then don't.”