Chapter 23: Unspoken Tension
The color drained from Myra’s face as Sean’s words echoed in her mind. “Myra, I have never been interested in you. Do you want to know why?” He chuckled cruelly, savoring her discomfort. “You’re a contentious woman, and it turns men off. Even if I’m burning with desire, just looking at you dampens my mood.”
He grabbed his suit jacket and phone, striding out without another glance at her.
Left alone in the study, Myra stared at the abandoned blanket on the couch, her gaze blank and vacant.
The next afternoon, Myra arrived at work feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing on her. As soon as she stepped through the door, the receptionist called her. “Miss Stark, Miss Hay from the Hay Group is here to see you.”
Myra was slightly irritated but maintained her composure. “Pass her the phone.”
There was a moment of static, followed by a cheerful voice. “Myra, it’s Sasha. I’m at the ground floor of your company.”
“How can I help you?” Myra’s tone was guarded. She wasn’t particularly close to anyone from the Hay family, except her mother-in-law.
Sasha’s voice was warm and friendly. “I passed by Sean’s company while running errands today. Thought I should invite you to lunch! I’ll be at the Italian restaurant next to your building.”
Myra hesitated. She didn’t want to go but then remembered something, and her resolve softened. “Alright, I’ll come down now.”
After hanging up, Myra caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Her face was pale, tired. With a sigh, she gathered herself and left for the restaurant.
Sasha was already sitting at a table when Myra arrived. She was stirring her coffee absentmindedly, but her eyes brightened when she saw Myra. “Myra, why don’t you ever invite me to hang out? I called Aunt this morning, and she said you’re always by yourself. That must be so boring for you. I’ll hang out with you more often, okay?”
Myra quietly pulled her hand from Sasha’s grasp, taking her seat across from her. “I’m usually busy.”
Sasha, undeterred, smiled brightly. “You’re doing so much for Chase Group. Sean’s really lucky to have a wife like you.”
Myra’s smile was tight, but she didn’t respond. She was well aware of Sean’s reputation—he wasn’t the type to be “lucky” in any meaningful way.
Sasha seemed to notice Myra’s silence and realized she had misspoken. “Sorry! How can I help you, though? You called me out here.”
Myra, still distant, took a sip of the coffee Sasha had ordered for her but immediately set the cup down—she didn’t like cocoa-based drinks. “I’m in charge of the Sunny Bay Project,” she said plainly. “I assume you wanted to talk about that?”
Sasha froze, her smile faltering as her eyes darted to the badge on Myra’s chest—”Leader of Team A in the Design Department, Myra Stark.”
Myra noticed the shift in Sasha’s expression and didn’t miss the faint tension in the air. “I heard the Hart Group was interested in the design from the Chase Group for the Sunny Bay Project,” Sasha continued, her tone carefully measured.
Myra’s eyes narrowed, and she pushed a small pink gift box in front of her. “I bought this in Paris for you, Myra. I thought you might like it—a limited edition perfume. Why don’t you try it out?”
Myra’s lips curved into a smirk as she pushed the box back. “Sorry, but I’m not really into perfumes. And, yes, I’m the one in charge of the project. Is there anything else you wanted to know?”
Sasha’s face froze in shock, and Myra noticed her faltering gaze as she glanced at the badge.
“I’ll take care of the Sunny Bay Project,” Myra continued coldly. “And if you don’t have any other questions, I’ll be heading back to the office.”
With that, Myra stood and left the restaurant without waiting for a reply.
As Myra made her way back to the office, her phone rang. It was Eve. “You did well, Myra. Sasha may be my niece, but Sean is my son. I know you’ve done a lot for the Sunny Bay Project. Go with what feels right, and I’ll back you up.”
Myra’s tone softened. “Alright, Mom. I’ll take care of it.”
After a pause, she added, “I heard from Greta that your back pain is acting up. I’ll book an appointment and go with you for the check-up soon.”
Eve’s voice softened with gratitude. “You don’t need to rearrange your schedule for me, dear. Greta can go with me. You should focus on your relationship with Sean if you have time. I know you still care for him. Don’t worry, I won’t let just any woman into the Chase family.”
Myra stayed silent for a long time, and then replied, “I’ve arrived at the company, I need to go now.”
She hung up and looked up, spotting Sean walking toward the entrance. He was flanked by a group of department managers, all reporting on the latest developments. He was sharply dressed, his presence commanding attention. Myra couldn’t help but notice the way the female staff discreetly blushed as they passed by him.
Sean looked up and met Myra’s gaze for a split second before his face hardened. He turned away, clearly uninterested.
Myra’s heart clenched. She looked away and entered the building, quietly making her way to the elevator.
At the Design Department, Myra was met with congratulations from her team. “Congratulations, Miss Stark,” Tilly said with a teasing grin. “The Hart Group has dropped the Reid Group from the Sunny Bay Project. Looks like you’re on track for success.”
“Wait, what?” Myra asked, confused. “Why?”
Tilly giggled. “Apparently, the Reid Group was caught plagiarizing a design. The Hart Group has pulled out of any further proposals involving them. The Hay Group is now the only competition left for the Chase Group.”
Myra’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, but before she could respond, Elsie’s voice rang out from behind them. “Why are you all so smug? You’ve been boasting about your ‘relationship’ with Mr. Logan, but everyone knows how you get things done.”
Tilly’s face reddened in anger, but Myra raised a hand to stop her. “Why does it matter how I do it?” she said coolly. “If you want a project, maybe you should try harder to earn one.”