Chapter 69

Lauren's POV

“Miss. Lauren, I'll like to introduce you to the CEO of Hale Industries, Roman Hale,” the manager said.

And immediately, my heart dropped.

I couldn’t even hide the disappointed look on my face. My lips parted slightly, and I felt my throat go dry as if all the moisture had been drained out of me in one sharp pull. It would have been easier, so much easier if he had been anyone else. If he were just the IT guy, the one fixing wires in the back office. If he were a coworker, another person hustling day to day. At least then I could tuck away what happened between us into a box labeled “mistake” and shove it into some dusty corner of my memory.

But this? This was far worse than anything I had braced myself for.

I should have seen the signs last night. The bodyguards, the special VIP treatment, the way the staff at the club seemed to recognize him instantly, it all screamed power. Status. Untouchable wealth. My instincts had wh