Chapter 5
Atlas's gaze locked onto Riley, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of her hand resting on Hunter's back. A spark of possessiveness ignited within him, and he felt an overwhelming urge to claim her as his own. Was she soliciting her services to Hunter now? The thought sent a burning sensation coursing through his veins.
As he approached the group, his towering figure cast a shadow over them, making Riley feel petite in comparison. She sensed his intense stare and withdrew her hand, feeling a shiver run down her spine. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken tension.
"Are you peddling your wares to everyone in sight?" Atlas's voice was low and even, but the undertone was unmistakable - a subtle blend of accusation and warning. Hunter opened his mouth to explain, but Atlas's glare silenced him, making Hunter's eyes drop in submission.
Riley's confusion deepened, her brow furrowing as she tried to decipher Atlas's behavior. What was wrong with this man? "I'm here to present my proposal," Riley clarified, misunderstanding Atlas's insinuation. Her voice was steady, but a hint of wariness crept into her tone. "It's an exclusive offer," she added, her eyes meeting Atlas's in a fleeting glance.
Atlas's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Riley. "Exclusive offer?" The words dripped with skepticism, his tone implying that he doubted her claim. Riley placed the file on the sleek, black glass table, its surface reflecting the light and creating a sense of depth.
Jaxon swiftly grabbed the file, his eyes scanning the contents with interest. "I've been in the industry for over a year," Riley stated, her professionalism evident in her poised demeanor. Atlas's emotions swirled, his confusion dissipating as he began to grasp the situation.
"That explains the inconsistency," he muttered, his voice barely audible. Jaxon interrupted, his eyes still scanning the file. "This is impressive... exactly what we need." Atlas's irritation flared, his eyes flashing with annoyance as he struggled to maintain his composure.
"What exactly do you propose to offer us?" he asked, his tone dripping with disdain. Riley's eyes sparkled with confidence as she began to outline her proposal. "I assure you, my services will exceed your expectations." Her voice was steady, but a hint of determination crept into her tone.
Hunter intervened, clearing his throat. "Atlas, I think there's been a misunderstanding. She's Miss Sue, the designer we hired." As the truth dawned on Atlas, his expression darkened further, his eyes flashing with anger. He shot Hunter a blaming glance, as if accusing him of deliberately deceiving him.
Riley, surprisingly composed, redirected the conversation. "Now that the... misunderstanding" - she stretched the word, her tone hinting at a deeper awareness - "is cleared, shall we focus on the proposal?" Her eyes met Atlas's, a flicker of challenge dancing across her face.
Hunter's eyes met hers, a flicker of guilt dancing across his face. His gaze dropped, his eyebrows furrowing in a silent apology, as if acknowledging the wrong assumptions they'd made about her. As she spoke, her phone buzzed with an incoming message from Attorney Chiu. The marriage contract was ready.
Riley's thoughts drifted, her gaze flicking to Atlas. "Do I have a choice?" she wondered inwardly, her gaze settling on the man who, despite their secret bond, looked at her with a stranger's eyes, oblivious to the fact that she was his wife. The realization sent a pang of sadness through her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Atlas's stern expression remained unchanged throughout the meeting. Though he listened intently, his mind wandered, fixated on the disparity between Riley's professional demeanor and the passionate night they shared. Her distant tone and avoidance of his gaze only added to his irritation, making him wonder if he had misread the situation entirely.
As the meeting concluded, Riley swiftly departed, leaving Atlas's darkening mood to puzzle Jaxon. "What's wrong with him?" Jaxon whispered to Hunter, but Hunter just shook his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
Later that day, Riley arrived at her apartment, exhausted from the events of the day. As she opened the door, she found a middle-aged man lingering by her doorway. Though he appeared harmless, her wariness persisted. "I'm Attorney Chiu, counsel to the Norton family," he introduced himself, his presence sparking Riley's astonishment.
"How did you find me?" Riley asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to gauge the attorney's intentions. Attorney Chiu's knowing smile hinted at the extensive connections of the Norton family. "Senior Norton has his ways," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.
As Riley invited him in, Attorney Chiu explained the terms of ...the marriage contract. A surprising revelation emerged: Oliver Norton had gifted Riley a grand mansion in Aquashire, an elite state in Northdesh, as a token of gratitude for saving his life. Though Riley felt overwhelmed by the generosity, she recognized the gesture's significance.
With a deep breath, she signed the marriage contract, sealing her union with Atlas Norton. The weight of her decision settled upon her, a reminder of the sacrifices she made to revive her mother's legacy.
Riley shared the news of her marriage with her best friend, Hazel, who erupted into excited shrieks. "Oh my god, Riley! You're married to Atlas Norton! This is huge!" Hazel's enthusiasm was infectious, but Riley couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.
The next morning, Riley received a call from Jacklyn Shaw, inviting her to Norton Industries to select her new office. Riley arrived at the company, dressed in a professional yet stunning outfit that exuded elegance. Jacklyn Shaw welcomed her with an unusually warm smile.
"Welcome, Miss Sue," Jacklyn said, her eyes scanning Riley's attire with admiration. Riley's long, wavy blonde hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her features were perfectly proportioned, from her full lips to her sharp jawlines. The custom-made blue blazer and flared trousers accentuated her curves, while the black stiletto heels elongated her legs. A sleek Gucci bracelet adorned her wrist, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look.
Riley's poise and beauty left Jacklyn impressed, her gaze lingering on the details of Riley's outfit. "Thank you," Riley replied, acknowledging Jacklyn's warm welcome.
As Jacklyn escorted Riley through the company, the employees' admiration was palpable, their faces reflecting their awe. The interior of Norton Industries lived up to its esteemed reputation. The expansive reception area boasted a sleek, modern design, with polished marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a stunning crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with elegant artwork, while a beautifully crafted wooden reception desk stood proudly at the center.
They stepped into the private elevator, which whisked them away to the top floor. "Miss Sue, your office has been designated on the top floor," Jacklyn announced, her charming smile still in place. "Mister Norton's orders," she clarified, noticing Riley's furrowed brow.
Riley's response was a muted "oh," her expression betraying her reluctance to acknowledge Atlas's name. Jacklyn presented Riley with five exquisite offices, each one meticulously designed. Riley deliberated, impressed by the impeccable taste that seemed to mirror her own preferences.
She finally chose the office at the far end of the hall, deliberately distancing herself from Atlas's office. With Jacklyn's farewell, Riley settled into her new space. Her office was a serene oasis, reflecting her fondness for white and feminine aesthetics. Soft, creamy hues adorned the walls, while elegant white furniture and delicate lace curtains added a touch of sophistication. A stunning crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.
Riley took a moment to acquaint herself with her new surroundings, jotting down notes on the office's interior. With her bearings established, she delved into the day's work agenda, her focus shifting to the tasks at hand.
In his office, Atlas exuded an uncharacteristic calmness, prompting Jaxon to comment, "You seem to be in a good mood." Jaxon's familiarity with Atlas's demeanor, forged through years of living together since childhood, allowed him to discern even the subtlest shifts in Atlas's emotions.
Just then, Hunter entered, his voice laced with amusement. "That's because the one who took his innocence, and whom he took hers, is now here." Atlas's eyes snapped up, his raised eyebrow silently questioning Hunter's statement. Jaxon's confusion deepened, sensing that something had been concealed from him.
His gaze darted to Atlas, seeking clarification. "Is it Miss Sue?" he asked, but Atlas feigned indifference, focusing on his computer screen. Undeterred, Jaxon's eyes locked onto Hunter's, and they exchanged knowing glances.
Suddenly, they burst into laughter, prompting Atlas's anger to simmer just below the surface. "Don't you have tasks to attend to?" Atlas growled, his patience wearing thin. Sensing the abrupt shift in his mood, Jaxon and Hunter beat a hasty retreat, nearly colliding with Riley on their way to the elevator.
As Hunter and Jaxon watched Riley walk by, they couldn't help but appreciate her elegance. "You look absolutely stunning, Miss Sue," Hunter said, his voice dripping with charm. Riley smiled warmly, thanking him while also noting the playful glint in his eye, a telltale sign of his flirtatious nature.
Jaxon, familiar with Hunter's antics, subtly rolled his eyes. Riley excused herself and headed to Jacklyn's desk,...which was situated near the offices. Jacklyn, anticipating Riley's arrival, guessed it was time for the promised tour. As they departed together, Atlas emerged from his office, his gaze drifting down the hall to the door bearing the title "Head Designer."
His eyes narrowed, anger simmering within him. The truth hit him like a thunderbolt: Riley had deliberately chosen an office far from his. With an impassive expression, Atlas strode toward the private elevator, which would take him directly to the diamond store room. His calm demeanor belied the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
Riley scrutinized each batch of diamonds, verifying their authenticity. Jacklyn recorded Riley's observations, until the elevator's beep announced Atlas's arrival. His gaze locked onto Riley, admiration evident on his face.
"I see you're already immersed in work," Atlas said, his voice tinged with approval. Riley's professional smile and nod acknowledged his comment, but Atlas detected a hint of detachment in her expression, reigniting the embers of his anger.
As Jacklyn excused herself, Atlas closed the distance between them. Riley felt the air thicken as he drew closer, his presence making her stilettos seem insignificant. The next moment, she was pinned against the wall, his hands restraining her wrists.
"You're avoiding me, aren't you?" Atlas asked, his voice low and husky, accusation simmering beneath the surface. Riley's eyes flashed with defiance. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," she retorted, her voice laced with a subtle challenge.
With a sudden movement, Atlas twisted Riley's hands behind her back and crushed his lips against hers. His mouth devoured hers, nibbling on her plump lips, coaxing a moan from her throat. As he deepened the kiss, Atlas's hand roamed up her body, locating her nipple through the layers of her clothing.
He pinched it between his thumb and index finger, applying gentle pressure. The fabric separating his skin from hers only heightened the sensation, sending shivers down Riley's spine. The intense kiss stretched on, time losing all meaning.
When Atlas finally broke away, Riley was breathless and yearning. Her eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.
"Why did you choose an office so far from mine?" Atlas asked, his voice still husky from their kiss. Riley's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I needed some space."
Atlas's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. He wasn't convinced. In fact, he was certain she was trying to distance herself from him.
With a curt nod, he released her wrists and stepped back, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I'll give you space," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "For now." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Riley feeling both relieved and anxious.
As she watched Atlas's retreating back, Riley reminded herself that she'd survived tougher battles, and she wouldn't let his dominance intimidate her, even as her heart skipped a beat at the thought of confronting him.