The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 10

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The CEO and the Country Wildflower


Chapter 10: The Wildflower’s Wager


Emelly Clus had never been one to back down from a fight, and she wasn’t about to start now. Standing in the dimly lit alley behind Brown Group’s headquarters, she tightened the straps of the stolen janitor’s uniform she’d swiped from a laundry cart. The fabric was too big, the sleeves swallowing her hands, but it would have to do. She’d memorized the building’s security rotations from the blueprints she’d studied months ago—back when she’d first joined York Group and made it her mission to know every inch of Lasmington’s corporate landscape. Lucas is in there because of me.


The thought twisted her stomach. She hadn’t missed the way Leo’s eyes had gleamed with cruel satisfaction as his men dragged Lucas away. This wasn’t just business—it was personal. And Emelly wasn’t leaving without him. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the cap over her wild curls and pushed a mop bucket ahead of her, slipping through the service entrance with practiced ease. The guard barely glanced up from his phone. Inside, the sterile halls of Brown Group were eerily quiet.


Emelly kept her head down, counting doors until she reached the maintenance stairwell. According to her mental map, Leo’s private office—and likely Lucas—would be on the top floor. Her heart hammered as she climbed, each step echoing in the hollow silence. --- Lucas York had been in hostile boardrooms, faced down ruthless competitors, and weathered corporate betrayals, but nothing compared to the smug smirk on Leo Brown’s face as he circled him like a predator. “You always did have a soft spot for strays,” Leo mused, tapping a file against his palm. “First your father with that ridiculous charity initiative, now you with that little country mouse. What was her name again? Emelly?”


Lucas clenched his jaw, the ropes cutting into his wrists. “Leave her out of this.” Leo laughed. “Oh, but she’s already in it. In fact, I’m counting on her to do something stupidly brave.” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “That’s the thing about heroes—they always rush in where they shouldn’t.” A cold dread settled in Lucas’s chest. Emelly wouldn’t be reckless enough to come after me… would she? Then again, this was Emelly Clus. The woman who’d once replaced all his coffee with decaf just to spite him. The woman who’d memorized an entire merger proposal in ten minutes just to prove she could. Of course she’s coming. --- Emelly pressed her ear to the door of Leo’s office, catching snippets of conversation. “—sign the transfer by midnight, or your little wildflower pays the price.” Her blood ran cold. Transfer? She risked a glance through the keyhole. Lucas sat bound to a chair, his usually immaculate suit rumpled, a bruise forming on his cheekbone.


But his eyes—those sharp, calculating eyes—were alive with defiance. Leo tossed a pen at him. “York Group for your life. Seems fair.” Lucas didn’t flinch. “Go to hell.” Emelly’s fingers curled into fists. She needed a distraction. Her gaze landed on the fire alarm across the hall. Perfect. --- The blaring alarm sent chaos rippling through Brown Group. Leo’s head snapped up. “What the—?” Emelly didn’t hesitate. She burst into the office, wielding the mop handle like a bat. “Hey, Leo! Miss me?” Lucas’s eyes widened. “Emelly—!” Leo recovered quickly, barking orders into his earpiece. “Lock down the building! She’s here!” Emelly darted forward, slicing through Lucas’s bonds with a pocketknife she’d swiped from David’s car. “Told you I’d get you back.” Lucas rubbed his wrists, his voice rough. “You’re insane.” “And you’re welcome.” She grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the door. The moment their fingers touched, the tension in Lucas’s shoulders eased—just like always.


No migraine, no pain. Just her. But their escape was short-lived. Leo’s men blocked the exit, guns raised. Leo stepped forward, grinning. “Ah, young love. How predictable.” Emelly squeezed Lucas’s hand tighter. “Got another plan?” Lucas exhaled, his grip firm. “Working on it.” Leo’s smile turned venomous. “Too bad you’re out of time.” The doors burst open again—but it wasn’t more guards. It was Tony and Jane, flanked by York Group security. “Did you really think we’d let you two have all the fun?” Jane called, tossing Emelly a phone. “Linda’s tracking the police. They’re two minutes out.” Leo’s face darkened. “This isn’t over.” Lucas stepped forward, shielding Emelly. “Oh, it is.”


As sirens wailed in the distance, Leo snarled and fled through a hidden exit, his men scattering. Emelly sagged against Lucas, adrenaline fading. “We did it.” He turned to her, his gaze unreadable. “You could’ve been killed.” She smirked. “But I wasn’t.” For the first time, Lucas York did something utterly unexpected. He kissed her. Right there, in the middle of the chaos, with Jane whooping and Tony rolling his eyes, Lucas York kissed Emelly Clus like he’d been wanting to for months. And when he pulled back, his voice was low, just for her. “Next time, wait for backup.” Emelly grinned. “No promises.”


To Be Continued… What’s Leo’s next move? With York Group’s secrets still at risk, can Lucas and Emelly trust each other—and their newfound feelings—enough to face what’s coming? And just how long will it take for Linda to find out about that kiss?