The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 21

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The CEO and the Country Wildflower


Chapter 21: The Calm Before the Storm


The press conference had ended in York Group’s favor, but the tension in the air was far from dissolved. Emelly Clus stood beside Lucas York, her fingers still tingling from the warmth of his grip—the same grip that had, once again, chased away the shadows of his migraine. She should have been relieved. They had won. Leo Brown’s accusations had crumbled under the weight of their evidence, and the media had turned against him in an instant. Yet, the look in Leo’s eyes as he stormed out of the room had been anything but defeated. “You think this is over?” Lucas murmured, his voice low enough that only Emelly could hear. His thumb brushed absently over her knuckles, as if he couldn’t quite bring himself to let go. Emelly swallowed hard. “No. He’s not the type to walk away.”


Lucas’s jaw tightened. “Neither am I.” The ride back to York Group’s headquarters was silent, the weight of unspoken words pressing between them. David, ever the observant driver, kept his eyes on the road, though Emelly caught the faintest hint of a knowing smile in the rearview mirror. When they arrived, Lucas didn’t release her hand. Instead, he tugged her gently toward the private elevator, ignoring the curious glances from employees in the lobby. “We need to talk,” he said simply. Emelly’s pulse skittered. “About?” The elevator doors slid shut, sealing them in the quiet hum of the ascending space.


Lucas turned to face her fully, his dark eyes searching hers. “About what happens next.” She opened her mouth to retort with something witty—something to break the intensity of the moment—but the words died on her lips when his fingers tightened around hers. “You’re not just my employee anymore, Emelly,” he said quietly. “You never really were.” Her breath hitched. Before she could respond, the elevator dinged, announcing their arrival at the executive floor. Lucas released her hand, stepping back as if nothing had happened. The moment shattered, leaving Emelly scrambling to regain her footing. Linda Crow was waiting for them, her lips pursed in thinly veiled irritation. “Mr. York, the board is demanding an emergency meeting regarding today’s events.” Lucas exhaled sharply. “Of course they are.” Emelly hesitated. “Should I…?” “You’re coming with me,” Lucas said firmly, cutting off any protest.


Linda’s eyes flashed with resentment, but she said nothing as they strode past her. The boardroom was a battlefield. Older executives in tailored suits glared at Emelly as if she were the one who had orchestrated the entire scandal. Lucas, however, positioned himself slightly in front of her, shielding her from the worst of their scrutiny. “Gentlemen,” he began, his voice icy, “if you’re here to question my decisions, save your breath. York Group is intact because of the actions taken today—actions I stand by.” One of the board members, a silver-haired man with a perpetual scowl, leaned forward. “And yet, we’ve received reports that Miss Clus here was the one who infiltrated Brown Group’s systems. Are we to understand that you’ve been employing corporate spies now?”


Emelly bristled. “I didn’t spy. I retrieved what they stole from us first.” Lucas shot her a warning glance, but there was something almost proud in his gaze. The meeting dragged on, accusations flying, but Lucas handled them with the ruthless precision of a man who had spent years wielding power. By the time it was over, the board had no choice but to concede—for now. As they filed out, Lucas turned to Emelly. “You handled yourself well.” She smirked. “Are you actually complimenting me?” “Don’t get used to it.”


The tension between them crackled, charged with something neither of them dared name. But the moment was interrupted by Jane’s frantic call. “Emelly! You need to get back to the apartment. Now.” Emelly frowned. “What’s wrong?” Jane’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Someone was here. They went through our things.” A chill ran down Emelly’s spine. Lucas, sensing the shift, stepped closer. “What is it?” She met his eyes. “Leo’s not waiting for revenge. He’s already making his move.”