"Our sales have dropped by 3% since the press statement was released because small group of people is speculating that you specifically planned the sabotage to blame Linda for it," Luisa informed Thalassa as she paced in front of the desk. "Okay. What else?" Thalassa asked, her tone calm.

Luisa paused, raising an incredulous brow. "What else? Thalassa, you don't seem bothered at all."

Thalassa sighed. "Luisa, our stocks and sales rose by over 100% after the fashion awards. Why should I focus on a 3% drop?"

Luisa shook her head in disbelief. "Okay, but what about this? Miller Fashion's sales have risen by almost 12%. If this keeps up, they're projected to return to where they were before the awards."

Thalassa remained unfazed. "Which is still a far cry from what they once were. And don't worry, this recovery won't last long."

Luisa sank into one of the visitor chairs. "I wish I had your confidence. Are you really sure this plan is going to work?" Thalassa pursed her lips, her eyes thoughtful. "Nothing is guaranteed, Luisa. We just have to take the risk."

"But is it worth it?" Luisa hesitated. "Is it worth doing this to Kris?"

Thalassa's expression faltered, but before she could respond, a knock came at the door. Juana entered, her face tense. "Ma'am, there are a lot of reporters gathered outside the building, all wanting to speak with you. Will you speak to them?"

Thalassa considered the situation briefly before shaking her head. "No. Tell them I won't be giving any interviews or answering questions. Everything I have to say is in the press statement." Just then, Luisa's phone rang. She picked it up from the desk, her brow furrowing as she answered. "Hey, Kris... Oh gosh, I'm so sorry about that. I'll have her handle it right away." Thalassa raised a brow when Luisa hung up. "What is it? Why did Kris call you?"

Luisa narrowed her eyes. "Because he's still blocked on your phone. He's outside being swarmed by reporters, but the guards won't let him in since you haven't lifted the ban on him." "Fuck." Thalassa cursed under her breath, picking up her phone and dialing her head of security's number. "Please allow Mr. Miller into the office. He is no longer restricted from coming here." "Right away, ma'am," the head of security responded.

"He's obviously here because of the press statement. What are you going to tell him when he asks why you did it?" Luisa asked, her voice filled with concern and curiosity.

"Don't worry. I know what to say." Thalassa's tone was steady, but her eyes flickered with uncertainty.

"And what if he doesn't believe you? What if he thinks something's off?"

Thalassa didn't have an answer to that. A minute later, there was another knock. Thalassa got up and opened the door herself.

"Hey," Kris greeted, flashing her a small smile.

"Kris, I'm sorry about the reporters downstairs. I didn't know you were coming." She bit her lip. "I should've told security to stop restricting your access."

"Hey... it's okay. Don't worry about it," Kris soothed, stepping closer. The familiar scent of his cologne enveloped her.

Without warning, he leaned down and captured her lips in a soft yet sensual kiss that sent a ripple of sensation through her.

"Can we talk?" he asked gently after breaking the kiss. Thalassa nodded.

"Okay, I'll leave you two alone," Luisa said, excusing herself. She headed toward her office.

She was so absorbed checking the latest speculation on her phone that she didn't see the figure in front of her until she bumped into a solid chest. Her phone nearly slipped from her grasp, but she managed to hold on tight. "Sorry," she started, but froze when she saw who it was. "Alden..."

"Luisa... can we talk?"

Clearing her throat, Luisa quickly composed herself. "Sorry, I'm busy." Without another word, she sidestepped him and hurried into her office, closing the door behind her.

Alden let out an exasperated sigh, frustration tightening his muscles. For the past week, Luisa had been avoiding him like the plague. He had decided not to push, not wanting to pressure her, but he was growing tired of it. It was unbearable having her so close and yet unable to hold her.

With determination, he stormed past her secretary's desk and marched into her office.

"How long are you going to keep running away, you coward?" he hissed.

"Sir, you can't just barge in here. You need to leave," Luisa's secretary came in, pointing toward the door.

Standing up from her desk, Luisa swallowed hard. "It's fine. Please leave us alone."

The secretary hesitated but eventually left the room. The moment she was gone, Luisa's face darkened with anger.

"What did you just call me?"

"A coward," Alden repeated, his voice unyielding as he closed the distance between them. "Do you want me to say it again? You're a coward who's hiding from her feelings because you're scared." Luisa's nostrils flared as she glared at him. "You don't know anything, Alden."

"Oh, I think I do," he shot back,

suddenly pulling her close, his arm wrapped tightly around her. "What happened with Vanessa isn't the reason why you're avoiding me You're avoiding me because you're scared of what I make you feel."

"Don't be so presumptuous," Luisa sneered, suddenly feeling breathless. "And for the record, I'm not scared of anything."

"I know you are," Alden stated firmly.

"I know we haven't talked much about our past relationships, but I

know enough to know that in every one of your relationships, you were taken for granted. You were left hanging on to scraps, only to be betrayed in the end. All that has made you insecure, and now you're afraid of giving your heart to another man because you think you will be taken for granted again."

His face inched closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "But, sweetheart, I'm not just another man and I'm certainly nothing like your exes. When I love, I make the happiness of my woman my priority." Luisa froze, her heart skipping a beat. "L-love?"noveldrama

Alden rolled his eyes, looking exasperated. "Yes. I fucking love you, Luisa Mathews. Is that clear enough, or do I need to spell it out?"