Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

| Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors 71% The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open to reveal Clairessa Hartwood. My breath caught as she stepped out, dressed in a red flowing dress with a slit that stopped just above her thighs, exposing her slender caramel skin. God, she was stunning. My chest tightened as I took in her frame. Her hair was straightened this time, flowing around her shoulders, and her lips were painted a deep, inviting red. She was beautiful, and every part of her presence drewin, capturing my attention in more ways than I wanted to admit.

She flasheda soft smile before walking toward me, her confidence radiant. "Mr. Storm," she greeted, her voice warm and inviting.

"Miss Hartwood, please follow me," I said, leading her down the hall. We stopped before a door, and for a moment, we stood there, simply staring at each other. I could see the tension building in her, and for sreason, I felt the need to ease it.

"Miss Hartwood," I finally spoke, my voice a touch softer, "behind this door are four powerful men who are, potential investors I'd like us to partner with in funding your Hart app. I need you to bring your A-gand show them why the Hartis the next big thing in the business world." She nodded, but I noticed the way her expression shifted. It was clear she was nervous. Without thinking, I reached out and held her hands, feeling her muscles tense under my touch. "You can do this," I said, meeting her eyes, wanting to encourage her before letting go of her hands.

I pushed open the door and led her into the room where the investors were already seated. "Good evening, everyone," I greeted, my voice cordial.

"Gabriel," Marco said as he rose to shake my hand, his smile as slick as ever.

13:36 Pae, 11 Feb M Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors 71%@ "It's good to see you all doing well," I replied, glancing around at each of them before my eyes inevitably fixed on Clairessa. "Everyone, meet Clairessa Hartwood," I introduced, giving her a brief smile as I took her hand. She looked at me, surprised, as though she hadn't expected this side of me. I led her to the guests, introducing her one by one.

"Meet Dale," I said as they exchanged pleasantries.

"In the middle is Rodger," I continued, watching them shake hands.

Finally, I introduced her to Marco. He immediately stretched out his hand to take hers, his eyes gleaming with an interest that irritated me.

"You're such a beauty," he murmured, placing a soft kiss on her hand.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Marco," Clairessa said, offering him a soft smile. But I noticed the way he held onto her hand a little too long, and it took everything innot to shove his hand away.

As I watched Marco's eyes unashamedly roam her body, I felt a surge of anger. I knew exactly what he was thinking, and it madeangry in a way I hadn't expected.

"Let's sit," I finally said, keeping my composure as I directed everyone to the table. But before I could pull out Clairessa's seat, Marco hastily did it, annoyingfurther. I bit back my frustration and sat down, determined not to let this get to me.

Dinner started as waiters served us, and I took the opportunity to introduce theto the group. I wanted Clairessa to have her moment-it was her idea, after all. I hadn't informed her ahead of time, deliberately testing her knowledge and readiness for the journey ahead.

"Theis going to revolutionize the business world," I said, glancing at her. "And it would be great if you all got on board now." Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors "Well" Marco said, his tone laced with suspicion, "I would love for Clairessa to tell us why thisis worth investing millions of dollars in." His eyes narrowed, and I wasn't surprised. I turned to Clairessa, giving her an encouraging nod.

"Go ahead and share your magnificent dream with them," I urged as I watched her gather herself.

"Mr. Marco, Mr. Rodger, and Mr. Dale," Clairessa began, her voice confident, "it's truly an honor to be seated amongst great men who understand the value of investing in the future. The Hartis more than just an app; it's a software designed to assist businesses in..." She described her vision in detail, her passion evident in every word.

"Wow, Clairessa, this sounds like a great idea," Marco exclaimed, but there was a note of skepticism in his voice. "But I have my reservations." He leaned back, studying her. "I'll pass this to my team and await their feedback, but in the meantime, let's toast." Marco lifted his wine glass, and everyone followed suit.

To Hart app, to the next generation, to the future," he said as everyone clinked glasses.

"Cheers," I joined in, but my focus was entirely on Clairessa. As our glasses touched, I felt a strange pull toward her. I watched, completely taken by her, as she sipped her wine, my desire for her growing stronger with each passing second. This was crazy-I needed to get a hold of my emotions.

"Gabriel," Rodger called, pullingout of my thoughts as he rose from his seat. "A word?" he murmured. I looked at Clairessa briefly before excusing myself.

"I'll be right back," I told her, my tone warmer than I intended.

Once outside, Rodger's face turned serious. "Gabriel, I wanted to let you know that theand software sound good. But at the moment, I don't think I can invest." "Rodger, what's going on?" I asked, my frustration evident. "You toldyou were interested. I set up this meeting on your word." 3A Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors "Gabe," he placed a hand on my shoulder, trying to placate me, "I know what I said. It's just that I found out my company is being investigated at the moment, so I have to lay low for now. I hope you understand." "I'm sorry to hear about that," I replied, disappointed but understanding. "Is there anything I can do to help?" "Nothing for now. It's all under control. Thanks, Gabe," he said, though his tone wasn't too certain. "I will speak to sof my other friends and let them know." "That's alright, Rodger," I said, my eyes drifting back to Clairessa, who was now engaged in conversation with Marco, laughing softly as they spoke. My tension rose. In the past, Marco had been known to overstep boundaries, but I wasn't going to let him do that with Clairessa.

"Thanks, Rodger," I muttered as I marched back to the table.

time." "Everyone, it's been a good night, but I'm afraid we have to leave. We'll reconvene tomorrow at the s"Stime," Dale said as he rose to shake my hand.

"You're taking this beauty away from me," Marco teased, wearing that sly smile I hated so much. I knew exactly what he was up to.

smile.

"Marco, I'll bring her withtomorrow, stime. I'd love to hear your decision then,” I forced a faint "You'll have it," Marco replied, taking Clairessa's hand again and placing another kiss on it. I was beyond infuriated.

4 13:36 ie, 11 Feb 03.

Chapter 13: Dinner With The Investors 71% "Let's go," I said firmly to Clairessa, taking her hand as we left. We walked in silence until we reached her room door.

"Good night," I said, ready to take my leave.

"Wait," I heard her soft voice call out.

She closed the distance between us, her eyes searching mine. "Mr Storm, I wanted to apologize for my behavior the last tin your office. I was totally out of line. Please forgive me, and don't hold it against me," she pleaded, her voice soft and almost vulnerable.

I locked eyes with her, my gaze trailing down to her enticing red lips. The urge to kiss her was too strong, but I held back. Instead, I replied, "I can't hold against you what I can't remember. For dp is foals do now on you need to on completing the app.

Tomorrow, try not to flirt with anyone... It reflects poorly on you." I watched as her face fell, sadness replacing the warmth in her eyes. My words were harsh, intentionally so, to unsettle her and keep her away from Marco. He was a known womanizer, and I was already regretting inviting him to the meeting. I knew exactly what he wanted from her. I would be damned before I let him have his way.

As I turned to leave, I couldn't shake the image of her sad expression from my mind. This wasn't me-was losing control, and I hated it. But more than that, I hated the idea of anyone else getting close to her. Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down Clairessa's POV