Page 19 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Fake Girlfriend

She arched a brow, her tone as cold as ice. "It is our business when it affects the company. Your little love affair is causing a distraction, and we cannot afford to have you divide your priorities to protect your lover. The stock price has already dropped heavily and our market cap has fallen below $500 billion. You are absolutely failing to prove your stability and maturity as CEO of this company."

I took a step forward, my voice low and dangerous. "Sasha is one of the most talented designers this company has ever seen. She deserves to be recognized for her work on the new American line. If you have a problem with that, then perhaps this company deserves to go the way of the dinosaurs."

The room fell silent. Margot cleared her throat. "In light of the drop in our stock price, we, the board of directors, demand that you accelerate the launch of the new American line and name a lead designer. You have to stabilize the stock price and reassure the markets. If you fail, your position as CEO will be in jeopardy."

I nodded reluctantly, realizing I didn't have a choice. "Understood. I'll make the announcement at the upcoming press conference."

"That's all we need to hear," Maxwell said with a sharp nod. "Make it happen, Denver. And keep your personal life in check."

I stormed out of the boardroom, my mind racing. Sasha was still at her desk, and I couldn't go to her without creating more rumors at the office. While I was protected from the venomous wagging tongues, Sasha was not established enough in her career to survive the blow to her reputation. With a growl, I went to my office and slammed the door behind me. What I needed most right now was the comfort of my mate.

I paced the length of the room, stopped, pulled out my phone, and fired off a text to Sasha.

Me: "I have good news and bad news."

Sasha: "Give me the good, I guess?"

Me: "It's one and the same. The board wants me to accelerate the launch of the new American line and name a lead designer at the press conference next week. Your chance to shine has come sooner than we planned."

There was a pause. My fingers twitched as I waited for her reply.

Sasha: "That's a lot of pressure. And so soon."

Me: "Yeah. And with your stalker still out there, I don't like the idea of putting you in the spotlight like this."

Sasha: "Denver, I can handle it. I need to handle it. I'm not going to let someone's sick obsession control my life. And you can't let this board dictate what you can or can't do."

Me: "You're right."

Sasha: "I'm always right."

I chuckled and poured myself a drink. My mate was full of surprises.

Later that evening, as we were walking from the office to my car, Sasha's phone buzzed. She froze when she saw the message, her face pale. I glanced over her shoulder, and my blood ran cold. The text was from an unknown number, but the words made it clear who the message was from.

"I'm always watching. You can't hide from me."

Sasha's hands trembled as she clutched her phone. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "We're going to figure this out," I promised, my voice low and fierce. "I'm not letting anyone hurt you."

We went home and had a quiet dinner. It had been an exhausting day and neither of us was in the mood to talk much. As we lay in bed, Sasha turned to me, her eyes searching mine. "Denver, I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not just of the stalker. I'm scared of screwing things up. Of costing you your position."

My heart ached at the vulnerability in her voice. "Don't worry about me," I said, my voice firm. "You're going to launch this company to new heights. I know it. I've never been as confident in anything as I am in you, Sasha."

Her eyes watered. I continued. "You are the most talented and authentic person I have ever met. I am honored that you have trusted me to be a part of your life. I love you, Sasha Bennett and you will never be rid of me."

She blinked rapidly to clear her eyes and smiled. Her face lit up with joy, erasing the lines of anxiety. "I love you too, Denver."

We held each other close, the world outside fading away. But even as I held her, I couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.

Chapter 8

SASHA

The lights of the press conference were blinding, the chatter of the media a dull roar in my ears as I stood beside Denver on the stage.

Cameras and microphones swarmed around us in a whirlwind as reporters lobbed relentless questions at us.

My heart was racing, but I kept my head high, my smile steady. Beside me, I could feel the tension rolling off of Denver in waves. Despite his calm and measured voice, his muscles were coiled tight, and I noticed the tick in his jaw as he clenched his teeth in between answering inquiries about the sudden accelerated launch of the American line at XMGH.

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