Page 91 of In A Mood For Mr. Wrong

The morning after the deal is finalized, I wake up feeling… unsettled. Not in abadway, exactly. But in the way you feel after stepping onto a tightrope, one foot forward, nothing but air beneath you, the thrill of something big mixed with the fear of falling. The decision is made.Perfectly Matchedis expanding internationally. And now, there’s no turning back.

By the time I arrive atPerfectly Matchedheadquarters, the entire building isbuzzing. There’s an unmistakable shift in the air, a current of excitement mixed with uncertainty. People walk with more urgency, hushed conversations happening in corners, assistants frantically updating schedules. The news has spread. We’re not just the most elite matchmaking service in the country anymore. We’re about to goglobal.

The main floor is busier than usual, executives in tailored suits move between meetings, their voices blending with the soft hum of ringing phones and clicking keyboards. Olivia is already deep in conversation with the PR team, her tone crisp and authoritative.

Grayson is standing near the executive suite entrance, speaking with one of the senior advisors. His suit is navy today, the crisp fabric fitting him perfectly, exuding power and control. His expression unreadable, but Iknowhim. He’s already thinking five steps ahead.

I adjust my blazer, taking a deep breath before heading toward him. “Morning, boss.”

Grayson’s lips twitch slightly, his eyes flicking over me before he nods. “Evans.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, so we’re back to last names now?”

His smirk deepens. “Just keeping things professional.”

I step closer, lowering my voice. “That’s cute, considering howunprofessionalwe were last night.”

Grayson exhales sharply, but there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “You’re impossible.”

I grin. “And yet, you love me.”

Before he can respond, Olivia strides toward us, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. “We have a problem.”

Grayson’s shoulders stiffen immediately. “What kind of problem?”

Olivia hands me a tablet, her expression unreadable. “Cassian Laurent is already makingmoves. He scheduled a press conference for this afternoon without consulting us.”

Three hours later,we’re standing in one of the most luxurious conference halls in the city. The entire setup screamsCassian Laurent, sleek, sophisticated, and meticulously staged. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view of the skyline, the lighting is warm but dramatic, and the podium is positioned to command attention. The press is already gathered, murmuringamongst themselves, cameras at the ready. Reporters from every major business and lifestyle publication are in attendance, waiting forCassian’s big announcement.

Grayson stands beside me, his jaw clenched so tightly I’m afraid he might crack a tooth. “He didn’t evenwarnus.”

I sigh, adjusting the lapels of my blazer. “You expected him to?” Before Grayson can respond, Cassian strolls onto the stage.

Dressed in a charcoal gray suit, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned just enough to maintain his signaturecharming-but-dangerousaesthetic, he moves with the ease of a man who knowsexactlywhat he’s doing. His presence alone commands the room, and as the cameras flash, he offers the crowd his signature smirk.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he begins, his voice smooth as silk, “thank you for joining us today for an announcement that willchange the future of elite matchmaking as we know it.”

Grayson mutters under his breath, “Dramatic much?”

I elbow him. “Shh.”

Cassian continues, “Perfectly Matchedhas already established itself as the premier matchmaking firm for the country’s most elite clientele. But why stop there? Today, I’m thrilled to announce that we are officiallyexpanding internationally, bringing world-class, exclusive matchmaking to the most powerful cities across the globe.”

The room erupts into murmurs, cameras clicking furiously.

Cassian’s smirk never wavers. “We will be opening offices in London, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo, creating opportunities for the world’s most elite to find their perfect match. And with my personal investment in this venture, I canguaranteethatPerfectly Matchedwill set a new standard for exclusivity and success.”

I blink. Hispersonal investment? That wasnotin the contract.

Grayson exhales sharply beside me. “He’s staking hisnameon this,” he murmurs.

I nod slowly, my mind racing.Why?Cassian never does anything without an agenda. He wanted a piece of the company, sure, but this? This is himattaching himself directlyto the brand, making it clear that this expansion is as muchhis success as it is ours.

Olivia, standing on my other side, mutters, “We should have seen this coming.”

Cassian continues, completely unfazed. “To those who have doubted that love can be bothstrategicandextraordinary, I invite you to watch as we redefine what it means to be perfectly matched.” With that, he steps back from the podium, flashing a charming smile as the reporters explode into questions.

Grayson turns to me. “I want to strangle him.”

---