Free Web NovelChapter 21: Chapter 21
"Miss Swann, I think you need to take a break."
Lea stepped into Fleur’s office carrying two cups of coffee, her expression a mixture of concern and exasperation.
The rest of F.S. Interiors had emptied hours ago. Most of the lights throughout the building had been switched off, leaving only Fleur’s office illuminated against the darkness of the Paris night. Despite the late hour, Fleur remained seated behind her desk, surrounded by sketches, blueprints, and digital renderings.
"I wish I could," Fleur replied with a weary sigh as she rubbed her temples. "I need to finish designing one of the bedrooms tonight so that construction on the mansion can begin tomorrow."
She turned her attention back to the laptop screen, trying to ignore the ache behind her eyes. The workload had become overwhelming. For weeks, she had been juggling two major projects simultaneously, and both clients had insisted that every design bear Fleur Swann’s personal signature and creative vision.
Lea folded her arms across her chest.
"Oh, come on, Fleur. You didn’t spend years building this company from the ground up just so you could work yourself into exhaustion."
Now that office hours were over, formalities had disappeared, and Lea addressed her by name as she always did in private.
"You barely sleep, you forget to eat, and you spend every waking hour thinking about work. At this rate, you’ll collapse before either project is finished."
A soft laugh escaped Fleur’s lips.
"I actually considered turning one of them down."
Lea raised an eyebrow.
"And then?"
"And then I remembered who my clients are."
Fleur leaned back in her chair and shook her head helplessly.
"Both of them are powerful men who aren’t accustomed to hearing the word no. One wrong move could damage the company, and I can’t afford that." freeweɓnovel.cøm
Lea rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Right. One of them is Christian Wayne, the infamous Alpha billionaire who practically owns half the business world, and the other is the Prince of Monaco. You’ve somehow managed to attract the most intimidating clients in Europe."
"Exactly."
"Although," Lea added with a mischievous grin, "I have to admit that both of them are incredibly attractive."
Fleur groaned.
"Lea."
"What? I’m only speaking the truth."
"We don’t get involved with clients."
Lea laughed.
"You always say that."
"Because it’s true. Personal relationships complicate business, and business complicates personal relationships. The result is usually a disaster."
Lea waved dismissively.
"Fine, but that still doesn’t explain why you’re trying to sacrifice your health."
Before Fleur could protest, Lea stepped forward, saved the design files, closed the laptop, and grabbed her hand.
"That’s enough work for tonight."
"Lea, what are you doing?"
"Rescuing you."
Fleur blinked in confusion as she was pulled toward the office door.
"Rescuing me from what?"
"From yourself."
A triumphant smile spread across Lea’s face.
"We’re going out."
Fleur nearly stumbled.
"Going out where?"
"To a nightclub."
"Absolutely not."
Lea ignored her objection completely.
"We’re having a girls’ night out, and there is nothing you can say that will change my mind."
"But Chloe and Gabriel will be waiting for me at home."
At the mention of her children, Lea’s grin widened.
"Actually, this entire plan was their idea."
Fleur stared at her.
"What?"
Lea nodded.
"Your pups are worried about you. They told me you’ve been working too hard and that someone needed to drag you away from your desk before you turned into a permanent office fixture."
Warmth spread through Fleur’s chest. Her children always seemed to know exactly when she needed support.
"By the way," Lea continued, "I’ve already spoken to their nanny, and she’s agreed to stay late tonight."
Fleur shook her head fondly.
Gabriel and Chloe loved her fiercely, and they never hesitated to remind her when she neglected herself.
Ever since Lea’s divorce from her unfaithful husband, she had become part of Fleur’s household. Fleur had given her a job when she was struggling financially, and over the years they had grown as close as sisters.
Despite knowing she was losing the argument, Fleur made one final attempt.
"How am I supposed to go clubbing dressed like this?"
She gestured toward her professional attire.
Lea looked offended.
"You’re Fleur Swann."
"And?"
"You could walk into a room wearing the simplest outfit imaginable and still make everyone else look underdressed."
Fleur laughed.
Lea’s confidence in her was both ridiculous and endearing.
"So, are you done making excuses?"
"Do I even have a choice?"
"No, you absolutely do not."
***
A short time later, they arrived at one of the most exclusive clubs in Paris.
The moment Lea saw the line stretching outside the entrance, her excitement faded.
"Oh no."
Fleur followed her gaze and immediately understood.
The queue was enormous. Hundreds of people appeared to be waiting for entry, and judging by the size of the crowd, it would take hours before they reached the entrance.
"I told you we should have left sooner," Lea complained. "Now we’ll probably spend the entire night standing here."
"I’m sorry."
Fleur smiled apologetically.
"Let’s wait for a while. Maybe we’ll get lucky."
Before Lea could respond, a deep masculine voice spoke from behind them.
"Is there a problem, ladies?"
Both women turned around.
Fleur immediately recognized Prince Damien.
Tonight, however, he looked very different from the refined royal she usually encountered during business meetings.
Instead of a tailored suit, he wore dark jeans, a fitted black shirt, and a black leather jacket. The casual clothing somehow made him appear even more dangerous. There was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself, the kind of commanding presence that reminded Fleur of a powerful Alpha wolf surveying his territory.
His bodyguards remained several steps behind him, watchful and alert.
"No problem, Your Highness," Fleur replied politely. "We’re simply waiting for our turn."
Damien’s gaze settled on her, and for a brief moment, Fleur felt strangely aware of the intensity in his dark eyes.
"Miss Swann," he said, "you never need to wait outside one of my establishments."
Fleur blinked.
"One of your establishments?"
A smile touched Damien’s lips.
"This club belongs to me."
Beside her, Lea nearly choked. Fleur wasn’t much less surprised.
Without another word, Damien motioned for them to follow him toward the entrance. The security staff immediately opened the barriers and stepped aside.
Lea leaned closer and whispered, "I can’t believe he owns the most popular club in Paris."
Fleur subtly nudged her in warning before following Damien inside.
The interior was breathtaking. Crystal lights sparkled overhead like stars scattered across a midnight sky, while music pulsed throughout the massive venue. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, wealth, and exclusivity.
Damien summoned the club manager with a simple gesture.
The man hurried over immediately, visibly nervous as he approached.
"Your Highness."
Damien pointed toward Fleur and Lea.
"Remember these ladies. They are never to wait in line again."
The manager nodded so quickly that Fleur worried he might injure his neck.
"Of course, Your Highness."
"They are my special guests."
"I understand completely."
The manager then turned to Fleur and Lea with newfound enthusiasm.
"What may I bring you this evening?"
After taking their orders personally, he hurried away.
Fleur looked back at Damien and smiled.
"You seem to have far more business ventures than anyone realizes."
The man laughed warmly.
"Please call me Damien."
Fleur considered the request for a moment.
"Only if you call me Fleur."
Something shifted in his expression.
The change was subtle, but she noticed it.
"Fleur," he repeated softly.
For reasons she couldn’t explain, hearing her name on his lips felt unexpectedly intimate.
Fleur found herself studying him more carefully.
The stories surrounding Damien portrayed him as a ruthless ruler whose enemies rarely remained standing for long. Many people were so intimidated by him that they could barely meet his gaze.
Yet the man sitting across from her seemed completely different.
The smile he offered her held genuine warmth, and the attention he gave her felt unusually personal. Fleur couldn’t decide whether he treated everyone with such kindness or whether she occupied a unique place in his thoughts, but she had a growing suspicion that she was receiving a side of Damien that very few people were ever allowed to see.
