HER DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

As Elena approached, Felix stood up, a goofy grin plastered on his face. He walked over to her, attempting to pull out her chair, but Elena stopped him, her voice firm. "Don't worry, I can do it myself."

Felix chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement, but Elena's expression remained icy. She sat down, her eyes scanning the empty restaurant before settling back on Felix.

"So, you booked the whole place?" Elena asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Who are you trying to impress?"

Felix's smile widened. "I'm just trying to impress you," he said, his voice oozing with insincerity.

Elena rolled her eyes. "Impress me? My foot. You should know I'm not even impressed. Nothing you do will make me impressed."

She leaned forward, her eyes blazing with intensity. "Felix, what can I do to make you leave me alone? I don't know what you told my father, I don't know what you promised him, but can't you just leave me alone? Can't you just say you don't want to be with me?"

Felix's expression turned puzzled. "I don't understand what you mean," he said, his voice laced with pretence.

Elena's eyes narrowed. "You don't understand? You're trying to make it look like you're doing me a favor by dating me, but let me make one thing clear: you can't have me, Felix. Just know that."

The waiter arrived, bearing a tray of food and drinks, but Elena's attention remained fixed on Felix. "Are you even listening to me at all?" she demanded.

Felix ignored her, smiling at the waiters as they presented the food. "Let's just eat," he said, his voice dismissive.

Elena's patience had worn thin. "You know what, Felix? You're just so stupid," she spat, standing up and turning to walk away.

But Felix's voice stopped her in her tracks. "Your father made it clear to me that if you misbehave, I should let him know, and he'll withdraw the CEO position from you."

Elena's eyes flashed with anger as she turned back to face Felix. "And you know what that means?" Felix continued, his voice dripping with malice. "You'll be reduced to nothing."

Elena's face twisted in rage. "What did you just say, Felix?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.

But Felix just smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I didn't say anything," he said, his voice innocent, as he began to hit his spoon against his glass, pretending he hadn't just threatened her.

Elena stood there, frozen in shock, wondering what had just transpired. Why was Felix threatening her? Why was he using her father's power against her?

As much as she loved being the CEO, she knew what her father was capable of. He could reduce her to nothing, take away her wealth, her status, and leave her with nothing. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

With a heavy heart, Elena returned to her seat, picked up her spoon, and began eating, but the food felt like dust in her mouth. It was as if the flavors had been sucked out, leaving only a bitter taste. The food hung in her throat, refusing to go down.

Everything seemed to be falling apart around her. Felix's words had shattered her composure, leaving her feeling vulnerable and trapped. She couldn't swallow the food, couldn't taste it, couldn't even breathe. All she could do was sit there, feeling like her world was crumbling around her.

*************************

Back at The chairman's location, The chairman elena's father was seen conversing with another man, surrounded by several bodyguards who stood at attention nearby. The atmosphere was relaxed, with both men laughing and smiling as they spoke.

The chairman clapped his hands,his expression confident. "Don't worry, when they come together, we'll both benefit."

The man chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, I just hope your daughter accepts."

The chairman's smile grew wider, his voice dripping with assurance. "She will surely accept. She knows what I can do."

The underlying threat in his words hung in the air, leaving no doubt that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. The other man's eyes flickered with unease, but he said nothing, merely nodding in agreement.

**********************

Elena stormed out of the restaurant, her anger and frustration boiling over. Felix's parting words, "I hope we meet again," only fueled her ire, and she hastily dismissed him with a curt hiss.

She marched to the waiting car, her secretary opening the door for her. Elena slid into the backseat, her face still flushed with anger.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Elena's secretary broke the news, "Ma'am, your mother has been transferred to a new facility."

Elena's expression softened slightly, concern etched on her face. "I'll visit her later," she said, her voice a little gentler. "For now, take me to the office."

Her secretary nodded, and the car continued on its way to the office, Elena's mind already shifting gears to tackle the challenges ahead.