Chapter 29 The President
Byron was not like other wealthy men. His life hadn’t been shaped by tragedy or hardship. His parents were still alive, and they had a loving relationship, offering him a stable and nurturing environment. Byron had been pampered throughout his life.
Athena had been by his side for five years, long enough to get used to his indifference in everyday life, his cold, domineering presence, and his ruthless decisiveness in the business world. He was unshakable in most aspects of his life, but there was one exception—Freya.
Nothing seemed to restrain Byron, except for Freya. However, Athena didn’t even believe that Freya truly had control over him. After Byron’s car accident, Freya had abandoned him, choosing instead to marry into royalty. Byron, in turn, found a substitute—Athena—but never once sought out Freya.
Athena had seen Byron in so many ways, from his charming side to his cold, calculating demeanor. But now, she was facing a side of him that she had never encountered before—a more sinister, malicious side.
She turned away from him, trying to process the change she saw in him. Byron’s shirt was a little wrinkled from sleep, but it didn’t hide the arrogance in his posture. His handsome face was filled with pride that Athena didn’t recognize.
“What’s wrong with you?” Athena asked, her voice serious, as she stared at him, trying to make sense of his behavior.
Byron’s expression froze for a moment before turning ugly. “What did you tell him about me?” His voice was low, threatening. “Did you tell him I forced you?”
“Nothing!” Athena said quickly, her tone firm. She walked toward the bedroom, her mind already on her phone.
She picked up her phone and saw that it was still in airplane mode. Athena knew who had put it there. She turned off the airplane mode and, after thinking for a moment, sent Gabe a message.
“Gabe, I’m sorry about today’s incident. I hope you are not injured. You can go back first. I will apologize to you when I’m free.”
Gabe didn’t reply, which only reinforced Athena’s growing concern. Byron had a way of disappointing people, and now she feared that she might lose Gabe as a friend.
Byron, however, was persistent. “Let’s talk,” he said as he walked in and sat down on the sofa opposite Athena. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
Athena didn’t look at him immediately, instead focusing on her phone, trying to avoid the tension in the air. “What do you want to talk about?” she asked, her voice flat.
Byron’s tone turned serious. “You’re very capable at work,” he began. “Imbe Group is about to launch a new energy project, and we’re establishing a new energy company. I want you to take over the project as president.”
Athena was stunned. “What did you say?” she asked, almost not believing her ears.
Byron repeated himself, his words deliberate. “I want you to be the president of the energy company.”
The offer was tempting, no doubt. Athena knew how coveted such a position would be, but she also knew that such an opportunity would come with a steep price.
“No,” she replied immediately, without hesitation. She wanted a successful career, but her situation had changed. For the sake of her child, she needed to distance herself from Byron. If he ever discovered her pregnancy, she knew there was no way she could keep the baby.
Byron’s face shifted, his expression one of disbelief. “Thea, don’t be angry with me,” he said, his voice softening as he used her nickname, the one he always used when he wanted to control her.
Athena wasn’t moved. Seeing the anger rising in Byron again, she relented. “Okay, I’ll think about it,” she said, her tone resigned.
“How long do you need to think about it?” Byron pressed.
Athena sighed, trying to avoid a confrontation. “Let’s talk about it when we get back to Girard City,” she said, trying to end the conversation.
Byron seemed satisfied with that response. He believed that Athena would never turn down such a prestigious offer, especially when she had always been ambitious. After all, the position of president of the energy company was far more valuable than the twenty million dollars and the villa he had given her.
“Come have dinner with me,” Byron said, trying to regain control.
“No,” Athena refused, her voice firm. “I have work.”
Byron frowned, his patience wearing thin. But after a moment of thought, he realized he couldn’t force her. She was stubborn, and pushing her further would only make things worse.
“Do you want to eat vegetables?” Byron asked, recalling what Gabe had said earlier. “I remember you don’t like meat.”
Athena didn’t answer right away. She couldn’t help but feel that Byron’s attitude had shifted, and she didn’t want to deal with him any longer than she had to.