Chapter 114

Angela POV

"Angela, let me introduce you to my opponent for today's race-Sean Shaw, CEO of Shaw Group."

My face paled instantly at Tristan's introduction, fighting to keep my composure. Know him? If only Tristan knew just how well.

"Sean and I have a friendly rivalry that goes back years," Tristan continued, oblivious to my distress. He turned to me with a charming smile. "Angela, would you like to ride with me? Experience the thrill from horseback?"

I searched frantically for an excuse, any reason to extract myself from this nightmare. But before I could formulate a response, Tristan was already guiding me closer to the field where Sean sat astride his powerful black stallion.

The sight of him after all these years sent electricity through my veins. Dressed entirely in black riding attire that emphasized his athletic build, his sharp features seemed even more defined than I remembered.

In one fluid motion, Sean dismounted, his movements betraying years of equestrian training.

His gaze fell on me like a blade, studying every inch of my face as if committing it to memory-or perhaps searching for changes the years had wrought.

"Angela is my companion today," Tristan announced, his hand possessively touching my elbow.

"Companion?" Sean's voice was low and dangerous, the single word carrying unmistakable skepticism.

Tristan's smile widened, clearly enjoying Sean's reaction. "What do you think? She's quite special, isn't she? For fairness, you should have a companion too."

A woman in riding attire who had been hovering nearby immediately stepped forward. "Mr. Shaw, please allow me! I'm Jessica, I can be your companion. I've studied equestrian sports and I'm not afraid."

"Of course," Tristan agreed with casual magnanimity. "This lady would be perfect."

Throughout this exchange, Sean's attention never wavered from me.

"No, I think I should-" I began, desperate to extricate myself from this situation.

"Don't worry," Jessica interrupted, taking my arm. "Let's go to the changing rooms and get you proper equipment."

As we walked toward the changing areas, Jessica couldn't contain her curiosity.

"Oh my God, how did you meet Mr. Lawrence? Are you his new girlfriend? I'm so envious!" She chattered excitedly as we moved through the elegant corridors of the Greenwich Equestrian Club.

I forced a polite smile, neither confirming nor denying her assumption.

"Could you share your secret? How did you attract Mr. Lawrence's attention? I'd love to learn your technique," she continued, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

It quickly became apparent that her real interest was Sean. Each question about Tristan seemed designed to extract information she could use in her own pursuit of Sean Shaw.

Alone in the changing room, I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. The situation was impossible-I needed Lawrence Capital's backing for my fledgling company, which meant I couldn't afford to offend Tristan.

But facing Sean again, especially in such a public setting...

"Am I going to run away every time I encounter Sean?" I whispered to myself. "That's neither practical nor dignified."

With renewed determination, I removed my jacket and hung it carefully on the rack. I was just about to pull off my T-shirt when a sharp knock at the door interrupted me.

"Just a moment," I called out, assuming it was the woman returning.

I opened the door-and froze.

Sean Shaw stood in the doorway, his tall frame blocking the light from the hallway. Before I could react, he pushed inside, closing and locking the door behind him in one swift movement.

"What are you doing?" I hissed, lunging for the door handle.

Sean caught my wrist, pinning me against the door with his body. The familiar scent of his cologne-citrus and cedar-assaulted my senses, bringing unwelcome memories rushing back.

"Let me go, Sean," I demanded, struggling against his grip.

My hair came loose in the struggle, dark waves cascading over my shoulders. Sean reached out to touch it, his fingers brushing gently through the strands as his gaze followed the motion.

His eyes traveled over me with cold calculation, taking in every detail from my flushed face to my designer outfit.

"How generous of Christopher," he said, his voice laced with contempt. "He allows you to date other men? Clearly, he doesn't value you as much as I thought."

"Who?" I asked, confused, then quickly realized Sean was referring to Christopher. "His opinion of me is none of your concern," I retorted, chin lifting defiantly.

My continued struggles only brought our bodies into closer contact. I felt the moment Sean's body responded to our proximity-there was no mistaking the hardness pressing against my hip. Mortification washed over me, and I stilled immediately, heat rushing to my cheeks.

"You're disgusting," I spat.

"If you hadn't been squirming so much, this wouldn't have happened," he countered, his voice strained.

"Even if I moved, so what?" I challenged, fury overriding embarrassment. "Don't act like a stray dog with no self-restraint."

"What did you say?" His voice dropped dangerously low.

"Am I wrong?" I pressed. "If you're bold enough to act this way, you should be bold enough to hear it called what it is."

"Get out," I commanded, summoning every ounce of authority I possessed. "Now."

I pushed against his chest, and to my surprise, he stepped back slightly.

"If you continue like this," he warned, "I might show you what real loss of control looks like."

"Despicable," I hissed.

"Thank you for the compliment," he replied with a cold smirk.

Sean loosened his grip on me slightly. I immediately moved toward the door, desperate to escape before anything else could happen.

Just as my fingers touched the handle, a knock sounded, followed by the voice of Jessica.

"Hello? Does the riding outfit fit? Do you need any help?"

I froze. The last thing I needed was for anyone to discover Sean and me alone together in the changing room-the gossip would spread through New York's elite circles within hours.

"Not quite ready," I called back, trying to keep my voice steady. "Have you changed? Why don't you go ahead and I'll-ah!"