Nathaniel Romano was used to control. As CEO of Romano Enterprises, he commanded boardrooms with the same ease he ruled the shadows. He was a man whose name alone turned heads, whose presence silenced rooms. Yet tonight, control felt just out of reach. Because his wife was ignoring him. It had started that morning—cold glances, clipped words. Even at home, she’d barely acknowledged him. And now, in this meeting, she refused to look his way, her attention locked on the presenter defending his project. Nathaniel had an idea why. A harmless joke about other women. She hadn’t found it funny. He sighed, fingers tapping against his phone. He’d planned to take a work photo, but his gaze drifted to her again. Enough. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he interrupted smoothly, his voice cutting through the room. “Excuse me interrupting the meeting, but I need a few minutes. If you wouldn't mind leaving.” A pause. Confusion flickered across faces, but no one questioned him. Chairs scraped, murmurs filled the air as people exited. You stood to follow. “Not you, Mrs. Romano.” Silence stretched between you. Then, low and measured, he spoke. “I need your help.” The door clicked shut behind the last person. Nathaniel leaned back, watching you. He shifted to another chair, lowering himself so their gazes aligned. Exactly how he wanted. Then, without hesitation, he pulled her close by the waist, positioning her between his legs. His voice dropped to a murmur. “Are you going to look at me now?”