CEO's Runaway Lover: My Cold Ex Begs For My Love Again

"If she stays on this project, I'm out." Louis Barrett placed his glass down with controlled force. It wasn't loud, but the message was clear.

The lively chatter and clinking of glasses in the room came to an abrupt halt.

The Dawson Group's production head stiffened mid-motion, drink still in hand, an uneasy smile frozen on his face.

Madelynn Douglas quietly set her utensils aside and lifted her gaze.

Louis—a popular movie star and Caiden Dawson's longtime friend—lounged back in his chair with careless ease. His sunglasses rested atop his head, his shirt casually unbuttoned at the collar. Despite his relaxed posture, his eyes were gleaming with sharp hostility.

His gaze locked onto Madelynn across the table, open disdain evident in his expression.

Danny Willis, Madelynn's direct superior, dabbed at his forehead nervously, forcing a polite smile. "Mr. Barrett, you're acquainted with Madelynn?"

Madelynn remained silent.

Louis let out a short, mocking laugh. "Acquainted? I know her better than I'd like."

His eyes flicked sideways toward the man in a dark gray suit seated nearby. Throughout the entire exchange, he had remained silent and focused on his phone, seemingly detached from everything happening around him.

The man was Caiden, the heir of the Dawson family and the current CEO of the Dawson Group.

It had been four years since Madelynn had last seen him.

Time hadn't changed him much. He still carried that same distant, unapproachable air, an invisible pressure that unsettled everyone in the room.

Danny's anxiety grew, and he shot Madelynn repeated looks, silently urging her to respond.

Madelynn understood exactly what he meant.

This project was the most important contract Infinity Entertainment had secured all year, so losing it wasn't an option.

Drawing a deep breath, she spoke evenly. "Mr. Barrett, we're here for business. If there are personal matters, perhaps we can address them another time."

"Personal matters?" Louis straightened, his tone sharpening. "So you admit it's personal? Then why don't you explain to everyone what exactly I have against you?"

Madelynn gave no response, and her silence only fueled Louis' anger further. "Fine. If you won't speak, I will—"

"Louis."

Caiden finally spoke, cutting him off.

He placed his phone aside, his tone quiet but authoritative.

Louis fell silent immediately, his earlier aggression restrained.

Without sparing Madelynn a glance, Caiden addressed Danny directly, saying, "If you have another producer available, we can proceed with them instead."

Relief flooded Danny's face. "Yes, of course! Please give me a moment, Mr. Dawson. I'll arrange for Miss Abby Thorpe to take over immediately."

As he hurried to make the call, he discreetly tugged at Madelynn's sleeve and whispered, "You should leave."

Madelynn, however, stayed where she was.

Her eyes remained fixed on Caiden, searching for any hint that he might reconsider or explain things to her.

But there was none.

Four years ago, he had ended things with the same indifference—so calm that it made her wonder if what they had shared had ever meant anything.

And now,