10 The Third Wheel in a CEO Romance (1/2)

Liu Shishi stared angrily from the top of the window of a nice office suite. The memory of a stuck-up, lowly girl fawning all over the likes of her CEO really ground her nerves. How dare she, a no-name office girl named Zhao Xiaoyun with virtually no background, be allowed to drape her hands across his lovely body and breathe the same air that he expelled?

After a thorough background check, Shishi found the girl to be unworthy of the likes of Li Cheng Han, the CEO of the large conglomerate called, the WeiLi Group.

Honestly, who but the best of women could ever be a match for the young, handsome Mr. Li, who possessed massive wealth and had the pick of any woman he wanted. Personally, Shishi knew that several of her coworkers would fall prostrate merely for a chance to embrace that chiseled form under the perfectly tailored suit. After all, they would do virtually anything for the opportunity be the 'chosen' one, regardless of how secretive his desires may be.

The cold, sharp glare that Mr. Li gave others as he examined them closely hinted a predatory sense that laid beyond the commanding and business-like demeanor that was proper for a CEO. It was no secret that he liked to play around after business hours. And boy, did he like it rough, hearing stories from those he had spent a night with. Shishi was fully prepared for the consequence of fulfilling his every wish when it came to her turn.

Though Mr. Li had not touched her yet, she saw herself as one of those worthy of his attention. Bred with the best education that China offered, Shishi had quickly risen to the top of the company. Her competence had attracted the attention of Mr. Li, who had personally picked her to be his secretary. Being his right-hand man brought her extreme pride as one of those who could be closest to him.

She believed that it was only a matter of time before he caved from her advances and saw her as one who would stay by his side. Why wouldn't he? She was gorgeous, having tailored her looks to fit those that Mr. Li had chosen before. She was smart, having shown to make wise decisions that greatly benefited the company. She was loyal, having accomplished everything Mr. Li had desired with a smile.

Who else could be a perfect match for him than herself?

Yet, that minx of a girl came from nowhere and sniped his attention away from her. A girl of dubious intentions, who was hardly worthy of the seconds that Mr. Li spent on her. Shishi had made attempts to show him how lowly Zhao Xiaoyun truly was. The girl even refused to accept him for who he was!

Yet, her attempts had failed so far. Mr. Li apparently didn't mind her attitude towards him, one that lacked utter devotion. She had dared to turn down the offers he made, making excuses that he had been too mean to her and such. Such blasphemy!

Shishi couldn't stand her complaining. She had secretly tried to rearrange their work schedules so that they had little overlap between departments. Yet, Mr. Li actively sought her out.

She had told the other women who were 'favorites' of Mr. Li about Zhao Xiaoyun, and they had banded together to cause her all sorts of misery. There was no rest for those who trampled upon the good graces of Mr. Li!

Yet, like a stubborn cockroach that wouldn't go away, she continued to go to work and shrug off the jeers of those making fun of her. A normal girl would've quit by now and left town, never to be seen again. It was like she had some kind of divine power shielding her from despair and bringing Mr. Li to her at the right moments. What kind of sick joke was this that the Gods decided to pen?

Shishi didn't like where this was going. She would have to ramp up her attempts to drive a wedge between the two of them.

What would be next?

Should she start revealing the disturbing fetishes that Mr. Li had? Shishi doubted that a simple girl such as Zhao Xiaoyun could stomach the twisted nature that he truly had. Only those most devout of heart could withstand the abuse that he loved to secretly dish out.

Maybe get his parents' involvement? Potential mother-in-laws were rather scary forces of nature, especially when it seemed like the prospective wife was 'unsuitable' in their viewpoint.

Of course, she would layer it on with a healthy dose of bullying, belittling and destruction of character. She had plenty of fodder gathered on her to use as blackmail. Covering all of her tracks was crucial to avoid any unexpected faceslapping. After all, she had far more to lose if she lost face, compared to Zhao Xiaoyun.

Shishi cackled as her plans seemingly fell into place. All she would have to do now was to tell the others and execute them.

The door to the office suite blew open at that moment, with the excited CEO walking confidently towards her.

”Shishi! I need you to book some appointments!”

”Yes, Mr. Li!” Shishi said with a cordial smile.

”The best restaurant overlooking the harbor! Jewelry that sparkles like the sun! A lavish hotel!” Mr. Li paused for a moment to ponder. ”Make it the President's suite. Ensure that it's soundproof. I'm in the mood to make a lot of noise.” He smirked as the fantasies swirled in his head.

Shishi's face remained frozen in place. She didn't like where this was going, but she managed not to let her expression slip. ”Excuse me, sir? Do you have an important guest?”

”An outing with my new favorite. Xiaoyun has been depressed lately. It is the best opportunity to impress her with my advances and shower her with my love.” Mr. Li smirked to himself, thinking it was the perfect plan. ”Yes, the perfect time to tear down her resistance…I can't let this chance escape while her guard is down. She is finally ripe for the taking.”

He licked his lips at the thought of dominating his new toy. He had gotten rather attached to her in the recent weeks. She may even be suitable for more than one use.

Shishi ground her teeth, realizing that her ploys had partially accelerated this outcome. If she hadn't messed with her so much, then Mr. Li likely wouldn't have seen it as an opportunity to make his advances. Her schemes had backfired!

”As you command…,” she said robotically, putting on a mask to hide her disgust.

Shishi turned away to bite her thumb. The situation that she was now presented with enraged her. She would have to figure out a way to sabotage this date.

Just then, she felt a hand fondle her back. Slightly surprised, Shishi jumped a little before turning around to face Mr. Li.

”Shishi, my dear. I never did offer you thanks for all that you have done. Maybe after this arrangement, we can set up something personal for ourselves?” He gazed into her eyes.

Shishi's heart nearly stopped. This had been the moment she was waiting for. If she could somehow stop Mr. Li from having a night with Zhao Xiaoyun, then she would be sure to lure him in with her charms.

”Of course. I am all yours. Do what you wish to me.” Shishi gave him a seductive smile.

”Excellent. You will be next on my list. Look forward to an exciting night. Or would you prefer a little taste ahead of time?”

Mr. Li bent over, pushing her against the desk. Her back rested gently on the bare portion of it. Stroking her outer thigh, his lips now dangled slightly over her own, his breath teasing her nose. She wanted to melt against the heat of his body.