When The Ceo Stoops Low Novel – Miranda Horton lay worn out on the bed, listening to the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. Every part of her body ached. When Colin Woolery stepped out of the shower, a towel hung loosely around his waist. Steam clung to his damp hair, and water slid down from his collarbone, tracing a slow line over his firm abs. Miranda heard the quiet rustle of clothes and opened her eyes. She got out of bed and grabbed a blanket, wrapping it tightly around herself to cover the red and purple marks scattered across her body. Colin stood in front of the mirror, already dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that made him look tall and composed.
He didn’t spare Miranda a glance as she walked toward the bathroom to clean up. Standing there, looking down at her from his height, he turned slightly and handed her a tie. “Ms. Horton.” Miranda stared at his handsome, refined face for a second, her mind going blank. Once their clothes were back on, they returned to their usual roles and social positions. After Colin took over the Woolery family business, it took him only a few years to turn Woolery Group into the richest company in Landsellen City. His influence was overwhelming, and no one dared to cross him. On top of that, his eyes were dangerously captivating. Countless women tried every possible way to end up in his bed. Miranda had fallen for those eyes again and again. She loved Colin, but she was the only one who knew it. To him, she was nothing more than a convenient lover. Their relationship could never be made public.
During the day, she was his calm, professional secretary. At night, she was his hidden lover. Miranda took the tie and carefully knotted it for him. Then, she straightened his collar and forced herself to calm down. She put on a professional smile and said evenly, “Mr. Woolery, you have a confirmed dinner engagement with Miss Baker in the southern suburbs at seven tonight.” Earlier that day, the Woolery family had officially announced Colin’s engagement to the Baker family’s daughter. The news had spread through Landsellen City like wildfire. “Ms. Horton, you handled that very well,” Colin said as his tall figure moved closer. The cool, faint scent of sandalwood filled her senses. Miranda didn’t understand why he was suddenly angry. He had personally chosen his fiancée and confirmed the dinner himself.
Hiding her feelings, she replied, “Mr. Woolery, there’s still an hour before dinner.” It was a polite way of telling him to leave. Colin’s gaze darkened, and a sharp, cold pressure radiated from him. He pulled her into his arms without warning. “Are you worried someone might find out about us?” The movement was too rough. The blanket slipped from Miranda’s shoulders, and she was pressed tightly against him. Colin looked at their reflection in the mirror, his eyes lingering on her flawless back and the smooth curve from her waist to her hips. His finger traced downward. On her abdomen was a faint, slightly raised scar. It looked quiet, mysterious, and strangely tempting. Colin had never cared where the scar came from and had never asked about it. But now, his finger paused there, slowly brushing over it. Miranda felt a familiar ripple of pleasure at his touch, but panic filled her chest.
This wasn’t a hotel. This was the lounge in Colin’s office. She could clearly feel his desire returning. She hurriedly said, “Mr. Woolery, there really isn’t enough time.” Colin didn’t seem to care. When he saw the fear in her eyes, he sneered. He hated her calm, emotionless tone and fake professional smile. To him, it felt like Miranda didn’t understand who was in control of their relationship. He wasn’t finished punishing her. Sometimes, he wanted to break her completely because he could only see genuine emotion in her eyes when she lost control. Miranda’s eyes grew glossy with moisture, and a soft blush spread quickly across her face. Colin knew exactly where she was sensitive, and it didn’t take long for her body to respond. “Mr. Woolery, this is the office,” Miranda said quietly. She knew someone could walk in at any moment. In the mirror, Colin still looked calm and polished.
He watched with interest as her face flushed and panic filled her eyes. “Why are you resigning?” he asked, his voice low. Miranda felt tears well in her eyes, but hearing that question made her feel oddly relieved. Now she finally understood why he had been so angry. As soon as the news about the engagement came out, she had gone to HR early that morning while Colin was away. However, HR didn’t dare approve the resignation of the CEO’s secretary on their own. When Colin returned and heard about it, he didn’t care that they were in the office. He punished her right there on the lounge bed. When she stayed silent, Colin raised an eyebrow. “Or did you find yourself a better option?” Miranda bit her lip. She knew anything she said would only make things worse. Colin calmly wiped his hands with a tissue and sneered, “I thought you were really going to challenge me.” Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Miranda quickly grabbed the blanket from the floor and curled up in the corner like a frightened cat. “Mr. Woolery, it’s me.” The voice belonged to Zack Lawson, Colin’s assistant. He knew about their relationship.
Miranda let out a quiet breath of relief, but her heart immediately felt even heavier. Colin looked annoyed. Holding back his anger, he pulled out her resignation letter. She wrote that she was quitting because she was physically and mentally exhausted from working day and night. He tore the paper into pieces in front of her. Then he stood up, stepped on the scraps, and said in a low voice, “Resignation denied.” He took out a card. “There’s 1.5 million dollars on it. If that’s not enough, come ask me for more.” Every time he used money to measure what they had, something twisted painfully in Miranda’s chest. She had never wanted his money. Colin never spoke sweetly to women. This money was simply his solution.
Whether she wanted it or not, she had no choice but to accept it. She swallowed her sadness and forced a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Woolery.” Colin dropped the card on the floor, then turned away without a second glance. Miranda watched him open the door and leave. She picked up the card and gripped it tightly in both hands as tears streamed down her face. She felt like Colin was becoming more and more like a stranger. She quickly cleaned herself up. Her dress had been torn by him. Since he was unpredictable, she kept an identical outfit in her office, just in case. She opened the closet, took out the matching dress, and changed into it. Then she fixed her makeup, using concealer to cover the marks on her skin. Soon, she looked dignified, elegant, and sharp in the mirror once again. Miranda was professional as a secretary, and just as professional as a lover. But there was one role she could never accept—being the other woman who ruined someone else’s relationship.
Exhausted, she only wanted to go home, take a shower, and sleep. Her legs felt weak, but she still walked out of Colin’s office with steady composure. She was thankful that everyone had already left for the day. Otherwise, someone would have noticed something was off. “Ms. Horton.” Zack suddenly appeared, making her flinch. “Zack?” The embarrassment Colin had mentioned earlier finally showed on her face. Even though Zack knew about her and Colin, being seen like this still left her feeling awkward and exposed. Zack’s expression didn’t change at all, as if he knew nothing. He had worked for Colin for years. Even if he knew, he would act like he didn’t. Miranda quickly adjusted her expression and asked, “Why haven’t you left yet?” Colin had a dinner plan tonight, and she had assumed Zack would go with him. Zack pressed the elevator button for her. “Mr. Woolery told me to wait for you.” Chapter 2 She’s Not My Daughter Miranda was stunned. Colin was about to marry another woman. She felt hurt and sad, and she couldn’t bring herself to watch him act affectionate with someone else.