v

d start on the merger project, knowing that the upcoming weeks would be grueling. The offi

p. My inbox was already flooded with emails, but I was ready. Taking a deep

ing my desk until a shadow fell across my screen. I looked up, startled

on," he said, his voice

plied, my heart racing. "Is ther

lder. "I need you to review these documents and

rushing briefly. "Of course. I'l

ile playing at the corners of his mo

re to his visit than just handing off documents. I opened the folder, my e

-

o

er-her quiet determination, her unassuming presence-that intrigued me more than I cared to admit. I had given he

he merger was a high-stakes game, one that required meticulous planning and flawless execution.

The anticipation of our afternoon meeting was a distraction I hadn't anticipated. I was

rence room, my mind focused on the task at hand. The room was already filling with key

end of the table, her eyes scanning the room as if taking mental notes of everyone present.

began, my gaze briefly meeti

dates and insights. When it was Ava's turn, she stood, her hands stea

ierce," she began, her voice clear and confident

identified several potential pitfalls and offered practical solutions to mitigate them. Her analysis

moment of silence, followed b

ence. "Your insights are invaluable. We'll incorporate

ed, a faint blush coloring her che

houghts of Ava. She had exceeded my expectations, and I found myself

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v

from the adrenaline rush. I had never been in such a high-stakes meet

For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged at Pierce Indus

her eyes sparkling with c

ed, a smile tugging at my lips. "L

, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Y

said, grateful for h

ng with the excitement of the morning's events. I threw myself into m

s drifting back to Logan. There was something about him that I couldn't q

ttraction I felt for Logan, but I knew I had to keep my feelings in check. He was my boss,

ercing blue eyes lingered in my mind, a tantalizing rem

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o

erformance in the meeting had been impressive, but it was more than just her professional capabilities t

had always prided myself on keeping my personal and professional lives separ

ill so much to do, so many details to iron out before the merger could be finaliz

eoning feelings towards her. I needed to stay focused, to keep my priorit

things and headed home, my mind still racing. I knew I had to tread carefu

an just an employee. She was a challenge, an enigma, and perhaps even

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v

aise from Logan and the success of the meeting had given me a boo

r project. The quiet of the early morning was becoming my sanctuary, a

phone buzzed with an incomin

rce: My off

his early in the morning? I quickly gathered my notes

k opened it, gesturing for me to enter. Logan was sea

" he greeted, his tone neu

tes like a lifeline. "You w

r. "I've been reviewing your analysis fr

missed something crucial. "Of cour

ng onto mine. "I want to know more about your a

s, looking for patterns and potential risks. I also considered the cultural differenc

at the corners of his mouth. "Your ins

id, feeling a rush of relief.

his tone softening. "I'm planning a trip to Paris to finaliz

ed in surpris

e said, his gaze intense. "And because I think

gan Pierce? It was both exciting and terrifying. But I co

said, my voice stead

ile on his face. "Make sure you're rea

nities more tantalizing. But as I prepared for the journey ahead, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was

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new day. For Ava Dawson, it marked the start of a journey that would take her far beyond