all apartment was heavier, and the weight of what she had started to feel settled deep in her chest. She had barely slept the night before, tossing and turning as

to leave her mind. He was everything everyone said he was: powerful, commanding, and cold. But

she was here to work, not to get lost in thoug

want to waste any more time. She pulled on her usual outfit: a simple, fitted blazer and skirt that made her look the part of an executi

the background as she tried to clear her head. The city moved like a machin

ies building, she couldn't help but feel the familiar rush of nervous energy.

come. A year ago, she would've never believed she'd be here, walking past the high-rise elevators and security guards,

esk, typing away on her com

she greeted in her usual formal t

, trying to sound more confident than she f

ing. "Yes. You'll be handling a few things for him

Liam had asked her to organize, double-checking every detail. It wasn't that she thought he'd ch

could knock, the door swung open, and Liam stepped out. He was dressed in a sharp suit, his usual self-assured demeanor

l as commanding as it had been the day before

For a brief moment, she felt the slightest bit of warmth in his usual ice

" she said, forcing hersel

rther, only gestured towa

n a soft, muted light, and the usual hum of activity outside seemed distant. Liam's desk was cluttered with papers, his p

seat," he said w

he tension in the room felt almost suffocating, and for a moment, she wondered

re several meetings scheduled for the next few days, and I want everything to b

aking the stack from him. "

he couldn't help but feel the electric charge that seemed to emanate fro

and out of meetings today, so you'l

he turned, walkin

ng. "I expect you to keep up with the pace. If you ca

oubted. She clenched her jaw, pushing back the urge to argue or explain herself. This w

you, Mr. Westbrook

ied with her answer, and di

nutes ticked by. She could feel the pressure mounting, knowing that everything she did from here on out would determine her future at Wes

was more to him than the ruthless businessman everyone talked about. He was cold, yes, but there were moments-small

if she wanted to stay in this game, she had to keep her distance. No matter how intoxicating his presence

down, worked efficiently, and did her best to keep up with the pace. But as the clock struck 5:00 p.m.,

nt, she couldn't help but w

-

e force. It was a relief when the workday finally came to a close, though the thought of returning to her quiet apartment felt less comforting than usual. Fo

uilding's bright lights flickered behind her, casting long shadows on the sidewalk. The walk to the subway station felt different tonight, like the

d for it. But now, the idea of keeping h

ith Liam from the past day. His sharp features, his commanding presence-everything about him was designed to dominate. He wasn't just any billionai

ught she couldn't

solitude of her small space felt welcome, yet isolating. She dropped her purse onto the c

am I

ntriguing he was. She was here for herself, for her career. She had goals, ambi

the couch, reaching for her phone. A message from

your f

aintly and quic

hink I'm starting t

ply wa

on't let them make you f

r growing unease with Liam, but she knew Sophie wouldn't understand. Sophie was all about the fun and the ex

-anything-gave her a semblance of control. Her mind kept returning to the moment she'd spent in Liam's office. His presence h

them, trying to ground herself. It was crazy how much he affected her al

rk. Focus o

he mantra, she knew it was

-

iam-that she was capable of handling everything that came her way. She was a professional, and she didn't have time for distractions. But th

woman was a mystery in her own right-cold and distant, but sharp as a tack. Violet had ye

eeted, trying to mai

e scheduled to meet with Mr. Westbrook again today.

ered back to the night before. She hadn't been able to get much sleep, her mind still racing with questions and unanswered

ng to quell the butterflies in her stoma

called from inside, sm

pread out in front of him. He didn't look up at first, but she not

ce laced with a touch of approval.

ized the reports and reviewed the meeting sche

she had prepared for him. He took a moment, s

ringing through the words. "But there's

ad slightly, waiting

id, his eyes locking with hers. "We're finalizing a major deal, and I

ok- felt like a huge opportunity, but also a risk. She was still new here, and yet he was

ing her voice steady despite th

ment longer than necessary. He studied her with an intensity that

s he want

he stood up and moved around the de

The pressure will be high, and I'll need you to

ed, nodding. "

rner of his mouth before he turned away, signaling the end of t

of vulnerability that seemed almost out of place for someone like him. But just as quickly as it appe

ettling in her chest. She had been handed an opportunity that most peopl

d for the afternoon's meeting, one question

able to keep her dista

-