d atmosphere that Liam Westbrook always seemed to exude. The glass table in the center was surrounded by four chairs, and as Violet entered, she noticed the high-powered executiv

oom, all eyes turned to her- an uncomfortable shift of attention that made her pulse race. Liam's gaze, however, lingered on her long

e smooth and commanding, his gaze stil

from trembling as she arranged her notepad and tablet in front of her. The air felt thick with expectatio

the sharpness of his features as he began outlining the terms of the upcoming deal. His voice was steady and confident, and Violet couldn't help but feel the sheer w

as the embodiment of authority, a natural-born leader who made everything seem effortless. She couldn't deny the magnetic p

comment if asked. But despite her limited participation, she could feel Liam's gaze on her more than once, a subtle pres

his voice unwavering. "But there's one last matter we need to discuss-terms regarding the partnership's expansion. We've rece

orth, weighing the risks and rewards. Violet remained quiet, though she could feel the energy in the

was the only thing keeping the meeting from spiraling out of control. He was in his element, and Violet found herself watching him more

hen he spoke, an edge to his demeanor that was almost too perfect. It was as if there was no room for error in his world. And

once more. This time, the look was softer-more curious. He tilted

his voice cool but carrying an unmistakable note o

for a moment, her mind went blank. But she quickly regained her composure, gl

enue growth in the second quarter. The projections are based on past performance, but if the market conditions shif

Liam didn't respond immediately. He simply watched her with a sharp gaze, as though he were evaluating her every

id. "I'll take that

s respect. The subtle shift in his demeanor was enough to make her heart skip a beat. She had expected hi

behind, gathering her things slowly. She could feel the exhaustion creeping in, but there was a strange sense of accomplishment in her chest. She had held

ce him, her pulse quickening at the sight of him. He was standing near the door, one hand res

dercurrent of something she couldn't quite place. "You handled yourself well i

y. "Thank you, Mr. Westbrook. I just wanted

l fit in here just fine. But don't get too co

ension in the air that wasn't there before, a silen

n, just barely audible. "And Violet-next time, do

om, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. She had made it through

I gotten m

tching." The weight of his gaze, the subtle but undeniable power in his presence, made her pulse quicken once again. It wasn't just about business anymo

houghts clouding her mind. *Focus, Violet

her. The sharpness in his eyes, the way his words had flowed with such effortless authority, and t

d floor echoed in the empty space as she made her way out. The hallway was empty, but the tension she had felt in the room still followed h

-

nd dropped her bag onto the couch, collapsing beside it with a sigh. The silence of her apartment was almost overwhelm

s she wanted to focus on the success of the day, a deeper feeling lingered. The se

's like that with everyone-intense, demanding. He has to be. H

re was a connection, however subtle. Something about the way Liam had l

verie. Violet glanced at the screen-her best friend, I

irst day?" Ivy's voice

ood. The meeting was a lot more high-pressure than I expec

ht?" Ivy asked. "You're n

iam. He's... different. I don't know if it's just me, but the whole atmosphere feels so ch

a bit... intimidating. But that's probably just his way of running things. Don't let it get to yo

slight knot in her stomach. "I know. I

re to learn. If anyone can handle Liam's intensity

Thanks, Ivy. I'll try to

ouraging words, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a job. That t

-

. But as the week wore on, she found herself increasingly drawn to Liam. There was an unspoken connection, one that simmered beneath the surface but never qu

rossed, there was that lingering tension-an almost electric charge that hung

m's door was slightly ajar, and she could hear the sound of his voice drifting out, low and confident as he spoke on the phone.

ion seemed to be about an upcoming business acquisition, and Liam's tone was serious, comma

but tinged with a slight edge. "You can tell them I'm

. She had heard stories about Liam's business acumen, his ruthless drive to succ

gaze locking with hers. Violet's heart skipped a beat, but

er voice steady despite the fluttering in

y as though he were sizing her up. "I see. Well, I hope y

ing's been great so far. Tha

she passed him, the faintest scent of his cologne-woodsy, mu

o the hallway, Liam's voi

, facing h

s than your best work

couldn't tell if it was a warning or a challenge. But one thing was clear: Liam Westbrook was not a