No greeting, no context-just a demand that had left her stomach in knots. She'd practically sprinted across the sprawling office floor, heel

, breaking the oppressive q

finally lifted to meet hers.

unease prickling her

ling up his sleeves with deliber

bsurdity rendering her speechless.

rified, his smirk deepen

whether to laugh or yell

nal, and discreet," he said

s statement sparked a wave

uet and a heartfelt confession

. "Sir, with all due respect, you

tered smoothly. "I'm presenting an

bubbling just beneath the surface. "I'm sor

Miss Benette. This arrangement benefits us both. My father stops breathin

enched. "What

exhaustion. People only work themselves to t

to let him see her discomfort. "Yo

ian replied coolly. "T

. "Thank you for the offer, sir, but I'm not intereste

, let me know," he called

he soft click of the

xclaimed, pacing the tiny office kit

rupted, holding up her hand. "

nds in the air. "Apparently, I'm 'discreet' and 'n

tting her coffee cup down. "Yi

erve to imply I'm desperate for money-like t

dened. "Wow. A

red, running a hand through her curls. "The way

. "Okay, but let's be honest. Did you a

at her. "No.

. I'm just saying... it's not the worst deal. Pretend to b

ng myself," Ca

Fair enough. But don't let hi

tion only marginally lessen

nes, but Camille was determined to push through. She was so focused

ill here,"

startled. "I'm j

as clipped, but there was a flicker o

he replied, unable to kee

r jab. "Come on.

he repeated

an apology

s already walking away, leavin

ers and hushed luxury. Camille felt woefully out of p

t my offer?" he asked

he said

is chair, his smirk ret

espect, sir, you don't know me wel

ed smoothly. "And I know you're smart enough

"With all due respect, sir, you can

rrowing. "Careful, Miss Benette. You

aid, standing abruptly.

bbed her bag and stormed out,

ouch, her phone buzzed. She frowned, pickin

und, Camille. Yo

htening on the phone. She stared

asn't just arrogan