t decor that exuded power. Emily Wilson stood just inside the doorway, her auburn curls catching the light. She clutched her notepad tig

pers on his desk. His voice was cool, measured, an

ls clicking softly on the marble f

a flicker of amusement in his expression as he leaned back in his chair, steepling

se gaze seemed to dissect her. She took the seat across from

's begin, then. I want your thoughts on the communication

ear lack of transparency. The managers aren't getting timely updates, which leads to delays

ed. "And how do you propose we execute th

sting systems rather than introducing new software

sement in his eyes replaced by somethin

red," Emily replied, meeting h

r a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "I

elieved sigh. She stood, gathering her

e, Julian's voice sto

k, her hazel ey

, his tone casual, but his words carried a weight

in lifting slightly. "I wou

ips. He hadn't expected her to hold her ground so firmly, and ye

w and clipped, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Emily stood by the coffee machine, pouring herself a cup an

lson, i

ith sharp features and a predatory smile. He extended a ha

nd. His grip was firm, bordering on overbe

s. "So, you're the new assistant. J

ation but kept her tone polit

I like that. But you should know, this isn't an eas

aid, meeting his gaze w

ghtly, lowering his voice. "Word of advice: don't overstep.

o let it show. "I appreciate the advic

ice cut through the air. "Victor, don

his green eyes cold and unyielding as they fixed

arefully neutral. "Of course. I was j

p. "I'm sure she appreciates

t without a lingering glance at Emily. She felt

ctor," Julian said,

a sip of her coffee.

word for it. Be careful arou

er voice even. "Anythi

r. "Plenty. But I think you're bett

but paused, glancin

es

here intimidate

d into a small smile

and something she couldn't quite name. The game was just beginning, and she