e and breathe it all in. It was smaller than Martin's sprawlin

make it my own. It was positioned perfectly before a floor-to-ceiling window that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, the golden hues of the late afternoon

walked in and out of the office, and likewise, he could see me anytime he entered or leaving the office. However, his office was an exception, while others

k, there was a cozy seating area, two soft gray chairs paired with a glass coffee table, offering a quiet place for conversations, or maybe just a moment of solitude. The walls, painted in a warm neutral shade, mad

as my

days ago, I had been drowning in customer service calls, my head spinning with frustrated customers and endless hours of mind numbing work. Now, I was here, sitting

lips. Maybe this won't be

sh of water to the fac

e to face the

like a jolt of electricity, remin

t the clock reminded me of the time. I had barely been here f

ghtened up, and smoothed my blouse. The calm wa

s though the building itself knew what was coming, pressing down on me with every step. The memory of my last encounter with Martin-the way his gaze had pinned

my nerves. The folder in my hand felt heavier all of a sudden. I took a

ound two, I told myself as I

, cutting through the

it was Martin behind the sleek, dark desk that made it

diately tell there was a new individual in the room. A lady to be precise. My gaze shifted instinctively, an

something on his desk, his eyes scanning a document, his expression unreadable ignoring my existence in the room before

," he said, eyes still fixed on the document in front of him-lik

ed. Tha

anation. Just a simple requ

ands and leaned back in his chair, the shift in his posture was enough

ed coffee on me," he added smoothly

embarrassment creeping up my neck. Oooh, this s

nt running through my skin, spreading like fire, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of se

k with some sarcastic comment but instead, I

m get under your skin Haylee, I remin

s if he was waiting for some reaction bu

yself?" he asked with his t

oice steady despite the an

door, Martin's voice cut through

et Victoria Sterling-

oat as my eyes landed on the lady in ivory si

ia Ste

mand respect but expected it as a given. She did not need to announce her power-it was there

lt exposed, like I was being measured for somet

in his chair, exp

you know your sup

xpensive perfume to reach me. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curving int

d, though there was no re

n actual welcome. Her eyes lingered, assessing, as though she was alr

ignoring the unease g

as I stepped out into the hallway to head over to the coffee s

's presence, like a whisper at the back of my mind, reminding me that I had just stepped into a

aster than before, and my mind racing. I had only been here a few hours, and

eel so muc

in my mind as I made m