eaded home, disappointmen

ltering through her bedroom window. The weight o

ss loop in her mind his cold gaze, the audacious cur

tly, pressing a ha

rogance, but that didn't change the harsh reality:

d anxiously about layoffs, and the media was already

hter Sherry's tense face above a steaming plate. Softly

slept," Margo said gently,

ed, staring blankly at he

cup of tea saying you look like y

ant to save the company, but risking everything on a deal with a

ve, Mom?" Sherry's v

trying to protect all of us. But remember, p

Industries headquarters situated downtown. A massive structure loome

mingly composed exterior she steeled h

beg," she whispere

here t

pered under her breath you're not around begging for anything. You're h

you," she said, leading Sher

not to show weakness. Enzo stood by the window, his silhouette sharp against the skyline. The

ward the leather chair opposite his desk. "I t

n, meeting his

cept because I

s lips. "choice?" He leaned back i

exactly hav

t," Sherr

d me as your assis

nvestments closely," he said in a calm t

ooked up. "You c

t across the desk. "My te

the contract tightened. The terms were outrageous, but walking awa

ause more daunting than the last. E

rting directly under him for some ti

s voice low and commanding. "Or wal

in the air, daring

ly low sounding remarkably commanding somehow. Or walk

y in the air daring he

resolve hardened into unyielding determination. Her res

five years when the ink touch the paper. Five years of working under Enz

ion House needed saving. Her f

ady hand,

deafening in the silent office. When she lifted h

g the document with an air of finality

Hart. Your tenure as my assistant begin

d, bracing hers

studying her. "Now, you learn

choice di

spond, he pressed a

htened. "I didn'

s a choice," h

t fully tomorrow remember. Seven a.m

You expect me to b

hout question," he corrected, his tone fina

twisted at

hed back her c

ing doors parted, and a high,

ds, my Chief Operating Office

her responsibilities.

him. Her heart pounded as she stood, throwing one last glance at Enzo. His

ld have to lie down and accept. She pictured the endless hours beneath his hawkish scru

used the elevator and went back home, whe

t, she leaned against the cool

d she j

barel

d her at Blackwood Industries. Would Enzo make her job unbearable

roaned and buried her face in her pillow, but the

r would wash away her anxiety. Sherry walked through the doors of Blac

ven though she didn't fully fee

d Industries, the tall glass building stood abov

fading away. She took a deep breath, stood up str

oyees in stylish business clothes moved

arm and creative atmosphere, Blackwood In

eeted her. He was sharp-eyed, impeccably dressed, and carried th

ng at his watch. "You're pun

any doubt?"

ile but didn't engage