alm and her expression was blank. But the suspense of the previous night still clouded her mind until the next day as she sat at her desk. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze even after l

use me? Was that a compliment or what?", Elena questioned getting annoying but trying to keep calm. "Well, I suppose not. I don't give compliments. I just stated from my observation", he said with a smirk. "Oh wow" "We shouldn't be here having this worthless conversations", he said offering his arm. Elena hesitated for a second, then took it. They walked around the room like a fire and ice. A combination of elegance and danger. Elena moved with ease, her steps steady and calculated. She laughed politely when needed, spoke fluently with the curious board members, and didn't make any errors. She was precise and smart. Andrew was watching her. "You're kind of doing well with this", he murmured after they passed the press. "And does that surprise you, Mr Cross?", she asked giving a faint smile. "No, not at all. Nothing or no one surprises me. I'm just observing". Elena felt those words pierce her but she still remained composed. "Well that's good. I wasn't trying to surprise you anyway". Andrew twitched his mouth but didn't let a smile. ...Later that night - Cross Mansion... Andrew poured drink in two glasses in the faintly lit study with shadows casting on the walls. The smelll of scotch and quietness filled the air. Then a voice came from a distance. "I was present in the city. Felt like checking if the cold billionaire king still knew how to pour a drink," James said sarcastically, sitting on the couch. "Wow, when did you return?" , Andrew asked handing James a glass of scotch while sitting across him. "Just two days ago. How have you been Mr ruthless?" James asked taking a sip of the drink. "Just the way I've always been, James Grey," Andrew answered plainly. "Typical. Anyway, how was the gala?" "I was there for the purpose, not the pleasure", Andrew said dryly, tapping the glass with his finger. "Was it that bad?" "No. It was efficient. Miss Santiago behaved properly." "Who's Miss Santiago? Your new assistant?", Jame