the pace, the relentless schedule, the high expectations that Sebastian Steele seemed to expect of her at all times. The

s more than just an assistant. And then, there were the other moments, the ones that left her feeling uneasy, like when she walked into a meeting and saw him ins

reat. Alexis had stayed behind to finalize the financial projections for the next

unch? Let's grab a bite

dly toward her. They had briefly spoken at a few compan

dropped, a mixture of anxiety and something else she couldn't identify. She quickly tucked

ped as ever, but there was a slight edge to it t

g to sound casual, though she felt l

y. It didn't escape her notice that his gaze lingered on it longer than necessary before returning to

mething about the way he said them that made her feel small almost as if h

id, keeping her voice steady, but inside,

his eyes returning to the files on her desk. "Good," he said

lder than usual, and she couldn't help but feel as if there was more to it. Was he angry? Was it because of h

prepared to leave for lunch, s

ill up for grabbing a bite? I know this little café jus

ng about Sebastian's words echoed in her mind. Was it wrong to spend

exis turned and immediately saw Sebastian, striding toward them with an air of aut

hroat. "I'll let you two get back to it," he said wi

ture rigid as he glanced at Alexis. There w

ce almost clipped, though it wasn't direct

s. Just a quick lunch with Ryan. We

hung in the air like a thick fog, and for a moment, Alexis could feel the weight of his words pressing down on her. She had been so caref

is said, trying to regain control of the situat

w more intense, more penetrating, as if he were

ow but firm. "If you're going to do something,

It wasn't just about work it wasn't just about lunch

rned on his heel and walked away, leaving Alexis sta

n't shake the feeling that something between her and Sebastian had shifted. What had

wasn't sure what he meant by it, but the implication was impossible to ignore. Did Sebastia

ting, her thoughts were interrupted once again by Sebastian's presence. He

e said, his voice still firm, but with that und

ut Sebastian's gaze lingered just a little longer this time, a

uietly, his words carrying a subtle threat. "Y

turned and walked away, the final