s gliding over her laptop as she reviewed a report detailing regional communication issues. Her workspace was uncluttered, everything in neat or

e saw Victor Crane standing there, his sh

adjusted the cuffs of his pristine white shirt, clearly savoring the inter

r grip on her pen tightened. "I aim to do my be

in it. "Ambitious. But you're new. You don'

using to be intimidated. She met his gaze, he

ore he could retort, Julian's vo

ence making heads turn across the office. He wore a charcoal suit t

suddenly cautious, the smugnes

said coolly, his gaze flicking briefly to Emily bef

his smile now forced. "Just ge

e weight of finality. "Let's keep it brief

stiff with irritation. Emily exhaled softly, turning he

ell," Julian said,

, glancing up at him. "Tho

ntest of smiles. "Victor's a relic.

nd?" Emily asked before

but there was a flicker of amusement

have a project I'd like you to take o

she forced herself to appea

before he walked away, his strides purposeful. Emily watch

, polished table, her notepad open in front of her. The weight of Julian's high-priority project was pressing on her,

space. He carried a leather folder under one arm, his expression unreada

g a seat across from her. "L

reviewed the initial details. It's ambitio

ed. "This project is critical to solidifying our position

," Emily said wi

d. But this won't just be about delivering results. It'll be abou

said, her tone stea

of something unguarded crossing his face. "You remin

curiosity sparking. "An

looked away briefly. "She burne

s hanging between them. Emily resisted the urge to press

d, her voice quiet but firm. "

on between them was almost palpable. Then he nodded, a faint sm

nversation fluid and focused. But every now and then, Julian's gaze would linge

his folder and stood. "You've got your w

ily said, sta

t. He turned back, his expression unreadable. "Emily...i

at suddenly dry. "Than

him. Emily exhaled, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure what had just