Jade was at his desk when she stepped off.He raised a brow. “You’re early.”She looked down, feeling shy, “I got his text.”He gave a wry smile. “Of course, you did.”She knocked gently.Ryan’s voice came through, low and clipped. “Come in.”The moment Elena walked into his cabin, she found him wor
It had been two weeks since Johnson Enterprises had settled into Elena like a second skin.She woke earlier now, dressed faster, and walked through the marble-floored lobby with more confidence than she’d expected. Her heels no longer echoed uncertainty. Her notes were cleaner, her voice steadier in
Ryan stood behind his massive desk, sleeves rolled to his elbows, expression unreadable. A storm brewed behind his eyes.“You’re late,” he said, voice cool.“It’s 4:58.”“Two minutes early is still late in my book.”Elena raised a brow. “Then you better adjust your book, Mr. Johnson.”A flicker of a
Elena was halfway through her second cup of coffee when the office lights above her flickered to life. The clock on the wall read 8:52 a.m, still eight minutes early. The walls were decorated with clean, minimalist prints and motivational slogans, but the only one Elena truly believed in right now w
“It was good,” Elena replied. “Busy. Lots to learn.”“She was impressive. She handled herself well,” Ryan said, his tone cool and measured. “Most interns fumble around the first week, but she adapted quickly.”Elena’s stomach fluttered.Enric smiled at her, pride unmistakable in his eyes. “Told you
The café smelled like toasted almonds and vanilla syrup when Elena slid into the booth across from Avonlea. The café was an artsy little place with neon signs and too many vintage posters that made it feel like it was constantly stuck in 1995. It was late evening, just after six, and the warm glow o