chapter three

The main conference hall was already filling up when Annie and Sophie arrived.

Rows of seats faced a raised platform, where a polished lectern stood beneath a large presentation screen. Through the glass walls, Manhattan's busy streets stretched into the distance.

Employees settled into their seats, whispering as they waited.

Sophie, however, seemed incapable of sitting still.

"Look at them," she whispered, nudging Annie.

Annie followed her gaze. Several women were smoothing their skirts, checking their makeup, or adjusting their hair.

"Are they expecting to be photographed?" Annie asked.

"They're expecting Jeremy Whitmore. There's a difference."

"Apparently."

Sophie leaned closer. "Don't pretend you wouldn't look twice if he walked past you."

"I look twice when someone walks into a glass door. It doesn't mean I'm interested."

Sophie shook her head, laughing.

Before she could respond, a senior executive stepped onto the platform and welcomed everyone. He spoke briefly about Whitmore Global's continued growth and the company's plans for the future.

Then he announced that Richard Whitmore's son would be taking on a more prominent role within the organization.

The conference hall doors opened.

And Jeremy Whitmore walked in.

Annie immediately understood why his name had dominated the office all morning.

He was tall, with broad shoulders that filled out his impeccably tailored charcoal suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his striking blue eyes complemented his sharp, handsome features.

Everything about him suggested wealth without the need for flashy displays. From his expensive watch to his polished shoes, he looked effortlessly sophisticated.

He was wickedly handsome.

There was no denying that.

But what caught Annie's attention was his expression.

Jeremy walked toward the platform with an almost indifferent look on his face. He acknowledged the executive with a brief nod before surveying the room as though attending a meeting he'd rather have skipped.

He didn't appear nervous or particularly excited.

He looked bored.

When he reached the lectern, he slipped one hand into his pocket, standing with the casual confidence of someone accustomed to being the center of attention.

Annie studied him briefly.

So that's the famous Jeremy Whitmore.

She imagined private schools, expensive vacations, influential friends, and a family name that opened doors before he even knocked.

He looked like someone who had never been told no often enough.

He looks spoiled, she thought.

Then she turned her attention back to the speaker.

Whatever Jeremy Whitmore was like, he had nothing to do with her problems.

She had bills to pay and a family to protect. Admiring a handsome billionaire's son wouldn't make either task easier.

The senior executive introduced Jeremy formally, highlighting his education, his involvement in the family business, and his upcoming responsibilities at Whitmore Global.

Applause filled the hall.

Jeremy stepped forward.

"Thank you. I appreciate the welcome."

His voice was deep and smooth, carrying easily through the room.

He spoke briefly about the company's future, its employees, and the standards he expected Whitmore Global to maintain. His remarks were polished and confident, delivered without unnecessary enthusiasm.

He didn't try to charm the audience or win anyone over.

He simply spoke as though he expected to be listened to.

When he finished, the staff applauded again.

Annie clapped politely, already thinking about the work waiting on her desk.

The meeting was soon dismissed.

As employees began leaving the hall, Sophie caught Annie's arm.

"Did you see him?"

Annie glanced at her. "We were sitting in the same room, Sophie."

"That's not what I mean!"

"Then what do you mean?"

Sophie pressed a hand against her chest dramatically.

"That man is even more handsome in person. I need a moment to recover."

Annie laughed.

"Please recover quickly. Some of us have actual work to do."

"You have no appreciation for beauty."

"I appreciate beauty. I just don't plan to make it my full-time occupation."

Sophie gave her a disbelieving look as they returned to their office.

By the time they arrived, Jeremy Whitmore had become the subject of nearly every conversation.

Women who had barely exchanged greetings that morning were discussing his eyes, his voice, and the way his suit fitted his shoulders.

One employee claimed he'd attended an exclusive charity event the previous year, while another wondered whether he was seeing anyone.

Everyone seemed to have a question, and nobody appeared tired of asking them.

Sophie settled into her chair and leaned toward Annie again.

"I heard he's single."

Annie continued typing.

"Congratulations."

"Why do you keep doing this to me?"

"Doing what?"

"Refusing to participate in important conversations."

Annie finally looked up.

"Sophie, the man hasn't even been here for an hour, and you're already planning his romantic future."

"I'm simply gathering information."

"Of course you are."

Sophie laughed and returned to her computer, although Annie knew the gossip would resume as soon as another detail emerged.

Across the office, employees were suddenly putting extra effort into their work, hoping to make a good impression on the new heir.

Annie, meanwhile, opened another file.

She had no intention of competing for Jeremy Whitmore's attention.

Her concerns were far more immediate.

Her phone vibrated beside her keyboard. A message from her mother appeared, asking whether she would be home early that evening.

Annie replied that she would try before placing the phone facedown.

Six months.

That deadline remained, regardless of how handsome the new heir was.

While the rest of Whitmore Global seemed fascinated by Jeremy Whitmore, Annie Williams had only one goal.

Finding a way to save her family's home.