Alex’s POV Control is a delicate thing. People thought it came from power, money, position, dominance but real control was subtler than that. It was about anticipation, knowing what pieces would move before they even touched the board and Emily… Emily was one of those pieces I couldn’t afford to miscalculate. I watched her across the desk, her back too straight, her expression careful, though I could see the tension vibrating just beneath her skin. She had dressed like she wanted to convince me she belonged here—black dress, low heels, minimal jewelry, professional, almost severe. If she thought it would intimidate me, she was wrong. If anything, I found it fascinating. “Work in close contact with me?” she repeated, her voice low, wary. “Yes.” I leaned back in my chair, studying her the way a hunter studies a deer caught halfway across
Emily’s POV My phone buzzed again in my hand, Alex’s name glaring on the screen like a warning sign I wasn’t ready to face. I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself not to open the message, though its four short words were already carved into my head like a brand: Be ready tomorrow. Things are about to change. Change? What kind of change? Promotion? Demotion? Firing? Or was it something worse? The tone didn’t sound like a simple work update. “Emily?” Jace’s voice pulled me back. His brows were drawn, his brown eyes searching my face. “What’s wrong?” I fumbled with the phone, shoving it screen-down on the table like hiding it would erase the reality of the message. “Nothing,” I lied too quickly. “Just work stuff.” He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned back again, stretching out like he owned the couch. The ease in
Emily’s PovToday was draining…like absolutely life sucking. I slumped to the bed with full force. Who knew the first day as a boss would be this bad. From having colleagues that didn't believe in me, to meeting the egomatic boss and seeing Sophia’s ugly face.Plus I agreed to go to the baby shower which means I’ll have to see my nagging parents and that idiot ex husband of mine. Of course he’ll be happy to see me, so he can torment my life. The ringing of my phone cut me out of my thoughts. I peeked at it before picking it up….it was a call and a text. The call from Alex and the text was from Jace. What the actual fuck? I picked the call, and Alex's voice boomed through the speaker. “Emily, we need to talk” he said, it took me aback. “If it isn't about work, I don’t think it would be possible, sir.” I answered.“And who said it isn't? See me in my offi
Ezra’s POV The sting of her eyes meeting mine hit harder than I expected. For a moment, it felt like every nerve in my body had frozen, locking me in place. Ava Hasting, the one woman I had promised myself I wouldn’t get tangled up with was standing there, staring at me like I was nothing but filth. And then, before I could get a word out, she bolted. I cursed under my breath. The girl I had just been talking to, Madison or was it Melanie? I honestly didn’t care to remember, it wasn't important. She was just another distraction, a face in the crowd who knew the rules of the game: no promises, no ties, no regret but Ava… Ava wasn’t supposed to be here and she wasn’t supposed to see that. I had tried to keep my distance. I told myself it was for the best, for her, for me, for Alex but the second her eyes met mine, everything inside me recoiled at the thought
Sophia’s PovI walked out from Emily’s office in a state of shock and with doubts floating through my mind but I tried to look at the bright side. She agreed to come to the baby shower and that's all that mattered.I glimpsed back at the office, still baffled by everything. I never expected her to be the head of a department or even find a job. This was the reason she had the power to frustrate Wesley. It was suspicious of how she had managed to get up the corporate ladder in such a short while. Something was wrong….I could feel it in my bones. I was about to walk into the elevator when the sound of my name echoed from behind.“Sophia?” the feminine voice sounded like she wasn't sure it was me. I paused, turning to see that familiar face with the mischievous smile. Lydia!!Her body looked like it was going to ache with excitement while her eyes glistened with that
Ava’s povIt had been a long weekend but I intended to make do of it. As much as I was heartbroken, I still had some form of self respect for my name. I was going to do my best to avoid Ezra. It didn’t matter the kind of chemistry we had or how my stupid heart felt. He valued his friendship with Alex way more than he liked me and I get it. But one thing I was not going to do was to look like I was desperate. I am Ava Hasting and I bow for no man.My alarm clock went off signalling it was time for lunch.Finally!! I stretched, and picked up my phone to text Emily. I hope she is doing better in the new department. Even though I had given her that promotion early and people think she did not deserve it. I knew better!Emily is a beast when it comes to story writing and reading. She made Wesley who he is now and I had no doubt she would do much better than what people imagined. Emily had agreed on lunch but a few seconds later, she texted me to cancel.I guess I have to eat lu