Delayed Not Late

ValentinaOne Month LaterWork trip supplies for Mr. Norman—check. My own materials—check. Presentation files backed up in three separate locations—check. Itinerary printed and organized—check.I'm in the office, checking off my list for what feels like the hundredth time.A knock sounds at the door.Before I can say "come in," it swings open.Noah.My jaw clenches automatically. Of course he didn't wait for permission."Valentina!" His smile is too bright, too friendly. "I just wanted to apologize again for last week. The coffee incident."He steps closer.I stand my ground, fists clenching at my sides. "It's fine. You don't need to apologize again.""No, no, I feel terrible." Another step. "Let me make it up to you. Maybe dinner? Or drinks?"He's never been direct about it. Never outright harassed me in a way I could report. It's always subtle—bumping into me in the hallway, spilling things on me and using it as an excuse to touch me while "helping," tripping and grabbing my chest f

Not Ready Yet.

JaceValentina disappears into the bathroom and I hear the shower start.I pull out my phone and dial Marcus—my actual competent back up assistant—but it goes to voicemail. Of course. Which means I have to call Maria.She picks up on the second ring. "Mr. Norman?""The schedule for tomorrow's leadership workshop," I say without preamble. "Make sure the team is prepped and ready by eight AM. I want the presentation materials distributed, coffee and breakfast arranged, and the conference room set up exactly as outlined in Miss Vega's notes.""Of course, sir. And where will you and Valentina be staying tonight?"My jaw clenches. "That's none of your concern.""I'm just asking because if you need anything—""What I need is for you to do your job." My voice drops dangerously low. "If everything I just outlined isn't completed before I arrive tomorrow, you'll be looking for new employment. Are we clear?"A pause. "Crystal clear, sir."I end the call and toss my phone onto the nightstand.Th

So Many Emotions At Once.

ValentinaThe camping site is beautiful—all tall trees and fresh air, cabins scattered around a central lodge. It should be peaceful, relaxing even.Instead, it's awkward as hell.Jace and I barely spoke during the drive here this morning. Just professional exchanges about the schedule, the workshop agenda, logistical details. None of the easy banter from yesterday. No teasing. No personal conversation.Just cold, painful distance.Maria is in full ass-kissing mode, hovering around Jace constantly with coffee refills and unnecessary updates and that simpering smile that makes me want to scream."Mr. Norman, I organized the team-building activities exactly as you requested—"He walks past her without acknowledgment."Mr. Norman, the afternoon session materials are ready—"He barely glances at her.She shoots me a venomous look like it's somehow my fault he's ignoring her.The day drags on. Workshop sessions, team activities, networking lunch. I take notes, coordinate logistics, maintai

Keeping Her Distance

JaceValentina is avoiding me.She claims it's because we're in a "professional space" and the thought of someone seeing us together makes her uncomfortable. That we need to maintain boundaries in front of the team.But I'm not stupid. I can tell it's more than that.The way she won't quite meet my eyes. The way she positions herself on the opposite side of every room. The careful distance she maintains whenever we have to interact.Something shifted last night when we heard that sound in the trees. We never found out what it was—probably just an animal—but the moment was broken. And now she's pulling away again.I kicked Noah off the retreat this morning. Had him escorted back to the city with his termination papers and a very clear warning about what would happen if he ever contacted Valentina again. The team watched it all happen during breakfast, whispers spreading like wildfire.Now we're gathered at the central clearing for the afternoon team-building activities. Some corporate

On Thin Ice: A Forbidden Step Siblings Affair のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 181 - チャプター 184

Delayed Not Late

Not Ready Yet.

So Many Emotions At Once.

Keeping Her Distance