Veiled Obsession

was reviewing some files at her desk when a

er off guard. She looked up to see him standing in her off

tammered, straightening up as s

ic smile playing on his lips. "I was actually wondering if y

. "Of course," she said, gesturing for him to s

been with us," Alexander began, his gaze fixed intently on her. "In fact, I think you might benefit from a

ffer. "A business trip?" she echoed, tryin

smoothly. "You'd get a chance to see a broader side of the b

s with him was more than a little intimidating, especially given the strange mix of admiration and hesitation she felt aroun

f more than capable, Olivia. This could be an invaluable opportunity for you

this was the kind of experience she'd dreamed of. But memories of the encounter she'd witnessed be

" she admitted quietly, biti

if you have reservations. But remember, Olivia-growth often requires stepping outside your co

ouragement-along with the implicit challenge in his tone-left her with few options. She didn

oning a small, uncertain smile.

s. "Excellent choice," he said, his smile br

far bigger than she'd anticipated. But with her decision made, she steeled herself f

lept, the idea of a business trip with Alexander keeping her mind racing all night. She'd convinced herself it was just work, nothing

t. He looked up when she entered, a welcoming smile l

pride. This wasn't just any ordinary internship experience;

business strategy and leadership. His passion for his work was captivating, and he had a way of making her feel like the most important

ged everything-her own room at a luxurious hotel, a driver, even reservations for dinner that e

felt momentarily overwhelmed. Alexander guided her with ease, introducing her to influ

nt, his hand resting lightly on her arm as he led her through the crowd. "Busi

nding her in the midst of the glamorous whirlwind. She

hearsing her notes and memorizing key points she'd learned from Alexander. She w

brief conversations that could shape her career. Alexander was by her side, a steady

canning the sea of faces, but saw no one she recognized. The feeling unsettled her, but she quickly dismissed it

unfamiliar faces, her gaze drifting over the crowd as she tried to find a familiar point of focus. And that's

g unsettling about the way he looked at her. She tried to ignore it, shaking off the discomfort as bes

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lebration of sorts for their successful trip. The setting was similar

s, he poured them both a glass of wine. "To new beginn

figure from the conference. But she brushed the thought a

oring the attention of a man she'd admired for so long. She could feel herself softening, her walls slow

lier. There was a part of her that remained guarded, a voice deep inside reminding h

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to believe in the connection she felt with Alexander, to trust the man who had opened so many doors for her. But t

om afar, their gaze hidden yet lingering, their fixation silent but unmistakable. She was unaware that her presence o