Love, Lies, and Legacy

ifford Sterling gazed out of his glass-walled office. At just thirty-two years old, he was the epitome of success: the youngest CEO in the company's history, a

ralleled intellect and unwavering determination, she had become a star performer in his inner circle. But what set her apart was her resistance-resistance to him, specifically. Cli

en Janet, his ever-efficient personal assi

review, Mr. Sterling," she said crispl

blet but hesitated before letting her leave.

action of a second before she recovered. "She's excepti

lifford pressed, hi

's... reserved. Focused on her work

rk playing on his lips. "You think she's

Miss Winslow knows exactly what sh

hind Karen, he turned his chair back to the panoramic view. Shelly

to the Sterling Enterprises building. Her corner of the open-plan office was pristine, every file and d

s. Her sharp eyes landed on the elaborate bouquet perched on her des

sidled up with a knowing grin. "Another

helly said curtly, mov

ver just flowers," Chelsea teased. "Yo

k. "I'm here to work, not to

ed. "Suit yourself. But don't come crying

be joined them, her coffee cup in

ff Mr. Sterling. Aga

nger than I am. If he so much as looke

r eyes. "You two

bly attractive-intelligent, charismatic, and exuding a confidence that drew people to him. Yet She

Shelly straightened her blazer, her heart pounding as the elevator ascended to the fi

her, rising from his chair as s

her tone neutral as she settled into the

on her. "Your logistics proposal was impressive

ectations," Shelly said,

. "You've been an incredible asset to thi

pite the unease bubbling beneath the surface. "I

back, giving her the space she sought.

e, but she couldn't shake the feeling that his interest extended beyond her professional contributions.

ts flickering to life. Shelly Winslow was unlike anyone he'd ever met, her resistan

Karen entered, carrying a plain envelope. "This ju

as a single sheet of paper with a chilling mess

. The past he thought buried was resurfacing

lly resolves to keep her distance, unaware that their wo