Love, Lies, and Legacy
ord Sterling's world inevitably brought. As his assistant, Karen's role extended beyond managing schedules and emails. She was his gatekee
was already deep in thought, staring at the city skyline from his glass-walled sanctuary. His profile was sharp against the
cup of coffee on his desk. "Your nine o'clock is confirmed,
es locking onto hers briefly. "Thank
ed calm didn't waver, but her heart quickened slightly. Cliffor
Winslow?" he asked, leaning forwa
t up Shelly, but there was a new intensity in his tone. "She's exception
rompted, his expr
tone of her relationship with Clifford. "And she's not easily swayed. Whatever approach
darkened. "She's different. Most people fall into predictabl
r," Karen said, her voice soft but firm.
aned back in his chair, a rare vulnerability
ttled was unusual. She'd long accepted that her feelings for him were unrequited, buried under lay
she suggested carefully. "Focus on the
d, but he nodded. "You
he knew him well enough to know that "f
l with her usual efficiency, juggling Clifford's demands while managing the needs of the b
ee. She was alone, a rare moment of quiet in the bustling environment.
n had glimpsed them over the years-his moments of doubt, his relentless drive for perfection, and unwavering loyalty to those he
in tho
he doorway, a crooked smile on his face. He had the same pie
professional demeanor sliding effortlessl
, stepping into the room. "Figured
figure-charming and confident, yet disarmingly approacha
working out?" she ask
imself a cup of coffee. "Though I get th
ly his strong suit. But if you've made it
ned. "I'll take th
zzed with a message from Clifford: "Meet
sing herself. "Good luck wit
wn," he said
mall smile playing on her
cing, a sure sign of agitation. She closed th
ifford said abruptly, his tone a
it's time to reconsider your approach," she said carefully.
his eyes narrowing. "What
a delicate matter. "Focus on building trust," she said finally. "L
hing. Then he nodded slow
n right by his side, guiding him, supporting him. But she knew that,
cool glass of the hallway window, staring out at the sprawling city below. Clifford Sterling might
to Clifford. Inside, a cryptic message reads: "