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: "