Love, Lies, and Legacy
he top floor, her tailored navy-blue suit as sharp as her focus. Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she strode toward her office, a
. Shelly prided herself on her professionalism, but Clifford's relentless attempts to blur the lines between pe
Se
the city skyline. His tailored charcoal suit fit impeccably, and his demeanor exuded the confidence of a
smooth but carrying an undertone of
setting her coffee and reports on
her chair across from his d
ith its sleek minimalist design and understated luxury, always felt like a stage w
reviewed your recent performance reports, and your work is exemplary. Sterling E
mpliments from Clifford were rare a
. "But I'm sure you didn't call me
tened and walked around to sit at his desk, clasping his hands together. "I have an offer for you
a coveted position, one that had been vacant for months. It
she said, keeping her
u've earned it. Your vision aligns perfectly with the goa
se within her. But as quickly as it came, doubt cre
rings
tch?" she asked, n
t breaking through his composed facade. "No catch
ing, I find that hard to believe. You don't hand out oppo
a flicker of irritation. "You're skeptical. Understa
Or is this just another way
ned, and for a moment, Shelly thought she might have pushed t
intense. "But let me make one thing clear: this isn't about manipulation. It's abo
orced herself to remain calm. "I appreciate
fford said, though his tone sugge
Re
e words blurred as her mind raced. The position was everything she had worked toward, but accepting it fe
e, declining the offer. Her heart pounded as she hit send, knowing
me sooner th
Re: Offer
iscuss this fur
ord S
dge of her nose. Tomorrow promis
Fa
s office with her defenses up. He sat
on," he said, his tone c
d carefully. "I'm already managing multiple pr
wed. "Or is it becaus
"Trust is earned, Mr. Sterling. And you've g
d, but he didn't respond immediately. When he
et your personal biases blind you to
ng to leave. "Thank y
. For the first time, he felt the sting of rejection-not just of hi
ting his next move. Shelly had drawn a line in the sand, and while he admired h
secrets he had yet to confront. Secrets th