JOY IN CHAOS

ful chandeliers casting glittering reflections across the room to the soft buzz from the live orchestra band playing in the background. The who's who of the business world m

re perfectly. She felt out of place among the elite, but she was determined to carry herself with grace and confidence .

up work the day before. As usual, he'd provided no details about what to expect. Now, standing

radiated a calm authority in his well-tailored black suit, his expression as unreadable

nce. She moved toward a quieter corner so she could pick up a glass of spa

l woman like you doing

ll man with a warm, inviting smile and a spark of mischief in his golden-brown eyes. His light, sandy hair was casuall

atmosphere Sirr..." as she stammered, battl

he said, extending hi

is grip was firm but not overpowering, his warmth s

e you here with someone, or do I get to claim the honor

el found herself relaxing in his presence.

"Your boss must be a fool to

ising even herself. "Let's j

ing to be as charming as he was good-looking. He asked about her interests, listened intently as she spoke, a

a long while, Mabel

aughter drawing a few glances from nearby guests. Mabel couldn't remem

numbers, a sudden shift in

his dark eyes fixed on them. His presence was as magnetic as ev

ice sharply cutting thro

on with Nicholas evaporating under Richard's cold stare on her.

t had lost some of its easy charm.

rd replied, h

immediately filled with unspoken history. Mabel glanced between

secretary," Richard s

e is," Nicholas replied smoothly. "Y

he said nothing. Instead, he turned to

riosity and confusi

rrupted, his tone b

reassuring smile. "It was lovely meeting

g as he turned and strode toward the exit. Mabel followed reluctantly,

were white against the steering wheel, and the air between the

e the silence. "Wh

ering. "My problem is you associat

"We were just talking. He was kind and polit

e seems. He's a playboy who doesn't take anything

re who I talk to? Last I checked, my perso

find the right words. Finally, he said, "I'm your boss. It's my job to

"This isn't about the company.

it, which only fue

the car without waiting for him. She made her way to her

nto her chair, h

ime tonight. Can't w

cheeks, but it faded when she noticed Richard standin

e image of Mabel laughing with Nicholas was burned into his mind, an

more. And yet, the thought of her with Nicholas m

always prided himself on his control, his ability to rem

e door to her offi

were far more complicate

t had h