pte

0 a

flicked toward the clo

mocking the fact that she was already d

10 a.m., but her nerves r

t just anot

le suppliers in the region. It was Jessica's first major assignment since her father had offered her the c

vory silk blouse, she slipped her h

ownstairs, the scent of fresh bread and brewing co

my, the head maid, greeted her w

r and nodded in return. "Mornin

replied, drying her hands on a dish towel. "He sa

He doesn't need to worry.

lection. Her long, dark hair was pinned into a sleek low bun. Her makeup was neutral but sharp-intimida

he city streets in her silver sedan. Her fingers tapped

chance. I n

as the Cooper Enterprise headquarters, the s

ng, Directo

azing today,

knowledging each greeti

ry at the reception desk stood up. "Miss Jessic

small nod. "Alr

ut the weight pressing on her c

ened with a

d into the

fr

conference table, his back turned toward her. But something about

ows fu

t could

e-smooth, con

t's good. But I'm not just here

art dropped.

was

from tha

s-his breath against her ear, the way he'd pressed her down like he

ed on her heel, intent o

me and greet our new investor. He'll be injecti

for a second, he

Anyone

ed slowly, schooling her expression

loor. With every step closer, the air felt heavier.

essica Cooper. She's the Assistant Director, and she'll b

's eyes

leg crossed over the other, the corner of his

like two blades

smile. "Mr. King," she said e

saying nothing at first. His gaz

d his conversation with Mr. Cooper

r fists curled at her side

ow he wants

aight and shoulders squared. She wouldn't l

nal outlets. Spencer was sharp, confident, precise. He asked questions that cut through

e the next steps, Spencer's secretary st

r time here is limited, perhaps you and Miss Cooper could

ad snapped t

r? Wi

refuse immediately, but

Jessica will go over every detail with you

s flickered t

ssion sai

dare scr

, who was watching her rea

I don't think that will be necessary

rely leaned back, fingers i

, controlled but laced with warning. "Jessica, this is an

room turned thi

inhaled

nto her palm be

. Be professiona

unreadable. "Very well. Just s

into a smirk that made her want to slap it

after, but the damage

out the breath she'd been holding. Her reflection in t

n the world... i

ust about bus

a game

ooper was rea