LOVE BEYOND DUTY

E CEO RETURNS

a monument to ambition sleek glass walls, sharp steel edges, and a re

't follow their employers to the office. But that morning, the head housek

sa said, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Somethi

have to ask w

nd a replacement. Today. You're the only one

nked. "Me

eep your head down, and for heaven's sake

tching her bag like a lifeline. The receptionist gave her a once-over, eyes lingering

id, her tone polite but cool. "

s news

ack at her from the mirrored walls. She straightened her shoul

a luxury penthouse than an office floor-to-ceiling windows

glass desk sat Le

him. His suit today was charcoal, perfectly tailored, the tie a deep burgun

e recognition was instant. One

" she managed, s

apable. I suppose we'll see if she's right." He

bag down and powering

s, and schedules. Leonardo's pace was relentless. He spok

m I'll consider his proposal if he adju

s,

Ms. Leclerc for Thursday. Not

s,

yes when she completed a task before he finished explaining it. She di

king at her, his tone clipped. "I said no, George.

n't help noticing the shift in his expressio

chair. "Change of plans. You're coming

s widen

And try not to spill

outh curved almost

him inside, keeping her gaze low but her senses sharp. The room was filled with peopl

king among courtiers, every hands

dall made a veiled insult about the company's "recent un

oze agains

her seat, Leonardo's voice cu

e's competent. Which is more tha

uiet. Mr. Kenda

her heart was pounding for an

up her notes, she caught Leonardo

e asked c

simply. Then, as if realizing he'd given t

he was back to typ

ofia, it

ellano wasn't only the arrogant man wh

was somethin

e didn't dar

g humane about him, she