Lia turned up at Leo's office the next morning, clutching in her trembling hands a contract. She had barely slept. Every scenario that was good, bad, and terrifying had played through her mind like a movie she couldn't stop.
When she stepped inside, Leo didn't even look up from his computer.
"Your answer?" he asked, tone cool, controlled.
"I signed it," she said, laying the folder on his desk.
Finally, he looked at her—sharp, unreadable, almost satisfied.
"Good. Then we begin now."
But "begin" apparently meant testing her patience right away.
"Reschedule my 10 a.m.," he instructed.
Lia blinked. "But it's already 9:50."
"Yes," he said. "Then I suggest you hurry."
She ran out, only to find the meeting included board members who did not appreciate last-minute changes. By the time she persuaded them, Lia was sweating and out of breath, two minutes late to get back to Leo.
"You took too long," he stated flatly.
"I was doing what you asked," she snapped before she could stop herself.
The room froze.
Slowly, Leo's eyes lifted, cold enough to make her shiver.
"Is that your tone… with your employer?
Lia's heart began to pound, but she stood her ground. "You can't give impossible tasks and expect perfect results."
A long, dangerous silence filled the room.
Then—without warning—Leo's mouth curled into the tiniest suggestion of a smile.
"Impossible tasks show me who breaks," he said, standing. "And who fights."
He walked past her, pausing at the door. "You fight, Miss Carter." A beat. "I noticed." Lia breathed shakily as he left. Their partnership had begun… with their first clash.