Elena had survived her first day at Crosswell Corporation without a single mistake. Barely.
But as she walked through the office on her way out, the weight of Julian Cross's presence lingered in her chest like a stubborn echo.
He hadn't smiled again. Not really. But the faint curve of his lips during their first meeting haunted her.
Her phone buzzed. A message from HR: Don't forget tomorrow's early briefing with Mr. Cross. Be ready.
Elena sighed. Early briefings with him weren't just about schedules—they were tests. She had learned that much from today. Every task, every decision, every movement was silently observed, dissected.
She arrived the next morning, slightly earlier than usual. Julian was already in the office, leaning against his desk, reviewing documents. The sunlight from the glass walls caught the sharp line of his jaw, making him look impossibly untouchable.
"Morning," she said, keeping her voice calm.
"Morning," he replied without looking up. Then, finally, he did. His piercing gray eyes met hers, assessing, calculating.
"Sit," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
Elena obeyed.
"You prepared the schedule for the new project?" he asked.
"Yes. I double-checked the numbers and the timelines."
Julian studied the documents. A long pause. Then he looked at her.
"Good work."
Elena blinked. Just "good work"? That's it?
But there was a subtle shift in his expression—approval, almost imperceptible. It made her heart race anyway.
"Remember," Julian continued, "nothing outside this office leaves this office. No exceptions."
"Yes, sir."
"Professional boundaries are not suggestions here. If you cross them…" He let the threat hang in the air, unspoken.
"I understand," Elena said firmly, though a part of her wondered how much she understood about him—or about herself—yet.
As the day went on, she found herself watching him, noting how he interacted with others, how precise his movements were, how quiet his laughter could be—and wondering, silently, if there was a side to him no one saw.
By the end of the day, one thing was clear: this job would test her in every way.
And Julian Cross was not just a boss. He was a challenge.
A challenge she couldn't stop thinking about.