Elena arrived at Crosswell Corporation with a quiet determination. The Hargrave project was complete, and the revised strategy had been submitted early this morning.
She knew the stakes: a single misstep could ruin her reputation—and maybe her career.
Julian sat at his desk, reviewing documents, his posture rigid as always. He didn't look up as she entered.
"Ms. Brooks," he said finally, voice calm. "The client approved your strategy. They were impressed by your attention to detail and proactive solutions."
Elena felt her chest tighten. Approval from Julian Cross was rare—and yet, here it was.
"Thank you, sir," she said, keeping her voice steady. "I'm glad it met expectations."
He finally looked at her, those sharp gray eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than usual. "Not bad. Very few people in this office can manage a project of this size successfully on the first try."
Elena allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Not bad… Julian Cross, the man who rarely showed praise, had acknowledged her work. That was victory enough.
Her celebration was short-lived. Across the office, she noticed a pair of colleagues whispering and glancing in her direction. One of them—a senior associate named Claire—smiled just a little too smugly.
"Looks like someone's trying to make a mark," Claire said, her tone dripping with condescension.
Elena remained calm, offering only a polite nod. She had learned quickly: in this office, competence attracted attention—sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile. She would let her work speak for itself.
Later, Julian approached her desk quietly. "You handled the revisions well today," he said.
"Thank you," Elena replied.
"Don't let it get to your head," he added, his voice low, almost teasing, "or your next challenge will be even harder."
Elena met his gaze and felt a flicker of something she couldn't quite name. Challenge. Expectation. Tension… Maybe all of it.
As she returned to her desk, she realized that day by day, the office no longer felt like just a place of work. It was a battlefield, a stage, and a classroom all at once.
And Julian Cross? He was no longer just a boss. He was the standard she had to meet—and the enigma she couldn't stop thinking about.