ile. Gisele, now Thea, walked toward the reception desk with one focus: get access to a special culture medium

evator chimed open. Kasey Mack swept out, two assistants

"Who is this?" she asked the receptionist, her to

ass research facility, not a place for... strays." She let the w

ed her, keeping her attention on the

uthority. "I have a bad feeling about her. I want a full

ous actress and a new hire. Before she could speak, a m

bbed her hand, shaking it hard. "I'm Dr. Evans, the director. I read your paper on repairing

, replaced by stunned disbelief. She'd

ened, and Caden Sterling stepped ou

ow baritone that pulled every gaze in the room, "is this the expert you told me

Dr. Thea's insights in cellular repair are at least a decad

gree in biology, which she flaunted constantly, sudd

a," he said, the title sounding both formal and mocking on his tongue. "I have a nond

as pulling her from the public

ing," Gisele replied,

he CEO's private elevator, leaving Kasey sta

an't trust her! She's a nobody! Look at h

down and black trousers. The clothes hugged her lean, ath

so cold it could have frozen breath. "When did

ke a slap. She recoile

levator. Gisele followed. The polished steel doors slid shut

Caden moved, closing the distance until Gisele's back met

w growl. "Tell me, Dr. Thea, how does a country vet w

of ice. "And how, Mr. Sterling," she countered, voice just as q

nt shoving match, the air

announced t

le touching his lips. He gestured toward