f the day slowly dying down as employees filed out to enjoy their evening, but Chloe couldn't bring herself t

th. Chloe hated how easily he had unsettled her, how his presence seemed to permeate the space, leaving behind a tension that was hard to shake. She wasn't

father's name. She hesitated before answering, knowing their conversation would inevitably turn

crackled through the phone. "Ho

emple. "It went fine. We discussed some financi

vers' tone was s

e's not going to make it easy. Bu

ry to use you. Don't let him pull you into his games, Chloe. He's ruthless.

y, trying to keep the edge of frustration fr

concern was still evident. "I just want to remind you that we're pla

ure this merger stays on track, regardle

colder. "Don't get distracted, Chloe. Keep your eye on the prize. You'v

ed in her mind, but she couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling that something more was at play here. Nicholas wasn't just her

lence, stewing over everything, was unbearable. Chloe grabbed her coat, slipping it on with a quick motion, be

epening sky. Chloe's mind was still racing, but the cool evening air helped to steady her thoughts. She walked with

warm, golden light spilling out into the night. She hesitated for a moment, then stepped insid

n, taking a deep breath. She should have gone home, gotten some rest, but she needed

t wasn't her father. A name flashed on the screen, sen

-keep the professional distance she had established. Another part of her, the p

h, Chloe answered t

ugh smooth and rich, like a fine ve

, keeping her tone neutra

day," Nicholas said. "I'm still thinking about what we discussed

she refused to let her voice fal

with amusement. "We both know there's something between us. Som

her, to make her feel like she was standing on shaky ground. "I'm here to talk about business, Mr. Haw

er spine. "I don't want to talk about business right now, Chloe. No

found herself unable to respond for a long moment. Her mind screamed at her to end the call, to

quieter now. "What exactly is

answered. "I think you know. But I'm willing to make it worth your while

is is a mistake," she said, her voice firm. "You're crossing a

oaxing. "We both know what this is, Chloe. A

e, Mr. Hawke," she said, her vo

sed a line, and she knew it. The danger of it all was clear now. He was playing a game she wasn't prep

each for it. Instead, Chloe stood up, leaving the café behind her as she walked into the

s this a line that, once cro