o prove herself and keep her mind focused on the task at hand. Her days were filled with research, repo

d an air of authority that made even the most senior employees quiet when he entered the room. Despite his sharp exterior, Sophie couldn't help but notice the small things-how his

aring a presentation for an upcoming meeting, and as she walked past his office, she noticed the door sli

oment, then knocked s

oice rang out, cold

with her presentation in front of her, doing her best to look conf

nt's needs, and I'd like your feedback before th

p he was staring at, his expres

e began to explain the details of her research, she could feel his gaze following her eve

oment. His silence made her uncomfortable, and she shifted on her

p at her, his eyes s

berate. "But don't get too comfortable. I expect th

atened to surface. She had hoped for more-perhaps even a h

she replied, swa

to leave, James spoke again,

Soph

, looking b

ere a s

ity piqued. As she approached, James p

closely. His tone was neutral, but there was an almost impercep

s the unyielding CEO and more the expert she had expected him to be. The conversation flowed more naturally as the

t was enough to make Sophie feel like she might have f

had made progress. And as she sat down to finish up her work, she realized that this-this strange, professi