th its usual energy-car horns echoing through the streets, the faint chatter of commuters filling the sidew

Or at least, that's what

blend of sleek architecture and the murmured buzz of employees. The receptioni

l caught her reflection in the polished metal doors. She was composed, confident-everything

sleek desks, glass walls, and a breathtaking view of th

nding a hand. "I'm Clara, the depar

el replied, shak

d, leading Hazel through the maze of desks. "Mr. Morgan mentioned you'd be

ps faltered

He's like that with all new hires

, but the knot in he

-

ming campaign. The hum of activity around her was oddly comforting. For a moment, she fel

ercom on her

organ would like to s

ho gave her an encouraging nod. Hazel stood, smoo

ck of documents. He didn't look up immediately, letting the silence stretch. Hazel

to see me?

s piercing gaze locking on

the soft click of the door amp

aid, gesturing to the

r lap. Liam leaned back in his chair, studying

g?" he asked, his tone cas

," she repl

ood. I expect

ht of his scrutiny. "If this is about work, I assure

is voice dropping a fraction. "But let

tched. "What

esk. "Let's cut the pretense, Hazel. You and I b

ed in high school is in the past. It ha

tling. "You think this is about your a

sed to let him see her falter. "I

rk deepening. "A shame. Bec

history. Hazel's mind raced, memories of high school flashing before her-th

before her was calculating, pow

id finally, her voice firm

aid nothing. The tension stretched u

else," she said, r

r tracks. She turned to face him, her

e said, his voice soft b

t his office, the weight of

-

Golden Bridge casting a golden glow over everything, she couldn't shake the feel

ood by his office window, watching the wor

, and neither of them was p