he building itself was intimidating, a towering structure of steel and glass that seemed to look down on the rest of the city. Inside, the ai

s, at least that's what she told herself. It was the weight of knowing she was about

ed woman approached

a said, st

r. Cross will

a dozen times in her mind, but nothing could have p

eached a large oak door. She knocked once, opened it slight

a deep, commanding

r shoulders and

g windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. A large m

his tall frame radiating an air of quiet authority. When

ok right through her, as though he was studying her every thought. His chiseled features and n

smooth but devoid of any friendline

"Thank you, Mr. Cross. I

her for a moment longer than was comfortable. Then

posure. She had prepared for hostility, but th

k in his chair and folding his hands on the desk. "If

nd do it well," Emma replied, her voice ste

ing. He shifted a file toward her. "Your first task will be to familiar

s racing. The file was thick with charts, figures, and legal

ncy, precision, and absolute discre

r," Emma

e, curiosity, perhaps? Or was it suspicion? She couldn't tell, but the weight

oldness in his eyes, the way he seemed to size her up like an opponent. This wasn't going to

to their meeting. For the first time, doubt crept into her mind. Could she really pull

fear in his eyes. She had come too far to back out

Damian Cross was going to m

s snapping to attention whenever he entered a room. He was respected, yes, but also feared. His sharp mind and relent

ff members whispered to her in passing. "He's brilliant, bu

knew this wasn't going to be easy. But s

th the events of the day. Meeting Damian Cross had been a wake

nated logo of Cross Enterprises. This was only the beginning, and s

truth, even if it meant facing Damian C