pressure. But nothing in her life had prepared her for Adrian Blackwood. The man had an aura. From the moment he'd walked into the boardroom, he'd commanded attention-not just because he was de

he email. Miss Hart, I've reviewed your initial proposal. While I see potential, I'd like to discuss a few revisions. Meet me in my office tomorrow at 10 a.m. Adrian Blackwood The message was short, to the point, and just ambiguous enough to make her anxiety skyrocket. She couldn't tell if he was impressed, disappointed, or somewhere in between. "Great," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. Mia, her other best friend, poked her head into the cubicle. "What's up?" "Adrian wants to see me tomorrow about the campaign." Mia raised an eyebrow. "The hot CEO? Is he as intimidating as everyone says?" "More," Elena said grimly. "And insufferable." "Hot and insufferable. Dangerous combo." Mia grinned. "Be careful, or you might end up falling for him." Elena rolled her eyes, though a part of her couldn't help but wonder if there was a grain of truth to her friend's teasing. The Morning After The next morning, Elena arrived at the Blackwood Enterprises skyscraper, her nerves tightly coiled. The building was as imposing as its CEO: sleek, modern, and ridiculously tall. She checked in with the receptionist, a perfectly groomed woman who barely glanced at her before gesturing to the elevator. When the doors opened on the executive floor, Elena stepped out into a space that looked more like a luxury hotel than an office. Plush carpeting, abstract art on the walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city. Adrian's office was at the end of the hall, its glass doors slightly ajar. Taking a steadying breath, Elena knocked lightly before stepping inside. Face-to-Face Adrian sat behind an enormous mahogany desk, his focus on a stack of documents in front of him. He didn't look up as she entered, but his deep voice greeted her. "Miss Hart. Right on time." "Goo