wards her, surprise e

ura. Please, stay for a moment," Emman urged

steel. "Mr. Velasco, I don't mean to be rude, but I am a therapist,

e of contrition and determination. "Miss, we didn't call you for a company position. I'm looking for s

ed by curiosity, raised a

ather passed away a few months ago. She needs someone to..

iver," Roselle pointed out, thoug

therapist, doesn't she, Ollie?"

. "Yes. Please, consider it, Miss. I just need

e ability to set her own schedule and live her life on her own terms. The idea of

id slowly, "but I can't dedicate myself to

er suggested, his voice persuasive. He was determined to have he

by the opportunity to help someone in need. On the other hand, she was wary of Oliver, of his

e to think about it

w he had planted the seed, and he was confident that she would e

a," Emman said, his tone sincere. "We

ank you, Mr. Velasc

ed, a hint of a smil

office, the click of her heels a defiant counte

r anger washed over him. He was a man who prided himself on his control, and his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. But this woman, this barista-turned-therapist, had somehow managed to di

rried after him as he stormed out of the office.

want the results on my table within 30 minutes," Ol

eyes, but he pulled out his phone and began making calls. He was, after

much. It was just a job, after all. But something about her defiance, her refusal to be swayed by his offer or intimidated by his presence,

ne and his own initial annoyance. There was something about her, a quiet strength and an undeniable allure, that had

ed his thoughts. A man entered, placed a thin

raised his eyebrows as Oliver tore open

Her current clients were both close family friends, people Oliver knew and trusted. The coffee shop owner, Marco,

ucted Emman, tossing

n frowned, his c

numerated. "Her clients. And the coffee shop owner. Tell them to fire he

loring his voice. This wasn't like Oliver. He was usually so c

stay with my mother. We'll make sure she has no choice but to acc

g Oliver's plan, was st

replied, his voice devoid of

ambitious, and driven, but this was a new level of ruthlessness. He couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign of

n's concerns, was already

cepted his offer, when she was indebted to him, he would finally have her where he wanted her. He would have her working for him, under his control. And maybe, just maybe, he