Bonds

Chapter 45

-Maya’s POV-

Sarah waltzed away, leaving me staring after her with a mind blown wide open. Her revelation hung heavy in the air, the weight of her secret werewolf identity pressing down on me.

How had she figured it out?

Did

my wolf scent give me away somehow? These questions swirled in my head as I mechanically went through the motions of lunch, barely tasting the food in front of me.

By the time I returned to the office, the initial shock had begun to settle, replaced by a cautious curiosity. Ms. Edwards was perched on the edge of my desk, her sharp eyes scanning the designs I had spread out before leaving. She didn’t even look up as I entered, her focus solely on my work.

Tentatively, I cleared my throat. “Ms. Edwards?”

She finally lifted her head, her gaze sweeping across the office. “Ah, Ms. Stone. Back so soon.” A faint smile played on her lips.

“Yes,” I replied, still trying to gauge her reason for being in my office, “I went for lunch and-”

“These are some pretty impressive designs,” she interrupted, her voice devoid of any form of sternness. There was even a hint of genuine appreciation in her eyes.

“Thank you,” I managed, a flicker of relief washing over me. She stood up gracefully, her posture radiating an aura of power. “I see you’ve made yourself comfortable,” she commented, her eyes scanning the personalized touches I’d added to my workspace: a photo of Natalia and I, a motivational quote framed on the wall. “But before we get settled in, I have something I need to discuss with you.”

“Of course,” I said, eager to hear what was on her mind.

“Look,” She began, her voice turning serious, “given everything that happened with your father… the company scandal, his arrest, and the negative publicity it brought to the firm…” She paused, letting the silence hang heavy in the air.

already anticipating her next words. “I have to admit,” she continued, her gaze unwavering, “there were a lot of voices urging me to let you go before you even had a chance to walk back into that door. The whole situation was a PR nightmare, and having you here, the daughter

to her but

flicker of something akin to understanding crossing her face. “At the interview, there was a spark in your eyes, a raw talent that couldn’t be ignored. And these designs…” she gestured towards the spread on my desk, “they’re fresh, bold, something

is,” She continued, her voice firming up again, “I took a chance on you, Ms. Stone. But that chance comes with a price. You have to prove yourself, and

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Chapter 45

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because I understood your situation but you

shoulders. The excitement I

demanding, and their expectations are sky–high. You’ll be working long hours, facing tight deadlines, and dealing with constant scrutiny. Are you

my voice surprisingly steady.

spread across her face, “Good. That’s by the way. I need you to grab your things. We have a meeting with a very important

or where we were headed, she was already

for

across the touchscreen of her phone, efficiently clearing emails and scheduling meetings. I, on the other hand,

eternity, her sharp gaze met mine through the rearview mirror. “I can feel your eyes on

was just wondering where we’re going for this client meeting. Knowing the location might help me prepare a bit better, understand the client’s taste

lips. “Not a fan

admitted with a sigh. The uncertainty of the situation gnawed at me. Having some information beforehand would allow me to feel more in control, prepared for whatever the client

surprised me with its rarity. “Then I guess I can’t tell you just yet,” she teased.

I had a feeling this car ride wouldn’t be revealing any secrets about the client or the project. Just as I resigned myself to silence, she took me completely off guard with a question that had nothing to

surprises,” she began, her voice turning serious, “after the news broke about your father’s company…well, let’s just say it caused quite a stir. During that whole mess, I realized who you were, Amaya Stone. I was impressed you hadn’t added that. I like people like you that want to make a name for themselves away from their parent’s shadows. She paused, her gaze holding mine in the rearview mirror. “But something else caught my eye recently. I

jaw dropped. This was the last

I stammered, unsure how to respond. She seemed to sense my hesitation, “Forgive me,” she said, a hint of apology in her voice. “Perhaps this is too personal, and it’s none of my business. But

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