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.

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 of a disgraced CEO,

words stinging. She had waved dismissively at it before after saying she wasn’t letting me go after I had explained the situation to her

anxiety, a 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

Stone. But that chance comes with a price. You have to

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Chapter 45

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you, for me, and frankly, for the entire design team, I extended the time for your submissions because I understood your situation but you have to show not just me but everyone else

words settling on my shoulders. The excitement I felt earlier

leaving no room for argument. “This client is demanding, and their

said, my voice surprisingly

you to grab your things. We have a meeting with a

about the meeting or where we

for

activity, her fingers flying across the touchscreen of her phone, efficiently clearing emails and scheduling meetings. I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but steal glances at her, my mind buzzing with questions about the upcoming client meeting and the revelation Sarah had dropped on me earlier. Another question rolled in, why was she bringing me along to meet a new

what felt like an eternity, her sharp gaze met mine through the rearview

silent observation. “I, uh, yes,” I stammered. “I 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

on her lips. “Not a fan of surprises, are you?” she inquired, amusement flickering

information beforehand would allow me to feel more in control,

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

this car ride wouldn’t be revealing any secrets about the client or the project. Just as I resigned myself to silence, she took

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

was the last thing I expected her

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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