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.

voices urging me to let you go before you even had a chance to walk back

after saying she wasn’t letting me go after I had explained the situation to her but I guess this conversation was long awaited. Coming to Lunar Designs had been a lifeline for me, and the

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 entirely different from the usual submissions

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 on the double. The high–end hotel renovation project – the one I mentioned during

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time for your submissions because I understood your situation but you have to show not just me but everyone else here

excitement I

mistakes here,” She added, her voice leaving no room for argument. “This client is demanding, and their expectations are

my voice surprisingly steady.

to grab your things. We have a meeting with a

I could ask any questions about the meeting or where we were headed, she was already striding

for

scheduling meetings. I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but steal glances at her,

after what felt like an eternity, her sharp gaze met mine through the rearview mirror. “I can feel

“I, uh, yes,” I stammered. “I was just wondering where we’re going for this client meeting. Knowing the location might help

“Not a fan of surprises, are you?” she inquired, amusement

situation gnawed at me. Having some information beforehand would allow me to

its rarity. “Then I guess I can’t tell you just yet,” she teased. “Part of

shoulders slumped in defeat, 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

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

the last thing I expected her to bring

she said, a hint of apology in her voice. “Perhaps

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