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.

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 of a disgraced CEO, wasn’t exactly good

had waved dismissively at it before after saying she wasn’t letting me go after I had explained the situation to her but I guess this conversation

a spark in your eyes, a raw talent that couldn’t

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

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Chapter 45

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the entire design team, I extended the time for your submissions because

nodded, the weight of her words settling on my shoulders. The excitement I felt earlier about the project was now tempered with a heavy dose of

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

voice

That’s by the way. I need you to grab your things. We have a meeting with a very important and new client

meeting or where we were headed,

for

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

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

red–handed in my act of silent observation. “I, uh, yes,” I stammered. “I was just wondering where we’re going for this client meeting. Knowing the location might help

lips. “Not a fan of surprises,

at me. Having some information beforehand would allow me to feel more

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

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 a

added that. I like people like you

was the last thing I expected her to

hint of apology in her voice. “Perhaps this is too personal, and it’s none of my business. But I noticed you haven’t taken

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