Alexander
Five hours. That was how long the meeting had stretched, and yet I found myself surprisingly engaged. Normally, these long departmental breakdowns tested my patience, but today was different.
When the break was finally announced, trays of refreshments rolled in: water, juices, hearty breakfast tea, delicate pastries, and savory bites arranged with meticulous care. Kyle leaned toward me with his usual commentary, smirking.
"Nice touch with the menu, Alex. Whoever arranged this knew their audience," he said, grabbing a cup of tea. "But more importantly…" He lowered his voice, mischief practically dripping from his tone. "That young woman impressed me."
I didn't need him to specify who; my gaze had already found her. Across the room, she stood slightly apart from the main cluster of her team, a glass of something pale in her hand. She wasn't dominating the conversation, nor was she trying to fade entirely into the background. Instead, she listened intently, occasionally smiling, restrained, but genuine.
That smile… it struck me harder than I expected.
She had a quiet elegance about her, nothing showy, nothing rehearsed. Her posture was poised, her expression thoughtful. And yes, I had to admit it, she was indeed gorgeous.
"Caught you," Kyle whispered beside me. I turned, only to find him studying me with an infuriatingly wicked grin.
"What?" I asked evenly.
He raised a brow. "Don't play dumb. You've been looking at her for five minutes straight. Someone's finally in love." He clapped my shoulder with mock celebration. "It's about time, Alex. Looks like my lessons are finally getting through to you."
I gave him a sharp look, my voice clipped. "She's impressive, yes. But nothing beyond that."
"Alright, alright, if you say so." Kyle's grin widened, unconvinced. He lived for moments like this, poking and prodding until he found a crack. But I refused to indulge him further. Instead, I picked up a glass of water, letting the cool taste ground me.
When the second half of the session began, I shifted my focus back to the material. Or at least, I tried. Every so often, my gaze betrayed me, finding hers again.
Anastasia
The meeting had felt endless, though in truth, the hours had passed more quickly than I expected. Representing my department carried weight I hadn't anticipated, but so far, everything had gone smoothly. My colleagues' support during the break made the pressure more bearable.
I took a sip of my drink, savoring the citrus tang, and let their chatter wash over me. Their laughter, their reassurances, it all reminded me that we weren't just individuals vying for recognition, but a team.
And yet, despite my efforts to stay grounded, I could feel it again, the weight of someone's gaze.
Every time I risked a glance upward, I found him. Alexander Blackwell. The CEO himself. It was ridiculous to imagine he'd pay me any special attention, but the possibility made my stomach twist.
When the final stretch began, the air in the room shifted. The presentation transitioned into board discussion, voices rising and falling with the rhythm of negotiations. I answered a question when prompted, my words steady even as my pulse betrayed me.
Finally, it ended. Relief swept through me like a tide. The silence that followed was quickly filled by Alexander's voice, deep, calm, authoritative.
"You have done exceptionally well," he said, his gaze sweeping the room. "We will reconvene on Monday. If the launch proceeds as planned, there will be individual promotions. Until then, work hard."
His words carried the finality of command, leaving no room for doubt. And then, just as everyone began to gather their things, it happened.
Our eyes collided.
For a moment, it felt like the room emptied, leaving just the two of us suspended in silence. My breath caught in my throat, and I forced myself to look away. But the echo of it lingered, unsettling and undeniable.
When I'd finished gathering my notes, he was gone.
And I was left with a nervous flutter in my chest, wondering why a single glance could feel like the beginning of something dangerous.
And deadly.