The first thing I noticed about Ethan Cole was his smile.
It was perfect. Controlled. Polished.
And completely empty.
He stood at the head of the conference table like a king surveying his kingdom, his expensive suit tailored to perfection, his presence suffocating the room. Everyone feared him. No one dared to breathe too loudly.
Including me.
"Miss Hayes," he said smoothly, his eyes finally landing on me.
My heart skipped.
Not because he was handsome — although he was painfully so — but because when Ethan Cole looked at you, it felt like he was reading every weakness you tried to hide.
"Yes, sir," I managed.
His lips curved slightly.
That smile again.
Cold.
"You're late."
The words weren't loud. They didn't need to be. The temperature in the room dropped instantly.
"I—I'm sorry, sir. The traffic—"
"I don't tolerate excuses."
Silence.
My fingers tightened around my folder. I needed this job. My mother's hospital bills were piling up, and this internship at Cole Enterprises was my only chance.
"I'll make sure it never happens again," I said quietly.
For a moment, he just stared at me.
Then, unexpectedly, he said, "Good. Because starting today, you'll be working directly under me."
The room gasped.
My stomach dropped.
Working directly under the coldest CEO in the city?
I didn't know then that this decision would change everything.
Because behind Ethan Cole's flawless, emotionless smile…
…was a secret that would ruin us both.