The harrowing silence inside the highest-floor room felt so dense, as though the oxygen had been completely sucked out by Garrick Valentino’s veiled anger. Valera Dawson remained frozen on top of the cold black glass work desk, her body trembling no longer from the residual taboo desire, but rather out of a pure fear gripping her very marrow. Beneath the underbelly of the desk, the crimson folder bearing Clarissa’s name felt like a time bomb ready to detonate their entire lives.
Garrick stood tall in front of Valera, his coatless appearance making his aura of physical intimidation feel far more oppressive. The man’s pair of gray eyes narrowed, staring down at Valera with a sharp gaze that looked as though it could strip bare the contents of her mind.
"Get down from the desk, Valera," Gar
