The meeting ended with laughter, clinking glasses of whiskey, and the kind of banter only billionaires could afford.
Ashtine packed her things calmly, keeping her eyes low, trying not to give any of them the satisfaction of a reaction. But she could feel his eyes on her the whole time.
Before she could step out the door, Rich’s voice cut through the air like silk-wrapped steel.
“Ashtine. My office. Now.”
The entire room went quiet for a beat.
She didn’t flinch. Didn’t roll her eyes. But damn if she didn’t want to throw one of those fancy whiskey glasses at him.
She walked ahead of him. Not behind. Always ahead.
Inside his office, the door clicked shut behind them.
“You wanted to talk?” she said, not bothering to sit.
Rich loosened his tie, walking toward her with a calm, dangerous
