Elena's POV
Monday mornings always felt heavier after a weekend escape.
Adrian warned me Catherine would be back in the building this week and I hoped, stupidly, that we wouldn't cross paths today.
The elevator doors slid open on my floor and I stepped out, already mentally running through the day ahead.
Tomorrow was December.
My favorite month.
I hadn’t realized how close it was already, time has been moving so quickly.
I reached my office, said a quick hello to my assistant, and pushed the door open.
And froze.
Catherine sat in my chair, behind my desk, like she owned the place.
Which, technically, she partially did.
But that wasn't the point.
"Aunt Catherine," I said, keeping my voice calm as I stepped inside, "To what do I owe the pleasure?”
So much for not running into h
