BETWEEN US

Chapter Three: A New Beginning or A New Mess?

Monday morning came faster than I expected.

I groaned as my alarm blared through the room, slamming my hand against my phone.

“V! Wake up!” Bella’s voice rang from the kitchen. “You’re gonna be late for your first day!”

I sighed and sat up, rubbing my eyes. First day in a new office, in a new city, with a new boss. Was I nervous? Maybe a little.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, showered, and picked out a simple yet elegant outfit—a black blouse tucked into beige wide-leg pants with nude heels. Polished but not too formal.

“Damn, you clean up well.” Bella leaned against the kitchen counter, smirking as I grabbed a quick coffee.

“Had to. First impressions matter.” I took a sip, then grabbed my bag. “Wish me luck.”

“You got this, babe. And if anyone gives you trouble, just call me—I’ll handle them.”

I laughed, shaking my head. Bella was always ready to fight.

The Office

By the time I reached Sterling & Co., the towering glass building already had employees buzzing in and out.

I took a deep breath and walked in, heading straight to the reception.

“Hi, I’m Veronica St. James. I’m starting today.”

The receptionist, a woman with sharp red nails and an even sharper gaze, typed something into her computer. “Right. Floor 22. HR will meet you there.”

I nodded and took the elevator up, mentally preparing myself.

When I stepped out, I was greeted by a woman in a sleek blue dress, her smile professional but distant.

“Veronica? I’m Naomi from HR. Welcome.”

“Thank you.”

She gave me a quick tour—**conference rooms, break areas, my desk—**before leading me to my department.

“You’ll be working under Mr. Blackwood. He’s expecting you in his office.”

I frowned slightly. “Blackwood?”

“Yes. Ethan Blackwood. Our new CEO.”

My stomach did a weird flip. “Wait. The CEO is my direct boss?”

“Yes. Your transfer was specifically requested for his team.” Naomi raised a brow. “Didn’t they tell you?”

No. No one told me.

I didn’t have time to process it before Naomi knocked on a door and pushed it open.

“Mr. Blackwood, your new team member is here.”

I stepped inside, and my breath hitched.

Sitting behind a massive desk was a man in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and his piercing gray eyes locked onto mine.

Ethan Blackwood was young. Too young to be a CEO. And dangerously attractive.

He leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment before speaking.

“Veronica St. James.” His voice was smooth, unreadable. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I swallowed. Why did that sound like a warning?