Ava adjusted the strap of her laptop bag, smoothing the crease of her blazer for what felt like the hundredth time. She had prepared for this meeting down to the bullet points, the tone, even the timing of her pauses. Every detail mattered; this was more than a contract negotiation—it was the opportunity that could define her career.
The lobby of Hunter Enterprises gleamed under a polished chandelier. Clean lines, impeccable taste—everything screamed power and control. Ava took a deep breath and reminded herself; focus on the numbers, not the man.
But then he appeared.
Hunter.
Even before he spoke, his presence filled the room. Broad shoulders, tailored suit that looked like it had been painted on by a master artist, hair perfectly in place, eyes sharp enough to slice through the brave
