The morning air carried the faint tang of winter as Ava stepped into Hunter Enterprises again. Her heels clicked against the marble floors, echoing in the lobby. She had come prepared with charts, projections, and a meticulously rehearsed presentation. Yet, a small, persistent knot of anticipation tightened in her stomach—one she couldn’t shake no matter how many spreadsheets she reviewed.
Hunter was already in the executive conference room, as if he had never left. He didn’t rise as she entered, but his presence seemed to fill the room entirely. The chair behind him remained empty, yet his authority hovered over every corner. Ava realized her posture, her breath, her composure were all under silent scrutiny.
“Good morning, Ava,” he said. “You are punctual, which I like. It tells me you
