My Father's Protégée

Dangerous Territory

Clara

The clock on the wall in the president’s office read ten fifteen, ticking in a way that seemed to mock my concentration. My fingers flew over the keyboard as I finalized the agenda for the morning meeting. The air in that place smelled like expensive coffee and power: polished wood, aged leather, and a silence so thick you could hear the echo of your own thoughts.

Second day on the job. One mistake, and I’m out.

Ferraz Holding wasn’t the kind of place that forgave slip-ups. I knew that before I even stepped through the door. The dark furniture, the family crest displayed on the wall like a warning, even the smoked glass dividers, everything screamed, “you are replaceable.”

I was reviewing the reports for the third time when footsteps echoed down the hallway. Steady. Decisive. Not Roberto’s. The door opened without ceremony. And there was Theo Ferraz again. The navy-blue suit hugged his shoulders like it had been tailored specifically to provoke. And it probably had. His hair, slightly tousled, was the only thing defying the stiffness of that place. His eyes scanned the room lazily until they landed on me.

“Good morning, Clara,” he said, with a smile that could make a saint trip in her heels. “Or should I say... Miss Teixeira?”

I straightened my posture, clutching the tablet like a shield. “Mr. Ferraz,” I replied, keeping my tone professional, even though my heart was pounding like a drum. “Your father is finishing a call. He asked us to wait here.”

He walked in, leaving behind a trail of arrogance and a subtle scent of some expensive cologne I didn’t recognize, but that was annoyingly good. “So now you’re managing his schedule.” He approached the meeting table, his fingers brushing over the folders like he was assessing an enemy. “I bet your godmother is proud.”

I didn’t take the bait.

“Teresa trusts me. And I have no intention of disappointing her.”

Theo pulled out a chair but didn’t sit. His eyes landed on a folder with his name: “Second Quarter Results Presentation – Theo Ferraz.”

“How cute,” he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “My dad still pretends I’m useful around here.”

I crossed my arms.

“Maybe it’s time to prove you are.”

He turned slowly, and for the first time, I saw something other than boredom in his eyes. Something like a flicker of challenge.

“Funny. You talk like you know me.”

“And you act like the heir who thinks the world revolves around his last name.”

The corner of his mouth lifted, slow and amused, like a cat watching a mouse try to fight back.

“And you’re the girl who thinks she understands me because she read a magazine headline.”

The air between us grew electric. He took a step toward me, and I didn’t move.

“Careful, Clara,” he said, his voice both a warning and a tease. “Keep that up, and I might start enjoying myself too much.”

That’s when the door opened.

Roberto Ferraz walked in, followed by two impeccably dressed men. Investors, no doubt. His gaze moved from me to Theo, then to the very little space between us. Something in his expression hardened.

“Good morning, Clara. Son.”

I handed the folder to Roberto, avoiding Theo’s eyes.

“Everything’s ready for the presentation, sir.”

“Excellent. Let’s begin.” His voice was calm, but the look he gave Theo said: Don’t mess this up.

*****

The meeting had barely started, and I already regretted dressing up so much. The light blouse clung to my skin, a telltale sign of the heat. Or maybe it was the discomfort of having Theo sitting across from me, far too relaxed for someone who supposedly didn’t care.

Roberto began talking about management transitions, the new executive agenda model, and my adjustment to the role. I took notes diligently, pen steady in hand. Or at least I tried to seem focused — because Theo’s gaze was burning into my skin.

After the investors left, the room felt smaller under the weight of the looks he kept throwing my way.

“So, Clara, were you able to reorganize the pending reports?” Roberto asked politely.

“Yes, sir. I made sure to start with the most urgent ones, prioritizing direct requests from the executive office.”

“Excellent. Teresa told me you’re detail-oriented. I like that,” he smiled. “Theo, maybe you should observe her level of commitment. Might inspire you to take something seriously.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Theo replied, his voice dripping with irony. “I’m fascinated by the new hire’s commitment. Truly… inspiring.”

I felt the heat rise from my neck to my cheeks. His tone was ambiguous. To Roberto, it sounded like a casual compliment. But I knew the subtext. The way his eyes lingered on the subtle neckline of my blouse when he said inspiring. The way he drummed his fingers on the table, like he was testing my patience.

I pretended not to notice. Kept my eyes on the papers, though my hand had begun to tremble slightly. He noticed, of course. And smiled, satisfied.

“Clara, you’ll be able to attend tomorrow’s meeting with the representatives from Sales Ltd.,” Roberto continued. “I want you to observe how I handle the mediation. It’ll be important for your growth here.”

“Of course, sir,” I murmured, grateful to have something concrete to focus on.

“By the way, Theo, I don’t want any problems,” Roberto added, his next words making it clear he noticed even the smallest details. “No more scandals tied to this company’s name.”

“How insulting,” Theo said dramatically. “Are you mistaking me for the man I was… last week?”

Roberto chuckled, shaking his head.

“Don’t make me talk to you like you’re still a boy.”

Theo raised his hands in mock surrender but shot me a look full of unspoken promises. I shrank back in my chair.

The meeting ended a few minutes later. Roberto received an urgent call and left quickly, already on the phone as he exited.

I stayed behind, gathering my papers, still processing everything that had just happened, when Theo approached from behind, his footsteps too light for a man his size.

“You’re always so flushed…” he murmured. “Is it embarrassment or anger?”

I turned abruptly, but misjudged the movement. My shoe caught on the carpet and I stumbled. Instinctively, Theo grabbed my waist, steadying me before I could fall on top of him.

His body was warm. Solid. Too close.

Our faces were dangerously near. For a second, neither of us breathed.

“I warned you,” he whispered, his voice low and rough. “One of these days, you’re going to stumble into me in a way you won’t want to get up from.”

I pulled away quickly, my heart racing. I gathered my papers like they could shield me from him, but I knew… I was already lost. Because he didn’t need to touch me to throw me off balance. But when he did… I simply forgot how to breathe.