BEHIND HER MASK

MR. GRACIAS IS ARROGANT

His gaze lingered on the computer screen, the cursor flicking restlessly from one tab to another, yet his mind had already wandered elsewhere—toward Mackenzie.

Had he been too severe with her? She had only just scalded herself while carrying his coffee, and instead of offering sympathy, he had burdened her with the tedious task of sorting through a mountain of files by hand. That wasn’t him—not the man he knew himself to be. With every secretary before her, he had been fair, even kind. So why now did he let himself act with such callousness?

A bitter taste of shame rose in his chest. How could he allow personal grievances to spill into the office, to make her pay for what was not hers to bear? Nearly an hour had passed since she left his office, and he knew well enough she could not have finished the task. He ought to put an end to it.

He reached for the phone, dialing her cubicle extension. For several long seconds, he hovered there, torn between pride and conscience. Just as his finger prepared to press the call button, the door to his office swung open.

Mackenzie stood before him, her eyes bloodshot, her presence fierce—like a warrior fresh from battle. Slowly, he set the telephone back in its place, staring at her in stunned silence. Who on earth is this woman?

Then, almost as if a veil lifted, the fiery haze in her gaze softened into her usual enchanting green eyes. A gentle smile curved her lips as she stepped closer.

“Sir, I’m done,” she said, placing the file neatly on his desk. “As you can see, I finished it in forty-five minutes.” She nodded toward the clock.

He was left dumbstruck, caught off guard by her poise. Struggling to gather himself, he muttered, “Hmm… okay.”

He pulled the documents toward him, skimming through each page. Every detail was precise, in perfect order. He had to admit—she had done an impressive job. He had underestimated her. But admitting that aloud? That would mean swallowing his pride. Perhaps… it was time to apologize.

She let out a quiet chuckle, certain he had just realized how wrong he’d been. The disappointed expression on his face thrilled her—she could live forever just to see that look again. Surely, now he would apologize for underestimating her.

When his lips parted to speak, her eyes widened with eager anticipation, waiting for the apology she deserved.

“Call the executives for a board meeting in twenty minutes,” his voice commanded, firm and unyielding.

Her jaw fell in disbelief. That was it? No apology? After calling her incompetent, incapable—after dismissing her so easily—he wasn’t even going to admit his mistake?

“Yes, sir,” she murmured, bowing slightly before stepping out of his office.

As she returned to her cubicle, the words slipped out under her breath, “What an arrogant man you are, Mr. Gracias.”

“What the hell,” he hissed under his breath.

Rising from his chair, he drifted across the room to where the glass stretched wide, framing the city like a living painting. Beyond the skyline, the sun climbed slowly from the east, casting long streaks of gold over steel and stone.

Why was it so hard to apologize to Mackenzie? He knew he owed her that much. His words had cut too sharply, too carelessly, and pride was the only wall standing between him and the apology she deserved. He would have to tear it down, even if it stung.

A sharp buzz from the intercom snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned, retracing his steps to the desk, and pressed the button.

“Sir, the executives are ready for you,” Mackenzie’s voice rang through, clear and clipped.

He cleared his throat, steadying himself before replying, “I’ll be there shortly.”

He drew in a deep breath. Crowds never unnerved him—he thrived in their presence, moved easily among them. Rolling down the sleeves that had been pushed to his elbows, he adjusted his tie with deliberate precision. His blazer, snug against his frame, emphasized the sharp outline of his build as he refastened the buttons.

With his tablet in hand, he left the office, his expression set in stone. Mackenzie was already waiting for him in the lobby. He halted before her, lips parting as if to speak, yet no words emerged. This wasn’t the moment to indulge in personal distractions.

Sliding his hands into his pockets, he strode past her. She fell in step behind him, their footsteps echoing through the corridor. Employees bowed respectfully as he passed, their gazes following in silence.