Room For One More

CHAPTER SIX : Eye That Know Too Much

Cassandra didn't say a word as I left.

That smile, though?

Cold. Crooked. Like she'd already put me in the "problem." category.

"Congrats," she said, voice honey-sweet. "Monday's first day. You'll be working in the product design unit—just down the hall from Mr. Cole's office."

"Thanks," I replied, forcing past the ice in her tone.

She handed over a folder. "Paperwork. ID photos. NDA.".

I signed without hesitation. I'd worked too hard to turn back now.

However, her eyes followed me like a laser beam.

"You know," she picked up her pen and started tapping red nails on the desk, "not many people get hired that fast. Mr. Cole must have. been very impressed."

My hand froze mid-signature.

"I guess I was lucky," I said warily.

Her smile broadened, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Luck, right."

I pushed the folder away and stood up. "Monday, then."

I didn't wait for confirmation.

As I stepped into the elevator, my stomach knotted. I'd dealt with stress before — deadlines that were too tight, snooty clients, chaos — but this was different.

This was. personal.

In my hotel room, I shed my blazer and plopped onto the bed.

Aiden Cole.

CEO. Suit-and-tie demon. The man now holding my fate in his hands.

I should've been frightened.

But all I could sense was that small spark in my chest. A tug.

A treacherous tug.

My phone vibrated.

Unknown Number: "Glad you took the job. Looking forward to Monday. – A"

I didn't have time to smile before a second message arrived.

Blocked ID: "You don't belong there. Stay in your lane before you get burned."