The success of the Thorne merger hung in the air of the office like a heavy, sweet perfume. By 5:00 PM, the frantic energy of the morning had settled into a celebratory hum. Jace’s office door remained closed, but for the first time in months, the sound coming from within wasn't the sharp, biting tone of a man under pressure. It was the sound of a man who had regained his footing.
Hazel was at her desk, meticulously filing the final paperwork from the meeting, when the intercom buzzed.
"Hazel, step into my office, please."
She smoothed her skirt and walked in. Jace was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the London skyline as the city began to sparkle with evening lights. He had discarded his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, looking more relaxed than she had ever se
