Office Wars: Love Under Fire

Evelyn's morning began with the sharp trill of her alarm clock, cutting through the quiet of her modest apartment. She groaned, reaching for her phone. 6:30 a.m. There was no time to dwell on her nerves—not after yesterday's standoff with Lucas Grey. Today, she would prove she was more than capable of holding her ground in the high-stakes world of Grey Enterprises.

By the time she arrived at the office, the energy was already palpable. Employees bustled through the halls, their faces tense with focus. Evelyn straightened her blazer, clutching the revised pitch notes in her hand. She had spent half the night reworking the strategy, pushing herself to think outside the box, as Lucas had demanded.

9:00 a.m. - The CEO's Office

Evelyn hesitated outside Lucas's door. Unlike the open design of the rest of the office, his space was closed off by frosted glass, radiating an air of exclusivity. She raised her hand to knock but froze when she overheard voices inside.

She's too green for this project, someone said, their voice sharp with disapproval.

Evelyn's heart sank.

She has potential, Lucas replied, his tone even. "She just needs direction. Don't underestimate her."

Evelyn's breath caught. Was that... a compliment?

The door suddenly opened, and she found herself face-to-face with Lucas. His dark eyes locked onto hers, and for a brief moment, the faintest flicker of surprise crossed his face.

You're early, he said, stepping aside to let her in.

Better than being late, she shot back, her voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through her.

Lucas's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Let's see if your work reflects that same efficiency.

The room was immaculate, just like him—sharp angles, dark furniture, and an unobstructed view of the skyline. Lucas gestured toward a seat at the glass table, his movements measured and deliberate.

Evelyn handed him the revised pitch with practiced confidence. As he skimmed through the pages, she studied him. His face was unreadable, but there was an intensity in his eyes that made her stomach flutter.

Finally, he looked up. "This is... better," he admitted.

Better Evelyn arched a brow. I stayed up half the night working on this, and all you have to say is 'better'?

His gaze sharpened, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his expression. "Better is a compliment, Evelyn. Don't let it go to your head."

She crossed her arms, unable to suppress a smirk of her own noted.

For a moment, the air between them seemed to shift. The charged tension from yesterday was still there, but now it was laced with something else something unspoken.

Later That Day - A New Challenge

The afternoon brought a fresh wave of chaos. Evelyn was tasked with leading a meeting with the client's representatives, a responsibility she hadn't expected so soon. As she prepared, Lucas appeared in her office doorway.

You're running the meeting, he said, as though it were a foregone conclusion.

Her eyes widened. What? I thought

You've already done the work. Now you need to own it," he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

But this is

Evelyn, he said, stepping closer. His voice softened, but his gaze was unwavering. "If you want to succeed here, you have to trust yourself. No one's going to hand you anything. You have to take it.

His words hung in the air, and for the first time, she saw a glimpse of the man behind the polished exterior.

Evelyn swallowed her nerves and nodded. Fine I'll do it.

Good Lucas's expression softened ever so slightly. "I'll be there to support you. Just don't let me down.

The Client Meeting

The boardroom was filled with high-powered executives, their expressions unreadable as Evelyn delivered her pitch. She could feel Lucas's presence at the head of the table, his gaze steady and watchful.

As she finished, there was a beat of silence. Then, one of the clients spoke up. "It's bold," he said, a hint of approval in his tone.

Evelyn exhaled, relief washing over her. She glanced at Lucas, who gave her a barely perceptible nod of approval.

When the meeting ended, she lingered in the hallway, her adrenaline still pumping. Lucas approached her, his hands in his pockets.

You handled that well, he said.

Is that your way of saying 'good job'? she teased, her smile cautious but genuine.

Don't push your luck, he replied, though there was a faint warmth in his voice.