My shoulders drop.
“William will arrange your position and the duties you’ll be assigned. Lewis Corporation and Quinn Industries have a joint project in Tucson. You’ll be working on that.”
Hearing this, happiness surges through me. Blinking, I glance up at him in disbelief as a smile slowly creeps across my lips. If I didn’t know him so well, I would pounce on him in an outpouring of gratitude.
“Are you serious? Thank you, Mr. Lewis!”
“Mmm,” he replies before getting up.
I watch him climb the grand staircase to his study, feeling conflicted.
I’d hoped to ask him about the possibility of moving out on my own, but he doesn’t seem to be in the best mood today. Maybe tomorrow.
Chapter 2
DERIK
“T ighten the reins on the media, make sure nothing gets leaked. Lewis
Corporation cannot afford to take a big hit right now.”
I pace back and forth in my upstairs study, on a call with my assistant, William, giving him directives to handle the commotion over SanTech—a company acquired by Lewis Corporation that specializes in the production and research of AI Technology. A burglary has occurred at the site where an exhibition of the newly created tech is being held. If things go awry, it will take a toll; not only on the company’s image, but also a huge plunge in its stocks.
We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars of loss.
That addressed, I stay on the call for a couple minutes longer, giving him further instructions for coordinating Natalie’s training. She must learn the ropes of running the business her family left now that she’s finished her studies.
Heaving a deep sigh, I slam my body against the office chair and press my temples with my fingers when I hear a light knock on the door. I glance at the grandfather clock, realizing that it’s almost nine in the evening.
I frown.
“Come in.”
My brows immediately knit together when my gaze lands on the feminine figure in the doorway. She’s carrying a tray with a teacup and pot. Biting her bottom lip, her large, bright, blue-green eyes hesitantly meet my gaze. Her chestnut hair is fixed into a careless bun, giving her a casual, playful look. I observe her for a few more seconds in silence while my eyes travel from her beautiful, innocent face to her slender body that is covered with the thin fabric of her shirt. I still remember how small her waist was and how light she felt in my arms when I carried her earlier. She displays her graceful legs confidently in her tattered denim shorts. It has been three years since we first crossed paths, and I must admit she’s developed into a fine woman in that time—the kind that any man would fantasize about.
I clench my jaw, suppressing the intrusive and inappropriate thoughts.
“I brought you tea,” she announces shyly and sweetly.
“Do you need something?” I raise my brow.
Natalie is a woman left in my care by her deceased grandfather, whom I respect and owe a great deal to. She had been an orphan, adopted by the Quinns, and old Mr. Quinn had entrusted his business and her well-being to my hands.
Agreeing to take care of her had been the least I could do to help him rest in peace.
She eyes me before shaking her head.
“Nothing, really. I just came to thank you for allowing me to stay here a little longer. I know that you already have a lot on your plate, and I have my own responsibilities. So, this is me expressing my gratitude.”
“There’s no need. It’s my responsibility,” I reply dismissively, pulling a file from the stack of documents in front of me.
She shrugs and walks over to set the tray on my desk. She quietly pours the steaming tea into the empty cup.
“Having coffee too often isn’t the best for one’s health, especially at night. Tea is a lot healthier.”
“Mmm.”
Giving her a quick sideways glance, I bury my nose in the file. Her presence is something I have learned to tolerate over the years. The woman knows her boundaries, and that is something I appreciate.
“Anything more?” I nudge.
I know she wouldn’t come into my office just to express thanks.
She blinks when our eyes meet, looking startled at my prodding.
“I’ll leave you to your business, then. Goodnight.”
Silently turning on her heels, I watch her sashay toward the door, her hips swaying with each step. I stiffen uncomfortably, realizing that my eyes have become more attuned to her after having held her in my arms and felt her body pressed against mine earlier.
“Dress appropriately when you go to work.”
It is an order.
She pauses for a moment and then looks back at me with a smirk.
“What do you take me for? I’m not a child.”
“Mmm.”
