IT'S NOT OVER

Chapter 22

When Swath

i struggled to reach the files, the urge to help her was almost overwhelming. But he held himself back. He didn't want to appear weak, especially not in front of her. He knew she'd likely heard the rumors – rumors about his coldness, his aloofness. It was a carefully crafted persona, a shield built after witnessing the vultures descend upon him after his parents' deaths. He let her perceive him as the uncaring boss, a role he'd perfected.

The sight of her dragging the chair, her face paling under his gaze, had been a silent comedy. He knew she was nervous, probably intimidated by his reputation. And yet, there was a determination in her eyes that intrigued him. When she'd finally retrieved the file, her triumphant "Yes!" was like a burst of sunshine in the sterile confines of his office. It was a stark contrast to the calculated actions of his past assistants, one of whom he recalled feigning a fall for a touch.

Now, watching her through the glass window, completely engro