Chapter 2 THE COLD CEO

Ivy's POV

With my stomach in a thousand knots, I exited the elevator. What was expected of me? Should I look away from him? Act as if nothing occurred. Even worse, what if he brought it up?

I could see the open office floor in front of me, with every desk bustling with activity. Except for mine, of course. Located in a peaceful corner close to the enormous conference room with glass walls, my cubicle was perfect real estate for both being viewed and being watched. Every step I took today felt heavier than the one before it.

I ventured to look toward the executive suite as I walked up to my workstation. He was present. Blackwell, Griffin. My supervisor. The man I

Not at all. I'm not going there.

He was yelling commands into his phone while standing with his back to me. I was shivered by the authoritative tone of his words, which served as a clear reminder of his true nature. It was the brutal CEO who signed my paychecks, not the mysterious guy from last night.

"Good morning, Ivy!" Sophia's upbeat voice snapped me out of my reverie. Her blond curls bounced as she poked her head over the wall. "You appear agitated. Is everything alright?

I forced a tight smile and lied, "Okay." "Just worn out."

She did not press, but her eyes narrowed suspiciously. I'm grateful.

Each tick of the clock reverberated louder than the one before it as the morning dragged on. I made an effort to concentrate on my task, but my thoughts were a chaotic muddle. Emails blended together, and before a line made sense, I had to read it three times.

Then it took place. His voice.

"Miss Summers."

When my head jerked up, I saw him standing next to my desk, looking as composed as he did at board meetings. His tie was twisted correctly, his suit looked spotless, yet his eyes stayed on mine for much too long.

I managed to say, "Mr. Blackwell," just above a whisper. His eyes scorched my cheeks, but there was nothing in his face.

In a sharp, businesslike tone, as if last night had never occurred, he stated, "I need those reports by noon."

"Obviously," I said, stumbling to pick up a notepad. I hoped he wouldn't notice my fingers shaking a little.

"Well done." And he was gone in an instant, leaving me still. No recognition. Not even a trace of familiarity. He treated me like I was just another worker.

My nerves were frazzled by midday. Hoping to avoid any more interactions, I picked up my bag and went to the break room. But, destiny had other ideas. I almost ran into him when I turned the corner.

He put a hand on my arm to stabilize me and murmured, "Be careful." I was startled by the warmth of his touch, but his face was expressionless.

I mumbled, taking a fast step back, "Sorry."

"No damage was done." His movements were precise and deliberate as he adjusted his cufflinks. "Miss Summers, have a nice lunch."

And then he was gone once more, leaving me to wonder about everything. Was he acting? Was he truly indifferent? Or did he simply compartmentalize so well?

During the afternoon meeting, the solution was revealed. Griffin commanded the room from his position at the head of the meeting table. There was no room for debate because every word he said was incisive and decisive.

With a voice that sliced through the room like a sword, he declared, "We're behind schedule." "That is not acceptable. Excuses are not acceptable to me. I pay for outcomes.

As he looked at one of the top managers, I sat close to the back and drew in closer.

His voice was cold as he said, "Mr. Carter." "Could you elaborate on the reason this project isn't completed?"

As he flipped over his notes, the elder man faltered. "W-We experienced some delays-"

"I don't care about delays," Griffin cut in, his eyes unblinking. "I'll find someone who can fix it, or you can."

One could feel the tension in the room. I could feel the weight of his power even from where I sat. The charming man from the gala wasn't this one. This was the icy, merciless CEO Griffin Blackwell, who didn't put up with failure.

With my heart racing, I virtually ran out of the room when the conference eventually finished. In the corridor, Sophia caught up to me, her face displaying a mixture of interest and worry.

As she fell into step next to me, she inquired, "What's up with you today?"

I hurriedly replied, "Nothing," but she didn't believe me.

"You've been jittery all day," she remarked, her voice lowered. "Has something occurred? Is it? After looking around, she muttered, "Griffin?"

I felt sick to my stomach. "What? No! What makes you believe that?

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm not sure. Perhaps because whenever he's there, you freeze?

With a sigh, I combed through my hair. "Don't worry, it's nothing." It was just a demanding day.

She said, obviously not convinced, "Uh-huh." "Look, you must maintain your position no matter what. Don't be intimidated by him. You underestimate your strength and intelligence.

I forced a flimsy smile. "Thank you, Sophia."

She squeezed my shoulder reassuringly and added, "Anytime." "Now, before you go totally crazy, let's grab coffee."

The remainder of the day flew by, but I was always uneasy. I was worn out by the time I eventually clocked out. Desperate to get out of the building and get some fresh air, I headed for the elevator.

But, I froze as the doors slid open. Griffin was standing inside.

With an unreadable face, he said, "Miss Summers."

Despite every instinct telling me to flee, I answered, "Mr. Blackwell," and entered the elevator.

We were left in an awkward stillness as the doors closed. His voice cut through my thoughts as I looked straight ahead, hoping the ride would end soon.

His eyes were piercing, but his tone was nonchalant as he said, "You seemed distracted today."

I took a deep breath. "Sir, I just have a lot on my mind."

"Is there anything that should worry me?" His eyes were sharp as he asked.

"No, sir," I hurriedly answered, my heart racing.

His demeanor was unreadable as he observed me for a time. Then he leaned in a little and said softly as the elevator dinged to a stop.

"All right. Let's maintain it that way.

I was left breathless and alone as the doors opened and he left. His words echoed in my head as I staggered out of the elevator, my knees shaky.

By that, what did he mean? Was that a warning? A danger? Or something else?

Even though I didn't have the answers, I knew that working for Griffin Blackwell would be more challenging than I had anticipated.