Chapter 4 The Test

Monday came faster than Olivia anticipated. The city felt colder that morning, though she wasn't sure if it was the weather or the nerves tangled in her stomach. When the elevator doors opened to Alexander's floor, she smoothed her blouse, adjusted her skirt, and stepped into the lion's den.

Alexander was already in his office, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, forearms flexed as he leaned over a conference table littered with charts and financial reports.

He looked up. "You're five minutes early."

"You said to be on time. I aim to impress."

His smirk was lazy, but there was fire behind it. "Let's see if you can back that up."

The day was intense. Alexander didn't go easy on her-grilling her on every projection, every marketing angle. He wasn't just testing her knowledge. He was testing her resilience.

But Olivia didn't break. She countered, challenged, and impressed.

By noon, they stood at opposite ends of the room, still sparring over a branding proposal.

"You always were stubborn," Alexander said, stepping closer.

"And you always liked a challenge," she shot back.

They were close now. Too close.

His gaze dropped, lingering at her mouth. "Careful, Olivia. Lines blur quickly when we're this close."

She swallowed hard but held her ground. "Then maybe you should step back."

"I could," he murmured, eyes locked on hers, "but where's the fun in that?"

His hand brushed hers as he passed by-deliberate.

She turned away to gather herself, her skin still tingling.

This wasn't going to be easy.

It was going to be dangerous.