Chapter 2

The next morning, Ethan made a call.

"Yes, I need a full catering spread. Brisket, ribs, sausage, all the sides. Enough for, say, fifty people. Deliver it to Veridian Dynamics, addressed to Olivia Sterling. The note should read: 'Heard you were craving comfort. Enjoy.'"

He specified the most expensive, top-tier BBQ in Austin. An excessive amount.

Later that day, Ethan drove to Veridian Dynamics. He hadn't planned to, but a cold anger simmered. He walked into the sleek, open-plan office. The air was thick with the smell of smoked meat. Employees were gathered around a mountain of BBQ containers.

Olivia wasn't there, but Mark was, holding court, a greasy rib in hand.

Mark spotted him. His smile was a little too bright.

"Mr. Miller, can I help you?"

Miller. Olivia' s maiden name. A deliberate slight.

Mark, ever the attentive assistant, scurried off and returned with a paper cup.

"Coffee for you, Mr. Miller? It might be a bit lukewarm."

He wore a faded vintage band t-shirt, ripped designer jeans, and an air of unearned familiarity.

Ethan took the cup. As Mark turned, Ethan' s hand jolted, "accidentally" spilling the coffee down the front of Mark' s trendy attire.

"Oh, terribly sorry," Ethan said, his voice devoid of apology.

Mark yelped, jumping back. "This is a vintage tee!"

Olivia rushed out of her glass-walled office. "What happened? Mark, are you okay?"

She glared at Ethan, dabbing at Mark' s shirt with a napkin.

"He just spilled coffee all over me, Olivia," Mark whined.

"Ethan, what is wrong with you?" Olivia snapped.

"I was just surprised," Ethan said, his gaze fixed on Mark. "By the casual attire in a CEO' s office. And the rather disrespectful form of address. I' m Ethan Sterling. Or Mr. Sterling, to you."

He looked pointedly at Mark's coffee-stained shirt and ripped jeans. "Is this the Veridian Dynamics dress code now, Olivia? Or just for your special associates?"

Olivia' s face flushed. "Mark is a valuable member of my team. This is an inclusive workspace."

"Inclusivity shouldn't mean a lack of professionalism or basic respect," Ethan countered, his voice calm but carrying through the now-silent office.

The other employees were watching, some with poorly concealed smirks.

Ethan looked at Olivia. "Enjoy the BBQ. Seems there's plenty to go around."

He turned and walked out, leaving Olivia fuming and Mark looking humiliated.