Chapter 5 WALTERS ENTERPRISE

*Third Person POV*

Walters Enterprise stood tall in the heart of the city, a gleaming tower of glass and steel that housed one of the most prestigious companies in the region. Its reputation for innovation and excellence drew the best talent from across the country.

On Monday morning, the large conference room on the fifteenth floor buzzed with anticipation. Employees filed in, clutching coffee cups and tablets, settling into chairs around the massive oval table.

George Walters, the CEO-a distinguished man in his late fifties with silver hair and sharp eyes-stood at the head of the room, waiting for everyone to settle.

"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice commanding attention. "Thank you for being here. As you know, we've been selected to lead the Henderson account, our biggest project this quarter. I've assembled what I believe is our strongest team."

He gestured to his left. "From our marketing department, I'd like to introduce Helen Blackwood, our marketing specialist who's been with us for three years. Helen's campaigns have consistently exceeded projections, and her insights will be invaluable to this project."

Helen stood, offering a polite smile to the room. At twenty-five, she was beautiful in an understated way-dark hair pulled back in a professional ponytail, intelligent eyes, and a kind expression that put people at ease. She wore a navy blazer and carried herself with quiet confidence.

"Thank you, Mr. Walters. I'm excited to be part of this team," she said, her voice clear and warm.

Several heads nodded in acknowledgment. A few coworkers smiled at her-Grace and Victoria from HR, whom she had lunch with before, and Jude from sales, who watched her with obvious admiration.

"And leading the project management side," George continued, gesturing to his right, "is Kelvin Blackwood, our senior project manager. Kelvin joined us two years ago and has successfully delivered every project under his leadership, often ahead of schedule."

A man stood from the opposite side of the table. Kelvin was tall and handsome, with dark hair, strong features, and an easy charm that commanded respect without demanding it. At twenty-six, he carried himself with the confidence of someone who knew his worth but didn't need to prove it.

"Thank you, Mr. Walters. I'm looking forward to working with this talented team," Kelvin said, his voice smooth and professional.

More nods around the room. Ryan from IT adjusted his glasses, looking eager. Mathew from finance made a note on his tablet.

George continued introducing the rest of the team. "From sales, we have Jude Morrison, who'll handle client relations. From IT, Ryan Chen will manage our technical infrastructure. Mathew Rodriguez from finance will oversee our budget. And from HR, Grace Martinez and Victoria Chen will handle personnel coordination."

Each person acknowledged their introduction with a nod or brief greeting.

"This project will require close collaboration across all departments," George explained. "You'll be working together intensively for the next six months. I expect open communication, innovation, and the excellence Walters Enterprise is known for."

He looked around the room. "Any questions before we dive into the project details?"

Silence. Everyone seemed ready.

"Excellent. Let's begin with the project overview..."

As George pulled up the presentation on the large screen, Helen reached for her notepad. Her eyes swept across the room, taking in her new teammates, and that's when it happened.

Her gaze met Kelvin's across the conference table.

For just a moment-barely a heartbeat-their eyes locked.

Kelvin's expression remained professional, but something flickered in his eyes. Curiosity, perhaps. Or recognition of a different kind.

Helen felt a strange flutter in her chest, unexpected and unfamiliar. She quickly looked away, focusing on her notepad, but her heart was beating faster than it should have been.

It was nothing. Just a glance. Just two professionals on the same team.

So why did it feel like something more?

....

*Helen's POV*

I tried to focus on Mr. Walters's presentation, but my attention kept drifting across the table to where Kelvin sat, taking notes with calm efficiency.

I'd seen him around the office before-hard not to notice someone like him-but we'd never spoken. Different departments, different floors, different worlds within the same building.

But now we'd be working together. Closely. For six months.

I snuck another glance at him. He was focused on the screen now, his expression thoughtful as he listened to George outline the project timeline.

Something about those eyes when they'd met mine... they felt familiar, yet completely new.

Like I'd been waiting to see them without knowing I was waiting at all.

I shook my head slightly, dismissing the thought. I was being ridiculous. It was just a professional meeting. He was just a coworker.

Nothing more.