HATING MR. STERLING

Charlotte Bennett was beginning to regret moving to London.

Not because of the expensive rent, the unpredictable weather, or the fact that a simple cup of coffee could cost more than her lunch.

No.

She regretted moving because her new neighbour was apparently determined to make her first morning in the building miserable.

And she hadn't even met him yet.

It started at seven fifteen in the morning.

Charlotte was standing in the middle of her living room, surrounded by half-opened boxes, when someone started banging on her front door.

She frowned.

"Coming!"

The banging continued.

"Unless the building is on fire, you can give me a second!"

She hurried towards the door, nearly tripping over a box labelled KITCHEN, and pulled it open.

A tall man stood outside.

He wore a perfectly fitted black suit, a white shirt and an expression that suggested he had never been pleased to see another human being in his entire life.

His dark hair was neatly styled. His jaw was sharp, and his expensive-looking watch probably cost more than Charlotte's entire collection of furniture.

He looked at her.

Then at the boxes behind her.

Then back at her.

"Are you planning to turn this entire floor into a storage facility?"

Charlotte blinked.

"Good morning to you too."

"Your delivery men blocked the corridor yesterday."

"They were delivering my furniture."

"At eleven at night."

"Yes. That's usually when delivery companies finish their routes."

His expression didn't change.

"Some people have jobs and need sleep."

Charlotte slowly looked him up and down.

"And some people apparently wake up every morning looking for someone to annoy."

His eyes narrowed.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

He glanced towards the corridor.

"I expect you to keep the noise down."

Charlotte folded her arms.

"And I expect you to learn how to speak to people without sounding like a disappointed headmaster."

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then he gave a short, humourless laugh.

"You're new here, aren't you?"

"Very observant."

"Let me make something clear. I don't tolerate unnecessary noise, mess or disturbances."

"Wonderful. I don't tolerate unnecessary instructions from strangers. Looks like we're both going to have a difficult time."

His jaw tightened.

"Alexander Sterling."

Charlotte waited.

When he said nothing else, she raised an eyebrow.

"Congratulations?"

"That's my name."

"Lovely. I'm Charlotte. Now we both know something about each other."

She started closing the door.

"One more thing," he said.

Charlotte stopped.

"What now?"

"Your welcome mat is crooked."

She stared at him.

Then she looked down.

Her welcome mat was, indeed, slightly crooked.

She looked back at him.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling. I'll make sure to inform it that you've noticed."

She closed the door.

And stood there for a moment.

Unbelievable.

Who did that man think he was?

The King of England?

Charlotte shook her head and returned to her boxes.

She had more important things to worry about.

Her event-planning company, Bennett Events, had been struggling to secure bigger clients. She had spent months saving money, building contacts and trying to establish herself in London's competitive event industry.

Moving into the building had been expensive, but she believed it was a necessary step.

She needed a fresh start.

A peaceful home.

And preferably neighbours who didn't behave like they owned oxygen.

Apparently, she had failed at the last part.

---

Across the hallway, Alexander Sterling stood in his penthouse kitchen, holding a cup of coffee.

He was not having a good morning.

He had an important meeting at nine, three contracts waiting for his approval and an investor who had been calling him since six.

And now, he had a neighbour who seemed to believe the corridor was her personal entertainment centre.

His phone rang.

He answered without looking at the screen.

"Speak."

"Good morning to you too," his assistant, Daniel, replied.

"What is it?"

"Your nine o'clock meeting has been moved to ten. Mr. Harrison is running late."

"Why?"

"Apparently, traffic."

Alexander looked towards the front door.

"Everyone has an excuse."

Daniel paused.

"Did something happen?"

"I have a new neighbour."

There was silence.

Then Daniel laughed.

Alexander frowned.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Then stop laughing."

"Of course."

Alexander ended the call.

He took another sip of coffee.

From somewhere across the corridor came a loud crash.

He slowly lowered his cup.

A second later, a woman's voice followed.

"Oh, fantastic! Just fantastic!"

Alexander closed his eyes.

It was going to be a very long week.

---

By ten thirty, Charlotte had managed to unpack most of her kitchen.

She was pleased with herself.

She had also managed to burn her toast, spill coffee on her favourite blouse and discover that one of her lamps had been broken during delivery.

Still, she refused to let the day defeat her.

Her phone buzzed.

It was a message from her best friend, Olivia.

OLIVIA: How's the new apartment?

CHARLOTTE: Beautiful.

OLIVIA: And the neighbours?

CHARLOTTE: I have met Satan in a tailored suit.

OLIVIA: Already? 😂

CHARLOTTE: He complained about my welcome mat.

OLIVIA: Maybe he likes you.

CHARLOTTE: If that's his way of flirting, he needs professional help.

Charlotte laughed and placed her phone on the counter.

Then she noticed something.

Her handbag was missing.

She searched the kitchen, checked the bedroom and even looked inside the bathroom.

Nothing.

She remembered leaving it beside the lift when the delivery men arrived.

"Oh, no."

She hurried outside.

The corridor was empty.

She pressed the lift button and waited impatiently.

When the doors opened, she stepped inside.

And found herself standing beside the man in the black suit.

Of course.

Alexander glanced at her.

"Again?"

Charlotte stared at him.

"Believe me, I'm just as disappointed."

He pressed the ground-floor button.

She pressed it too.

He looked at her finger.

"It's already selected."

"Thank you. I was checking."

He returned his attention to his phone.

Charlotte tried to ignore him.

For approximately five seconds.

Then she noticed the familiar black leather handbag beside his feet.

Her handbag.

"That's mine!"

Alexander looked down.

"Is it?"

"Unless you've suddenly developed an interest in women's handbags, yes."

He picked it up and handed it to her.

"Your delivery men left it outside my door."

Charlotte took it.

"Oh. Thank you."

He nodded once.

She opened the bag to check that everything was inside.

Then she looked at him.

"You could have knocked."

"I did."

"When?"

"Twenty minutes ago."

Charlotte froze.

"Oh."

"I assume you were too busy shouting at your furniture."

She slowly closed her handbag.

"And I assume you were too busy practising your miserable expression."

The lift doors opened.

Alexander stepped out first.

"Have a pleasant day, Miss Bennett."

Charlotte followed him.

"Try having one yourself, Mr. Sterling. You might discover it's possible to smile."

He didn't turn around.

"Goodbye."

She watched him walk towards the building's main entrance.

"Charming," she muttered.

---

At eleven fifteen, Alexander arrived at Sterling International.

The glass building stood proudly in the heart of London, overlooking a busy street filled with taxis, office workers and tourists.

As CEO, Alexander had built the company into one of Britain's most successful investment and property groups.

He was respected, feared and occasionally disliked.

He preferred it that way.

People who wanted to please him rarely challenged his decisions.

And he had no patience for people who did.

"Morning, sir," Daniel greeted him as he entered the executive floor.

"What's on my schedule?"

"Your meeting with the Harrison Group, the property development review and the charity gala planning presentation."

Alexander stopped.

"The charity gala?"

"Yes. The event planner's proposal is due today."

"Who is handling it?"

"An independent company. Bennett Events."

Alexander frowned.

"Who?"

Daniel checked his tablet.

"Charlotte Bennett. The company was recommended by the board's events committee."

For a moment, Alexander said nothing.

Then he looked at Daniel.

"You're joking."

Daniel blinked.

"Is there a problem?"

Alexander removed his coat.

"Apparently, my new neighbour has decided to follow me to work."

Daniel looked confused.

"Your neighbour?"

"Forget it."

He walked into his office.

Daniel stared after him before slowly looking back at the tablet.

Bennett Events.

Charlotte Bennett.

Interesting.

---

Meanwhile, Charlotte was sitting at a small café near her office, reviewing the documents for her biggest potential client yet.

The Sterling International charity gala.

It was a prestigious event, and securing the contract could change everything for her business.

She had spent the previous evening preparing the proposal, checking the budget and making sure every detail was perfect.

Her phone rang.

"Hello, Charlotte Bennett speaking."

"Good morning, Miss Bennett. This is Daniel from Sterling International. We're expecting you for the presentation at twelve."

Charlotte sat up.

"Yes, of course. I'll be there."

"Excellent. Please ask for me at reception."

"Thank you. See you soon."

She ended the call with a satisfied smile.

Finally.

A proper opportunity.

A major client.

A chance to prove that Bennett Events could compete with the biggest names in the industry.

She took a sip of coffee.

Then opened the company profile one last time.

Sterling International.

She read the name twice.

Something about it seemed familiar.

Then she remembered.

Alexander Sterling.

Her neighbour.

Charlotte slowly lowered her cup.

"No."

She checked the address.

Then the company website.

Then the name of the CEO.

Alexander Sterling.

She leaned back in her chair.

"You have got to be kidding me."

For several seconds, she considered cancelling the meeting.

But she had bills to pay, employees to support and a business to grow.

She wasn't going to lose an opportunity because of one irritating man.

Not even if that man happened to be a billionaire.

Charlotte picked up her handbag.

"Fine, Mr. Sterling. Let's see how you behave when you're the one paying me."

She left the café.

And somewhere on the thirty-second floor of Sterling International, Alexander was already wondering how he was going to survive another meeting with his new neighbour.

Neither of them knew that their little disagreement was about to become much bigger.

And neither was prepared to lose.

Charlotte Bennett had prepared for many things.

Difficult clients. Last-minute cancellations. Brides who changed their colour themes five times in one afternoon.

She had even dealt with a woman who wanted a winter wonderland wedding in the middle of July.

But she had not prepared for Alexander Sterling.

Not as a neighbour.

And certainly not as a potential client.

Standing outside the glass doors of Sterling International, Charlotte took a deep breath.

"Business first," she whispered. "Personal feelings later."

She straightened her cream blazer, adjusted her handbag and walked towards reception.

A young woman behind the desk greeted her.

"Good afternoon. How can I help you?"

"Charlotte Bennett. I have a twelve o'clock appointment with Daniel."

"Of course. Please take a seat. I'll let him know you're here."

Charlotte smiled politely and sat down.

She looked around the reception area.

Everything was expensive.

The marble floor, the enormous glass windows, the modern furniture and even the flowers displayed on the reception desk looked as though they had been selected by someone who didn't believe in ordinary things.

She glanced at the flowers.

"At least somebody here has good taste," she murmured.

"Miss Bennett?"

Charlotte looked up.

A tall man in a grey suit approached her.

"Daniel?"

"Yes. It's nice to meet you."

They shook hands.

"Likewise."

"Mr. Sterling is ready for you."

Charlotte's smile weakened.

"He's attending the presentation?"

Daniel nodded.

"He's the CEO."

"Yes. I know."

Daniel gave her a curious look.

"Have you met before?"

Charlotte stood and adjusted her blazer.

"Unfortunately."

Daniel laughed lightly, assuming she was joking.

He led her towards the lifts.

---

Alexander was standing behind his desk when Charlotte entered.

He wore a dark navy suit and was reading something on his tablet.

He didn't immediately look up.

"You're late."

Charlotte glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Good afternoon to you too. And I'm actually five minutes early."

"You're not exactly punctual if you're standing outside my office."

She stared at him.

"Do you practise being difficult, or does it come naturally?"

Daniel cleared his throat.

"Mr. Sterling, this is Miss Charlotte Bennett from Bennett Events."

Alexander finally raised his eyes.

"I know."

Charlotte smiled tightly.

"Lovely. Saves us time."

Daniel looked between them.

There was clearly something he had missed.

Alexander gestured towards the chair opposite his desk.

"Sit."

Charlotte sat.

Daniel placed the presentation folder on the desk.

"I'll leave you both to it."

"Thank you," Charlotte said.

Alexander didn't respond.

The moment the door closed, Charlotte opened her folder.

"Right. Since we're both busy, shall we begin?"

"Please."

She took out her proposal.

"The Sterling International charity gala is a wonderful opportunity to bring your business partners, investors and selected guests together. My proposal focuses on elegance, comfort and a memorable experience without unnecessary extravagance."

Alexander glanced at the first page.

"Unnecessary extravagance?"

"Yes."

"You're planning an event for a billionaire company."

"And?"

He looked up.

"You're aware of our budget?"

"I am."

"Then perhaps you should understand that we don't need a cheap-looking event."

Charlotte slowly lowered her pen.

"Did I say cheap?"

"You said unnecessary extravagance."

"Because spending money simply to prove you have money is unnecessary."

Alexander leaned back.

"That's an interesting opinion."

"Thank you. I have several."

He turned another page.

"The proposed venue is unsuitable."

Charlotte frowned.

"Why?"

"Too small."

"It's designed to accommodate the number of guests your office provided."

"We may invite additional investors."

"Then I can adjust the seating arrangement."

"The decoration is too simple."

"It's an elegant charity gala, not a circus."

Daniel, who had returned to collect a document, stopped just outside the partly open door.

Alexander looked at Charlotte.

"Do you always speak to potential clients like this?"

"Only when they make it difficult to do my job."

He closed the folder.

"I don't think this proposal is what we're looking for."

Charlotte stared at him.

"You haven't even allowed me to finish."

"I've seen enough."

She took a slow breath.

"Mr. Sterling, with all due respect, if you wanted someone to agree with every ridiculous suggestion you made, you could have hired a personal assistant instead of an event planner."

His eyes narrowed.

"Careful, Miss Bennett."

"No, you be careful. I have worked hard to build my company. I didn't come here to sit quietly while someone insults my work."

For a moment, the room became silent.

Charlotte gathered her papers.

"Thank you for your time. I'll send an updated proposal if you decide you're interested in working with a professional who actually understands events."

She stood.

Alexander's expression remained unreadable.

"Are you walking out?"

"Unless you have another complaint about my shoes."

She picked up her handbag.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Sterling."

And she walked out.

---

Daniel was standing near the reception desk when Charlotte arrived.

"How did it go?"

Charlotte smiled.

"Wonderful. Your boss is a delight."

Daniel looked towards the executive office.

"That bad?"

"Let me put it this way. If he were a customer at a restaurant, the waiter would resign."

Daniel tried not to laugh.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Don't be. It's not your fault."

She adjusted her handbag.

"Have a good day, Daniel."

"You too, Miss Bennett."

Charlotte walked towards the lifts.

Daniel watched her disappear before returning to Alexander's office.

He found his boss standing beside the window.

"Well?"

Alexander turned.

"Well, what?"

"Your meeting."

"Unproductive."

Daniel raised an eyebrow.

"She seemed confident."

"She seemed argumentative."

"Perhaps because you rejected every suggestion."

Alexander gave him a cold look.

"Are you questioning my decision?"

"Absolutely not, sir."

"Good."

Daniel placed the document on the desk.

"One more thing. The board specifically requested Bennett Events. They liked her previous work."

Alexander looked at him.

"And?"

"And they expect us to consider her proposal before making a final decision."

Alexander said nothing.

Daniel continued.

"I'd recommend giving her another opportunity."

"You're dismissed."

Daniel nodded.

"Of course."

He walked towards the door.

"Daniel."

"Yes, sir?"

"Find out why the board recommended her."

Daniel smiled faintly.

"Already done."

He left before Alexander could ask anything else.

Alexander looked towards the closed door.

Charlotte Bennett.

He had known her for less than twenty-four hours, and she was already becoming a problem.

---

By the time Charlotte returned home, she was exhausted.

She dropped her handbag onto the sofa, removed her heels and headed straight for the kitchen.

Her phone rang.

Olivia.

Charlotte answered.

"Before you ask, no. I didn't get the contract."

"What happened?"

"My neighbour is the CEO."

There was a pause.

"Wait. The handsome one you complained about?"

"Don't call him handsome."

"So he's handsome?"

"Olivia!"

Her friend laughed.

"Tell me everything."

Charlotte opened the fridge.

"He rejected my proposal before I finished presenting it. Apparently, my decorations are too simple, my venue is too small, and I don't understand what rich people want."

"Maybe he wants a golden toilet."

Charlotte burst out laughing.

"Don't give him ideas."

"Are you going to take the job if he changes his mind?"

Charlotte pulled out a bottle of water.

"It's a good contract. I need the money. So yes."

"Even if you have to work with Mr. Miserable?"

Charlotte sighed.

"Unfortunately, my business account doesn't accept personal hatred as payment."

Olivia laughed again.

"You're going to have fun."

"I seriously doubt that."

Charlotte ended the call and walked towards her bedroom.

Just as she reached the door, someone knocked.

She frowned.

Who now?

She opened it.

Alexander Sterling stood outside.

Again.

Charlotte looked at him.

Then at the empty corridor.

Then back at him.

"Have you lost something?"

"No."

"Then why are you here?"

He held out a folder.

"Your proposal."

She looked down.

It was the same folder she had left in his office.

"I know what that is."

"Good. Then take it."

Charlotte accepted it.

"Thank you."

He remained standing there.

She waited.

He waited.

Finally, she raised an eyebrow.

"Is there something else?"

"Your proposal needs revisions."

Charlotte stared at him.

"Excuse me?"

"The board wants a second presentation. Tomorrow morning."

She looked at the folder.

Then back at him.

"Are you asking me to revise it?"

"I'm telling you what the board wants."

"Of course. Because asking politely might damage your reputation."

Alexander ignored the comment.

"Ten o'clock. Don't be late."

Charlotte smiled.

It was not a friendly smile.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sterling. I'll be there."

"Good."

He turned to leave.

"Alexander?"

He stopped and looked back.

Charlotte tilted her head.

"One small thing."

"What?"

"Next time you come to my door, try knocking like a normal human being instead of delivering instructions."

His expression hardened.

"Goodnight, Miss Bennett."

"Sweet dreams, Your Majesty."

He walked away.

Charlotte closed the door and looked at the folder in her hand.

She had a presentation to prepare.

A billionaire to deal with.

And a growing suspicion that moving into apartment 804 had been the worst decision of her life.

Across the corridor, Alexander entered his penthouse.

He removed his jacket and placed it over a chair.

Then his phone buzzed.

A message from Daniel.

DANIEL: The board wants you to give Miss Bennett a fair chance. They also mentioned that her previous events received excellent reviews.

Alexander stared at the message.

He typed a reply.

ALEXANDER: I'll decide that tomorrow.

He put his phone down.

For some reason, he could still hear Charlotte's voice in his head.

Sweet dreams, Your Majesty.

He shook his head.

This was going to be a problem.

A very loud problem.

Charlotte had one simple plan for the morning.

Wake up early, prepare a brilliant presentation, impress the board and secure the contract.

It was a good plan.

Unfortunately, Alexander Sterling was part of it.

And that alone made the entire thing suspicious.

She stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the sleeves of her white blouse.

Her dark trousers were neatly pressed, her hair was styled, and her makeup was simple.

She looked professional.

She felt professional.

She was ready to make money.

Her phone rang.

"Hello, Olivia."

"Are you awake?"

"No, I'm answering you in my sleep."

Olivia laughed.

"Someone woke up with attitude."

"Someone has a presentation with a billionaire who thinks the world revolves around him."

"Well, it probably does. He has money."

Charlotte rolled her eyes.

"That's exactly the problem with rich people. They start thinking their bank accounts are personality traits."

"Please don't fight with him today."

"I won't."

"Promise?"

Charlotte picked up her handbag.

"I promise to try."

"Charlotte!"

"What? I'm being honest."

She ended the call and walked out of her apartment.

The corridor was quiet.

She glanced at Alexander's door.

Good.

At least she wouldn't have to see him before her presentation.

She pressed the lift button.

Just as the doors opened, Alexander stepped out of his apartment.

Charlotte stopped.

He looked at her.

She looked at him.

"Morning," he said.

She blinked.

Was that a greeting?

"Good morning."

He glanced at her outfit.

"Presentation?"

"No, I'm attending a royal wedding. I thought I'd dress appropriately."

His eyes returned to hers.

"You're always this sarcastic?"

"Only before breakfast."

He checked his watch.

"Ten o'clock. Don't forget."

Charlotte stepped into the lift.

"Thank you for the reminder. I was worried my calendar might suddenly stop working."

The doors closed between them.

Alexander stood in the corridor for a moment.

Then he shook his head and walked towards the stairs.

---

At Sterling International, Charlotte was already seated in the conference room when Daniel arrived.

"Good morning, Miss Bennett."

"Good morning."

"Did you have any trouble finding us?"

"No. Your building is quite difficult to miss."

Daniel laughed.

"Would you like some coffee?"

"Please. Strong enough to help me survive this meeting."

He smiled.

"I'll see what I can do."

A few minutes later, several board members entered the room.

Charlotte greeted them politely and arranged her presentation materials.

Then Alexander walked in.

Everyone stood.

"Good morning, Mr. Sterling."

"Morning."

He took his seat at the head of the table.

His eyes briefly met Charlotte's.

"Miss Bennett."

"Mr. Sterling."

Daniel placed a cup of coffee beside her.

Charlotte gave him a grateful smile.

Alexander noticed.

He said nothing.

"Shall we begin?" one of the board members asked.

Charlotte stood.

"Thank you for giving me another opportunity to present my proposal."

She connected her laptop to the screen.

"This gala isn't just another corporate event. It's an opportunity for Sterling International to strengthen its public image while raising funds for the children's education programme."

She displayed the first design.

The room became quiet.

Charlotte explained the venue, the guest arrangements, the entertainment and the decoration.

She spoke confidently, answering questions without hesitation.

One of the board members leaned forward.

"I particularly like the idea of featuring stories from the children who will benefit from the programme."

Charlotte smiled.

"I think guests should understand what their contributions mean. It shouldn't just be an evening of expensive food and beautiful decorations."

"Excellent."

Another board member nodded.

"I agree."

Alexander looked at the presentation.

For the first time, he seemed genuinely interested.

Charlotte continued.

"The event will have a formal dinner, a charity auction and a short performance. I've also included a separate area for guests who prefer quieter conversations."

She changed the slide.

"This is the proposed layout."

A board member pointed towards the screen.

"What happens if we receive more guests than expected?"

"I've included an alternative arrangement that allows us to increase the seating without making the venue uncomfortable."

"Very good."

Charlotte smiled.

She was getting somewhere.

Then Alexander spoke.

"What happens if the main sponsor withdraws?"

Charlotte turned towards him.

"I've included a backup sponsorship plan."

"And if the venue cancels?"

"An alternative venue has already been contacted."

"What if the entertainment company fails to arrive?"

"I have a second entertainment company on standby."

He leaned back.

"What if the entire event goes wrong?"

Charlotte stared at him.

"Then I'll personally carry the microphone, serve the food and sing for the guests."

A few people laughed.

Even Daniel lowered his head to hide his smile.

Alexander didn't laugh.

Charlotte returned to her seat.

"That's all from me."

One of the board members began clapping.

Another followed.

Soon, the entire table was applauding.

Charlotte smiled, genuinely pleased.

"Thank you."

The chairman of the board turned towards Alexander.

"I think we've found our event planner."

Alexander glanced at the proposal.

Then at Charlotte.

"I agree."

Charlotte almost dropped her pen.

He agreed?

Just like that?

She had prepared herself for another argument.

The chairman smiled.

"Excellent. Let's discuss the contract."

---

Twenty minutes later, Charlotte was reading through the agreement.

The payment was good.

Very good.

It would allow her to pay her staff properly, cover the company's expenses and invest in better equipment.

She was pleased.

Until she reached the conditions.

Her eyebrows slowly pulled together.

"Excuse me."

Alexander looked up from his phone.

"What?"

She turned the document towards him.

"What's this?"

"Which part?"

"Section seven."

He glanced at the page.

"Standard company conditions."

Charlotte read aloud.

"'The event planner must receive final approval from the executive office before making major decisions regarding decoration, entertainment, guest arrangements and expenditure.'"

She looked at him.

"Are you hiring me to plan an event or to ask for permission to breathe?"

A board member cleared his throat.

"Miss Bennett, it's simply a control measure."

"I understand that. But if I'm responsible for the event, I need enough authority to do my job."

Alexander placed his phone on the table.

"And if you make a decision we disagree with?"

"Then we'll discuss it professionally."

"What if we don't agree?"

"Then we find a solution."

"That's not an answer."

Charlotte closed the document.

"Mr. Sterling, I'm not asking to spend your company's money without supervision. I'm asking you not to interfere with every little detail."

He stared at her.

"I don't interfere."

Daniel coughed.

Charlotte looked at him.

Then back at Alexander.

"Of course you don't."

The chairman interrupted.

"Perhaps we can adjust the wording. Major decisions will require approval, but Miss Bennett will have authority over the day-to-day planning."

Charlotte nodded.

"That works for me."

Alexander didn't look particularly pleased.

But he didn't object.

The chairman extended his hand.

"Welcome to Sterling International, Miss Bennett."

Charlotte shook it.

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to working with you."

She glanced at Alexander.

"Most of you, anyway."

Daniel coughed again.

Alexander slowly raised his eyes.

"Miss Bennett."

"Mr. Sterling."

"Try to remember that this is a professional arrangement."

Charlotte smiled.

"Don't worry. I wouldn't want to confuse it with a friendship."

---

After the meeting, Charlotte returned to the reception area with her signed agreement.

Daniel followed her.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you. I honestly thought the meeting would end with me being escorted out."

He laughed.

"Mr. Sterling can be difficult."

"That's a very polite way of describing him."

Daniel smiled.

"You'll get used to him."

Charlotte stopped walking.

"Please don't say that. It sounds like a threat."

He laughed again.

"Your first planning meeting will be next week. I'll send you the details."

"Perfect."

She checked her phone.

"I need to make a few calls. Thank you for everything, Daniel."

"You're welcome."

Charlotte headed towards the entrance.

Just before she reached the doors, she heard someone call her name.

"Miss Bennett."

She turned.

Alexander was approaching.

Daniel immediately found an excuse to walk away.

Charlotte noticed.

Coward.

"Yes, Mr. Sterling?"

"Don't make me regret approving this contract."

She looked at him for a moment.

Then smiled.

"Don't make me regret accepting it."

His expression remained serious.

"Good day."

"Have a lovely one."

She walked out.

Alexander watched her leave.

He wasn't sure what irritated him more.

Her constant comments, her refusal to be intimidated or the fact that she had managed to impress the board in less than thirty minutes.

Probably all three.

---

That evening, Charlotte arrived home carrying two shopping bags and a small box of pastries.

She had decided to celebrate securing the contract.

Nothing extravagant.

Just food, a comfortable evening and perhaps a movie.

She stepped out of the lift and headed towards her apartment.

Unfortunately, someone was standing outside her door.

Alexander.

Again.

Charlotte stopped.

She looked at him.

Then at her apartment number.

Then back at him.

"Do you need a map?"

He frowned.

"What?"

"You seem to spend a lot of time outside my door."

"I live opposite you."

"Yes. I've noticed. Several times."

He glanced at the shopping bags.

"You're blocking the corridor."

Charlotte looked down.

Her bags were beside her feet.

She picked them up.

"There. The corridor has been rescued."

He held out a small envelope.

"This was delivered to my apartment by mistake."

She accepted it.

"Thank you."

He nodded.

Then his eyes moved towards the box in her hand.

"What's that?"

"Food."

"I can see that."

"Then why ask?"

He looked at her.

"Never mind."

Charlotte unlocked her door.

"Goodnight, Mr. Sterling."

"Goodnight."

She stepped inside and closed the door.

For the first time since moving into the building, she smiled.

She had secured the contract.

Her business was moving forward.

And she had successfully survived another conversation with Alexander Sterling.

Not bad.

Across the corridor, Alexander entered his penthouse.

He loosened his tie and walked towards the kitchen.

His phone rang.

It was his mother.

"Alexander, darling. Have you forgotten about Sunday lunch?"

He sighed.

"No, Mother."

"Good. Your aunt will be there, and I expect you to behave yourself."

"I always behave myself."

His mother laughed.

"That's exactly what worries me."

He shook his head.

"Goodnight, Mother."

"Goodnight, darling. And please, try to bring someone interesting home for once."

He ended the call.

Then he looked towards the wall separating his apartment from Charlotte's.

Someone interesting.

He scoffed.

The woman across the hall was many things.

Interesting was not the word he would have chosen.

At least, not yet.