Zara stepped into the hallway, her sleek bomber jacket draped effortlessly over her shoulders. Paired with jogger dress pants, she created a perfect balance between sporty and sophisticated—a look that was as practical as it was stylish. Even for an important meeting, Zara knew how to stand out. Her outfit was the epitome of effortless cool, radiating confidence with every step she took.
As she walked through the hallway, all eyes were on her. The usual buzz of the office dimmed as people turned their heads, unable to resist taking a second (or third) look.
Girls couldn't help but envy her poise, her effortless grace that made her look like she had just stepped off a fashion runway. Boys, on the other hand, stared unabashedly, their eyes following her every movement, unable to hide the admiration—and the desire—that sparkled in their gaze.
Zara didn't notice any of it. She was used to the attention by now, though she never sought it. She moved through the corridor like she owned it, with purpose and determination. Her look, a striking combination of comfort and style, was something only Zara Winters could pull off, making it impossible for anyone to replicate.
No one else could wear joggers with a bomber jacket and still command the same level of respect in a business setting. But Zara wasn't just anyone—she was a force to be reckoned with. She had spent years building this empire and nothing, not even the whispers and stares of her colleagues, could shake her focus today.
As she reached the door to Xavier Steele's office, she took a moment to steady herself. The thought of him still stirred an uneasy feeling deep in her chest. But she quickly brushed it aside. This was business.
Zara knocked lightly, then pushed the door open before hearing a response.
Inside, she found Xavier standing by the window, looking as cold and detached as ever. But when he turned his gaze on her, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of irritation—the same feeling she had when she first saw him. His indifference was almost suffocating.
But she wasn't here to argue. She was here to work. And Zara Winters wasn't about to let a man, no matter how cold or arrogant, throw her off track.
She stepped inside the room with the same confident stride, her designer trainers treading lightly on the polished floor as the door clicked shut behind her.
"Mr. Steele," she said smoothly, offering him a polite but firm handshake. "It's good to finally meet you in person."
Xavier's eyes flickered over her outfit, then met hers with a raised eyebrow, but he didn't comment. Instead, he returned her handshake with the same cold professionalism.
"Ms. Winters," he replied, his tone as neutral as ever. "I trust you're ready to discuss the project?"
Zara gave a small nod, the tension between them palpable. But she wasn't here for personal drama. She had a job to do, and she would do it.
As she moved to take a seat, she didn't miss the way his eyes lingered on her, just long enough to remind her that despite his icy demeanor, he was still sizing her up. But Zara was unfazed. She knew what she brought to the table.
She was here to prove herself.