The office hummed with the quiet buzz of productivity, punctuated by the occasional sound of phones ringing and muted conversations. This was Malia's domain—a place she had built for herself, free from the shadows of her past. Yet, today, it didn't feel like her sanctuary. Not with Nixus occupying the chair across from her desk, his presence as commanding as ever.
"I still think we should lead with the sustainability pitch," Nixus said, his baritone voice smooth but firm. He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes locked on hers.
Malia resisted the urge to roll her eyes, instead crossing her arms and giving him her most professional smile. "And I still think targeting innovation-first investors will get us further. This isn't 2010—people care about the next big thing, not just the planet."
He smirked, the corner of his mouth tugging upward in a way that made her stomach flutter despite herself. "Careful, Malia. You're starting to sound like me."
