Rosa spotted Eva through her window, striding into the office, and summoned her to her office. As Eva entered, Rosa gestured for her to take a seat. "I'm so sorry, Rosa," Eva apologized, her voice laced with regret.
Rosa's expression was a mix of disappointment and concern. "What happened, Eva? We've just brought you on board, and now you're late on your second day?"
Eva's eyes dropped, embarrassed. "I got caught up in a terrible date, it won't happen again, I promise."
Rosa's expression softened. "Alright, consider it a warning. You may go."
As Eva turned to leave, she collided with Mason in the doorway. "Watch where you're going!" he snapped, his tone harsh.
Eva apologized quickly and turned to leave, but Mason's disapproving gaze lingered. He sighed in disgust and entered Rosa's office, shutting the door behind him.
Mason settled into the chair opposite Rosa, his eyes flashing with irritation. "That new staff member is really getting under my skin, babe."
Rosa's expression was calm and collected. "She was the only suitable candidate of our kind I could find."
Mason exclaimed, "Oh!"
Rosa's voice was soft and gentle. "But she's beautiful, by the way."
Mason's response was gruff. "I don't care about that!"
With a sudden burst of passion, Mason rose from his chair, closed the windows, and swept Rosa up from her seat. He laid her on the table, his lips claiming hers in a fierce and tender kiss. They savored every moment, their desire for each other perceptible in the office.
After Mason left her office, Rosa's emotions swirled. Despite her deep love for him, she felt frustrated and unfulfilled. She had devoted herself to him for years, serving as his loyal companion and dedicated employee. Yet, he refused to reciprocate her love, seemingly content with keeping their relationship platonic. Rosa's heart ached with the realization that she was merely a convenience for him, not the cherished partner she longed to be.
Their complicated relationship began when Rosa joined the company. She soon discovered that Mason had a prior romantic entanglement with his former secretary, a human. Despite recognizing the pattern of exploitation, Rosa found herself inextricably drawn to him.
Her attempts to move on and date others were consistently thwarted by Mason's manipulative tactics, effortlessly reeling her back into the toxic dynamic. Rosa's love for him was a constant, even as she acknowledged the harmful nature of their relationship.
She picked up where she left off, her fingers flying across the keyboard with renewed intensity.
A new day dawned for Eva, bringing with it a sense of optimism. She lived in a cozy apartment on the top floor of a five-story building, surrounded by neighboring units. As she headed to work, she stepped into the elevator and descended to the lobby. But just as she thought she was alone, the elevator jolted to a stop on the third floor.
Eva waited for the door to slide open, and it revealed a familiar face - Mason. Her mind raced with surprise, her palms growing clammy with unease. What was he doing in this humble building, so far removed from his usual abode? She thought.
Eva's voice trembled slightly as she forced a greeting, "Good morning, boss." Her eyes locked onto Mason, her disdain hidden behind a mask of courtesy.
He grunted a curt response, his tone harsh. The elevator's descent was punctuated by an awkward silence, which Eva broke with a forced smile, "What brings you here?"
Mason reply was casual, "Just visiting a friend." Eva's bravery in the face of his intimidating presence impressed him.
As they exited the building, Eva hailed a taxi, while Mason headed towards his car. He turned to her with an unexpected offer, "Want to ride with me to work?"
Eva's response was hesitant, "Ah, sure." Mason opened the door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat, her eyes never leaving his face.
The silence was once again broken, and Eva saw an opportunity to probe deeper. She needed to understand Mason better if her plans were to succeed.
With a hint of curiosity, she asked, "Why were you so harsh to that employee who tried to lift your spirits during your speech?"
Her question was laced with a subtle challenge, inviting him to reveal a glimmer of his true nature.
Mason's gaze narrowed slightly, his eyes fixed on Eva with a calculating intensity.
"I don't tolerate interruptions during my speech," he replied curtly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"But you should have been nicer," Eva said, her voice laced with a gentle rebuke.
Mason's gaze lingered on her as he drove slowly, his eyes narrowing in surprise. No one had ever dared to speak to him in such a manner before.
He turned his attention back to the road, but his eyes kept drifting back to Eva. He found himself captivated by her lips, and his tongue instinctively moistened his own.
Eva's eyes met his, and for a moment, they locked in a silent understanding.
Before long, they arrived at the company, and Eva and Mason stepped out of the car together. Rosa, watching from her office window, couldn't help but notice the way Mason gazed at Eva. She dismissed the thought, convincing herself that even if Eva was the most beautiful woman at MAESER INC, Mason was incapable of loving anyone. His reputation for being ruthless and emotionless preceded him.
Eva settled into her office, tackling the workload that had accumulated during her partner's leave. Meanwhile, Mason returned to his grand office, his eyes switching between his computer and the CCTV feed monitoring his employees. His gaze kept drifting back to Eva, her diligent work ethic captivating him. He couldn't quite put his finger on what drew him to her, but her fearlessness in his presence was a refreshing change.
Mason's past experiences had left him jaded. As the wealthiest family in Davon City, he'd grown accustomed to people pursuing him for his wealth, not genuine connections. He'd learned to be callous from his late father and believed that emotions only led to weakness. His strict, emotionless rule had been the key to his success, and he saw no reason to change now.
Mason's gaze remained fixed on Eva as he received a call from Klein, one of his pack members. The somber tone of Klein's voice hinted at grave news.
"Hello, Mason. I have some devastating news," Klein said, his words laced with sorrow. "Mikel and Timothy are dead."
Mason's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. "What?! Do we have any idea who's responsible?" he demanded.
"Rumors point to Karl," Klein replied, his voice laced with a hint of fear.
Mason's expression darkened. "That fool! He's overstepping his bounds. I'll come to the warehouse and assemble the pack," he ordered, his voice firm and commanding. "See you soon, Klein."
As the call ended, Mason's thoughts turned to the recent string of attacks by Karl, which had resulted in the loss of several pack members. His role as alpha came with the responsibility of protecting his pack, and he took that duty seriously.
Lost in thought, Mason didn't notice Rosa entering his office until she spoke up.
Rosa's eyes locked onto Mason's, noticing the hint of sadness that flickered across his face. "What's wrong, Mason?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Mason's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "Nothing, Rosa. Just leave me alone for now."
Rosa's frustration boiled over. "You always do this, Mason! You always shut me out!" She knew that Mason trusted no one, keeping his problems and secrets locked away, hidden from the world.
Mason's gaze turned icy. "Leave, Rosa!" he ordered, his voice low and commanding.
But Rosa stood her ground, refusing to back down. "I'm not going anywhere!" she replied, her voice firm.
In a swift motion, Mason closed the distance between them, his lips crashing into Rosa's in a deep, intense kiss. He held her tightly, his embrace tighter , before finally releasing his grip.
"Please, just go," Mason said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rosa's eyes lingered on his for a moment, searching for a glimmer of emotion. But Mason's mask of control had slipped back into place, hiding his true feelings. With a sigh, she turned and exited the office, leaving Mason alone with his thoughts once again.