reception desk, a teasing grin on his face. He leaned back in his chair, the smirk never leaving his lips. "Ready to play your special role in Mr. Greg's life today?" 

Elle adjusted her sleek black blazer, brushing a stray strand of chestnut hair from her sharp hazel eyes. She turned to Jack, her expression calm but her tone sharp. "I'm here to do my job, Jack." 

She wasn't just another woman walking into Nicholas Greg's office—she was here with a purpose. Escorting him was part of the job description, but it was starting to feel more personal than professional, and she hated herself for it. 

Before Jack could retort, the door to the office swished open, and there he was. Nicholas Greg. 

At 6'4, he radiated authority. His sharp green eyes swept over the room, his tailored suit framing his broad shoulders perfectly. The dark fabric of his jacket was a stark contrast to his rich, chocolate-toned skin, and the set of his jaw made him look both focused and unapproachable. 

"Elle," he said coldly, not sparing her a second glance before turning back toward his office. "You're late. Get to work. There's no time for chit-chat this early morning." 

Her lips twitched in annoyance, but her heart skipped a beat. Somehow, Nicholas always managed to pull her in, even though she knew she didn't matter to him beyond her duties. He'd made that clear enough. 

"Are you still standing there?" His sharp voice broke her out of her thoughts. 

"Of course, Mr. Greg," she replied, her tone as composed as ever, even though her heart raced. 

As she moved toward his office, Jack whispered, "Careful with him. Don't wanna get on his bad side." 

What the hell was that supposed to mean? She ignored him, stepping into the office and settling at her designated desk to start working. Her gaze flickered toward Nicholas as he reviewed some papers, his brow furrowed in concentration. 

He was irresistible. Who wouldn't be drawn to him? Yet Elle knew better. She clenched her thighs, forcing herself to focus. You're only here to follow orders, Elle. Don't step out of line.

~~

The business dinner was underway, with low chatter and the clinking of glasses filling the room. The table was a sea of polished suits, expensive watches, and poised glances. 

Ben, one of Nicholas's associates, gestured to a chart on the screen. "We've been getting a rapid rise in the company's shares recently. The stock price has been skyrocketing." 

Elle sat at her spot, meant to be taking minutes, but her thoughts were elsewhere—on Nicholas. 

She gnawed her lip, watching him as he leaned back in his chair, his piercing green eyes fixed on the presentation. Why couldn't she stop thinking about him? Why did she even bother? He spent his nights with women like Megan, not with someone like her. 

"…Rick. Miss Rick!" 

The sound of Ben's voice jolted her. 

Her hand twitched, knocking over her glass of water. The cold liquid spilled across the table and onto the lap of the man beside her. 

"I'm so sorry!" she stammered, grabbing a napkin and attempting to dab at the man's suit trousers. 

"Just watch what you're doing next time," he grumbled, pushing her hand away. 

Elle's cheeks flushed as she glanced up. Nicholas's jaw was clenched, his fists curling on the table. 

"You're this close to being sacked," he said, his voice dangerously low. "Learn how to use your brain, Elle." 

Her chest tightened, shame pooling in her stomach. She nodded mutely and focused entirely on the minutes for the rest of the meeting, keeping her head down to avoid any further reprimand. 

~~

Outside the conference hall, the media swarmed them like bees, bright flashes blinding Elle as paparazzi shouted questions. 

"Are you dating?!" 

"Nicholas Greg, rumors have been spreading about your affair with one of your office workers. Is that true?" 

Nicholas didn't falter as he replied, "My relationship with Elle is strictly professional." 

The words hit her like a punch to the gut, though she'd expected nothing else. She slipped into the car after him, her throat tightening. 

~~

The club was suffused with a heavy atmosphere, the bass vibrating through Elle's chest. She sat a few chairs away from Nicholas at the bar, nursing a drink she hadn't touched. He sat with his usual drink in hand, his phone vibrating on the counter. 

She watched him answer. "Where are you?" His words slurred slightly. A pause. "Oh, you can't make it tonight? Okay." 

He hung up, tossing the phone aside. Elle's heart leapt. Megan wasn't coming. Was this finally her chance? 

"Elle," Nicholas gestured for her to come closer, and she complied, sliding into the seat beside him. 

"I think we should go," he murmured, leaning in, his breath warm against her neck. 

"Yeah, that'd be best," she replied weakly, her heart hammering as his hand rested on her shoulder. 

His lips brushed against hers, a hesitant touch that sent electricity through her body. For a moment, she froze, but then she melted into the kiss, cupping his face as he deepened it. 

~

In a drunken haze, Nicholas stumbled into his penthouse with Elle, lips locked and hands roaming. For Elle, it felt like a dream come true. 

But she had no idea how soon that dream would shatter.