Beneath His Empire

Part 2 –

Lila double-checked the tablet one more time before stepping back into the private elevator. The digital mockups of the Winter Gala looked stunning white roses, crystal chandeliers, a winter wonderland theme that screamed elegance. Definitely the kind of event Ethan Wolfe would approve of or completely tear apart if one candle was out of place.

The ride up was eerily silent, the kind of quiet that made your own thoughts feel loud.

What if I trip? What if I forget what I'm saying? What if I breathe wrong and he fires me?

She smoothed her hair, stood tall, and reminded herself again that she had faced worse. This was just a man. A powerful, ridiculously good-looking man who could buy her entire existence without blinking. But still, a man.

She knocked on the sleek, black office door. No nameplate. Just power radiating from the walls.

"Enter," came the voice sharp and steady, like the blade of a knife.

She opened the door and stepped inside.

The office was even more intimidating than the man himself. Floor-to-ceiling windows displayed the New York skyline like it belonged to him. Minimalist design. Black, silver, and deep blue tones. It was elegant, masculine, and cold.

And there he was Ethan Wolfe, standing behind a massive glass desk, eyes locked on a screen, one hand tucked in his pocket.

He didn't look up.

"I brought the updated layout files for the Winter Gala," Lila said, stepping closer.

Still nothing. Not a glance. Not a word.

Okay. Ice King mode. Cool.

She placed the tablet on his desk and took a small step back. "Helena asked me to "

"You're nervous."

That made her blink.

Now he looked up. Slowly. Those piercing gray eyes met hers like he could see straight through her polished outfit to every insecure thought beneath.

"Excuse me?"

"You're talking too fast. Breath too shallow. Fingertips slightly shaking."

She crossed her arms, lifting her chin. "Or maybe I'm just cold. Your office is freezing."

His lips twitched. Not quite a smile, but close.

"I prefer to keep distractions minimal."

Lila smirked before she could stop herself. "Well, I guess that makes me a problem."

Silence.

Then shockingly he laughed. Just once. A low, rich sound that made her spine straighten. It wasn't a cruel laugh. More like surprise… and interest.

"You are a problem," he said, voice low. "But you might be an entertaining one."

Before she could respond, he gestured for her to come closer. She leaned over slightly as he scanned the tablet screen. His brow furrowed.

"The centerpiece colors don't match the original theme."

"I updated them based on the venue's lighting. The original silver would look dull under the ballroom's gold fixtures. Sapphire blue complements both."

Another long pause.

He looked up at her again, and this time, something changed. His gaze wasn't just assessing it was intrigued.

"Smart."

She blinked. "You're surprised?"

"No. Just… impressed."

Lila was about to reply maybe even flirt back when disaster struck.

Her elbow nudged the coffee cup on his desk.

The next few seconds moved in slow motion.

The cup tipped.

Hot, dark liquid splashed across the tablet screen his desk, his perfectly tailored white shirt.

"Oh my God!" she gasped, reaching for tissues from the side. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see "

He stood suddenly, tall and commanding. Coffee dripped down his shirt, staining the crisp fabric.

She braced herself for the yelling. The cold fury. The firing.

But Ethan Wolfe just looked at her with something like… surprise. And then?

He laughed again.

Actually laughed.

"Well," he murmured, pulling off the jacket with one smooth motion, "that's one way to make an impression."

Lila, mortified, froze in place.

"I'm so, so. "

"Relax, Miss Monroe." His eyes sparked with amusement. "I have twenty of these shirts."

She looked up, stunned. "You're not mad?"

"Oh, I'm irritated," he said coolly, starting to unbutton the stained shirt. "But I'm also… curious."

"About?"

"You."

She blinked.

Ethan walked past her toward a hidden door likely a private bathroom or changing room but not before he turned back briefly.

"Let's see if you're still standing here when I get back."

The door shut.

And Lila Monroe, temporary employee and accidental coffee attacker, stood in the office of Manhattan's most intimidating CEO…

…knowing, without a doubt, she had just caught the attention of Ethan Wolfe.