Passion in the Boardroom

ticipation. Across from her, a stern-faced woman in a tailored suit sat behind a polished mahoga

ia listened attentively, her mind racing with the multitude of rules she would need to follow. Dress codes,

to CEO Ryan Mass. He eyed her with thinly veiled disdain, his demeanor cool and al

his brisk pace matching his curt demeanor. Maria struggled to ke

. Chris knocked twice before ushering Maria inside. As she

e was every bit as commanding as she had imagined, with salt-and-pepper hair and a presence that

ss," Chris said, his t

, his expression inscrutable.

r faltering in the face of his intense scrutiny. She stammered

her responsibilities. Maria nodded along, trying to focus on his wo

rom her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel his eyes on her as

mbling hands. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had just crosse

had never experienced such an intense attraction before, especially not to an employee. It

breath, Ryan couldn't help but wonde

the encounter. She couldn't shake the feeling of electricity that had c

herself, the door to Ryan's office swung open. Chris

esk," he said curtly, his tone

sment creep up her neck. She hurried away, eager t

kept drifting back to Ryan Mass. She couldn't shake the memory of

tings. Maria forced herself to concentrate, pushing aside

nce again outside Ryan's office. This time, she hesit

erged, his expression unreadable. Maria's breath caught in her thr

ly. "I need you to stay late tonight. There's a rep

ng in her chest. "Of course, M

ourse through her veins. She knew this was her chance to prove herself,

rk, the hours slipping away unnoticed as she poured over th

rt. She felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her as she pr

e knew that stepping inside would mean facing Ryan, confro

he door, her heart pounding in her chest. She wa

n's voice call

e door and stepped inside, her pulse rac