The Heart Of The Empire

ense gaze, his candid words, and the thrill that had settled in her chest when he looked at her with something deeper than mere professional respect. As she got ready

team was waiting for her on the design floor, ready to dive back into the project. Aaron greeted her with a smile, and

looked up to find Colton standing there, watching them with a neutral expression that gave lit

ve us a minute?" C

of his mouth as he nodded. "Of course, Mr. McAlister." He gathere

he table. "I wanted to see how things are progressing," he said casually,

aron and I were just discussing the materials for the outdoor spaces. We want

nts before meeting hers. "Good. I apprec

flutter in her stomach a

na felt the tension between them intensify, the memory of last night lingering in the air. She wanted t

t. "I hope last night didn't

t him, surprised by his candidness. "No, it didn't," s

rability in his expression. It was as if he'd dropped his guard, letting her see the man behind the

s sank in. This was more than a professional interest, more than a casual dinne

everything. But part of her was drawn to him, intrigued by the layers he kept hidden from the wor

he admitted, barely re

take this slowly," he said, his tone gentle but resolute. "I don't want to disrupt your

e right words. "I agree. I just... I want to make sure we

project comes first. But that doesn't mean we

her concerns. Colton wasn't just another powerful man used to getting what he wante

ck, his expression unreadable. "See

along. "See you th

-

e project. They exchanged knowing glances during meetings, shared brief, whispered conversations in hallways, and found excuses to spend

eir work. Diana found herself looking forward to their moments together, to the way he listened to her idea

use for dinner. She hesitated at first, worried about blurring the lines bet

breathtaking view of the city skyline. As they ate, their conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on everyt

bottle of wine. Colton seemed more relaxed than she'd ever seen

alancing our connection with the project... I know it's compli

. "I don't want that either," she whispered. "But we need to be careful. I

erity. "I would never ask you to compromise your care

rge of emotion she hadn't anticipated. This wasn't just a passing

e weight of their connection settling over them. Finally,

na. You're one of the most talented, driven people I've ever met

with gratitude. "Thank you, Colton.

wn. Diana knew that their relationship would be a challenge, that it would require sacrifices and compromises. But for the

ense of purpose. She was no longer just building a project-she was building a