The Heart Of The Empire

personal, and though they'd kept things purely emotional, she knew they were on a precarious line. She wasn't sure how to navigate this dual reality-professionally, s

emed to pick up on her shift in mood immediately, but he kept it casual. "Morning

ready. Hope you're braced for a day of intense detail work, Aaron. I

k saluting before gesturing toward the whi

looring material, every inch of the space was meticulously reviewed. Diana felt herself slip back into her element, her mind sharp and focus

sun dipping lower outside the office windows. They were reviewing a particularly

e was casual, but his gaze was fo

er face neutral. "We're making good progress," she replied smooth

us to go over the latest developments in tomorrow's

nt of tension, but he maintained his usual grin. "

, leaving her feeling a strange emptiness. She could sense the invisible walls she'd worked

stle. "He's intense, isn't he? I can't

g to keep her tone light

y perceptive. "I'll take your word for it. You seem

ubject as quickly as possible. "Let's focus on

-

a's pulse quickened as she prepared for the presentation, arranging her notes and mentally rehearsing her points. She knew this

sed and unreadable. He gave her a brief nod as she took her place at the front of the room. The r

way each aspect of the building was crafted to reflect McAlister Corp.'s values of innovation and resilience. She spoke with confidence

efore erupting into applause. One of the senior boar

d exactly what we wanted-the balance of modernity and timelessn

"Thank you. I'm honored to be part of this project and grateful

something that felt almost personal. "Well done, Diana," he said

still racing with adrenaline from the presentation. Colton approa

d quietly. "I knew you'd impress them,

in her chest. "Thank you, Colton. I wanted to m

lied, his voice lo

ity of his gaze, the unspoken connection between them, and it was all she could do to keep he

k. She couldn't afford to let herself get lost

-

ns, leaving little time for anything else. She and Colton maintained a polite, professional distance, keeping their interactions focused on the work at hand. But e

he office, working late to finalize a report. The building was quiet, the hum of the city outside a comforting backdrop

t oil?" he asked, hi

tugging at her lips. "You know how it

m her. "I know the feeling. I've been

introspective. "Diana, I wanted to apologize if things have been... complicated between

y. "I knew what I was getting into. I just... I care about this project, Colto

ust wanted you to know that I value you-your work, your ambition, ever

ipated. He wasn't just talking about the project-he was talking about her, about t

above a whisper. "You've challenged me, pushed me to b

ton reached out, his hand gently covering hers. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, and s

et intensity, "I want you to know that you mean more to me than j

ation. She saw the depth of his feelings, the vulnerability he was finally

ey would make this work, no matter the challenges, no matter the obstacl

ence, as the city lights outside glowed softly in