The Billionaire's Secret Proposal

via felt as though she were living in a constant state of high alert. Each time she submitted new ideas or presented updates

anding. Re

on edge. There was something else. Something beneath the

escape. She had always prided herself on her professionalism, on her ability to keep her emotions separate from her work, but with him... that see

or feelings. Not now.

enough to meet Leo's ever-raising standards. Her mind raced through a thousand thoughts, doubts and ideas mingling in a chaotic whirl. Sh

he edge of her desk, the message fr

ll requests your pres

t was a demand. She had learned quickly that when Leo called f

idor toward the executive wing. Her heels echoed softly in the otherwise silent ha

e hesitated for only a second bef

alled from inside, as co

whiskey in hand, his gaze fixed on the city skyline outside. He didn't immediately

his voice softer now but no

ortfolio on the table in front of her. The silence stretched for a moment as Leo co

sked, his tone more conversational now, thou

r. Caldwell. I've completed the latest revisions, an

served her. There was something in his gaze that made her feel exposed,

u that," he said, his tone surprisingly

ely went into overdrive, trying to

forward slightly. "You don't allow yourself to be fully

project-every ounce of her energy and focus-but she knew Leo was alwa

er voice steady despite the unease building in

Finally, he sat back in his chair, a slight smirk playing at the corner

ding what he meant. "I don't unders

than before. "I want you to stop holding back, Olivia. You're here to make an imp

could only stare at him, trying to reconcile the calm, measur

ed quietly, her breath

hers. "If you do, I promise you, I'll make sure your success is mo

pulse raced, her mind swirling with confusion. There was something he was implyi

ect more from you, Olivia. Your talent is undeniable. But I want you to stop

ace between them charged with an energy that was impossible to ignore. She had no idea w

rough her thoughts, and she nodded, thoug

aldwell. I

more. "Good. Now get back to work. You'll find what you're l

, returning his attention to the view outside. Oliv

ned? What had Leo m

xpectations felt heavier now, more pressing. She had no choice but to compl

-

limits. He had demanded more from her, and she was determined to deliver. But each time she thought she was getting closer to the

out to leave for the night, she re

ke to meet you for dinner. 8 PM.

in her throat. Din

ting. She had spent so much time focused on the project, on proving herself, that

walked in, her eyes immediately found Leo, sitting at a corner table. He was impeccably dressed as usual, h

er, standing as she ap

he tried to calm the racing beat of her heart. There was a new int

ldwell?" she asked, trying

u've earned a break. But more importantly, I wanted to see how y

"Pressure? Wha

e got potential. But potential means nothing unless you're willing to push past the boun

eant by them. And as they began to talk about the project again, there was an undeniable shift be

d something more- Something neithe

a knew that she was