Power play

t Carter & Co., the prestigious marketing firm she had landed an internship with. She had spent years dreaming of this moment, working tirelessly to get into the fir

lerate mistakes or distractions. Sophie had heard all the rumors-how he ran the company with an iron fist, how he expected perfection from his employees, and

ie adjusted her bag and reminded herself that she wasn't just anot

fice space. Her heart raced as she walked toward the conference room, where she knew James w

nto the room, everyt

treaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. He wore a tailored suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and his shar

but she didn't let it show. She wal

rter," she said, keep

erely regarded her for a moment, his gaze piercing

ed, trying to keep he

et's get one thing clear, Sophie. You're here because you've earned a spot. Don't think for a seco

ow. She had anticipated this, and she was ready to meet his

he nodded, the expression in his eyes unreadable. "We'll see about that.

analyzed. His words echoed in her mind: Don't disappoint me. But instead of feeling discouraged, somet