Chapter 1 Chapter 1 The Morning After

Alice Sterling had made a terrible mistake.

Last night, she ended up in bed with her boss-and it was intense.

Not just any boss. This was Edward Hawthorne-the wealthiest man in the capital and CEO of the GrandVerse Group.

Alice rushed out of the hotel, clutching her aching lower back as though fleeing for her life.

Damn it. She was a married woman, for heaven's sake.

But honestly, her first time had been. rough. Everything hurt-not just there, but her entire body felt bruised.

When she got home and looked in the mirror, she nearly gasped. Her neck, shoulders, arms-even her chest-were covered in marks. She drew a sharp breath.

Just how wild had the night been? It seemed he had left his mark on every part of her. Edward always seemed so cold and controlled in the office-who knew he'd be like that behind closed doors?

Tears welled in Alice's eyes. Her already pale face lost even more color as a horrifying truth sank in.

She'd slept with her boss. She'd cheated.

Yes, hers was a whirlwind marriage-they'd met only once, on the day they signed the papers. Then her husband flew overseas and vanished for two years. Still. she never meant to betray him.

Full of regret, Alice stepped into the shower. She threw on a high-necked blue sweater and loose white trousers, then sent a message to her all-but-absent husband.

As far as she knew, Edward was supposed to be on a business trip to Ancorum today-which meant he wouldn't be in the office. After confirming with the hotel and braving the full-body ache, Alice dragged herself to work.

She couldn't call in sick. That would look suspicious. Besides, she wouldn't see him anyway.

.Or so she thought.

The very next moment, a familiar voice spoke behind her: "Secretary Sterling, one iced Americano for Mr. Hawthorne, please."

Alice's eyes went wide. She spun around and saw a sharply dressed man in a suit and silver-rimmed glasses.

"Secretary Brooks. What did you just say?"

It was William Brooks-Edward's executive assistant, who was supposed to be with him in Ancorum. Yet here he was, standing calmly in the office. All the color drained from Alice's face.

Adjusting his glasses, William smiled politely. "I asked you to bring an iced Americano to Mr. Hawthorne. Is this a bad time?"

Mr. Hawthorne.

Alice shot up as if electrocuted. Her strained smile nearly broke. "I-I'm just surprised. I thought Mr. Hawthorne was in Ancorum. Why is he here?"

"Plans changed. He's not going anymore," William replied smoothly. Then, in his usual mild tone, he added, "He has some matters to attend to. Would you mind getting that coffee?"

"O-of course." Her voice trembled; her thoughts were in chaos. Biting her lip, she turned and hurried toward the break room.

Forget why Edward hadn't gone to Ancorum-she was more worried about last night.

They'd all been drunk. There was no way he remembered it was her. Besides, the hotel had assured her that the room's security camera was faulty and guest privacy was strictly protected. Unless she slipped up, he'd never know.

She had to keep this secret. How else could she face him at work?

Let's be real-if the mighty Edward found out that a junior assistant had "taken advantage" of him. who knew what he'd do to her?

Taking a deep breath, Alice steadied herself, picked up the coffee, and knocked on his office door.

"Come in."

His voice was deep and cool-it cut right through her.

She flinched, opened the door, and stepped inside. "Your iced Americano, Mr. Hawthorne."

She kept her head down the whole time, terrified to meet his eyes. "Do you need anything else, sir? If not, I'll take my leave."

As she leaned forward to place the coffee, Alice caught a faint trace of sandalwood-his scent. Instantly, flashes of last night's passionate chaos rushed back, and her face burned.

"Ms. Sterling."

Edward's detached voice broke the silence once more. His gaze drifted down to her legs-long, slender, and fair.

His elegant fingers tapped lightly on the desk, once, twice. slow and deliberate.

"I noticed you're walking a bit strangely today. Is everything alright?"

Her heart skipped. She froze, eyes fixed on the floor, too nervous to look up. He rarely spoke to her-today he'd already said more than usual. And now he was. asking about her?

It was her first time last night, and the soreness lingered. Was her walk really that noticeable?

"I. bumped into the desk earlier. Must have bruised my leg. That's all."

"I see." His voice was deep, almost teasing.

His fingers stilled. Instead, he picked up the iced coffee and swirled it lightly.

"How long have you been assigned to the 33rd floor?"

She blinked. "Today makes exactly one week."

"How are you finding it so far?"

Trying hard to sound calm, Alice replied, "It's been good. I'm learning a lot working under you, sir."

Silence fell again.

Sensing something was off, she nervously glanced up-and saw Edward rise to his feet.

Before she could react, his tall frame was right in front of her, blocking the light like a shadow.

He stood well over six feet, lean and imposing. He looked down at her. "Ms. Sterling, have you lost anything recently?"

That familiar scent washed over her again. She stiffened and took a slight step back. "Lost something?"

His long fingers lifted a small object into view.

"Something like this, perhaps?"

Her eyes locked onto what he held-a silver teardrop bracelet with a tiny gold bead, engraved with her initials.

No wonder she'd felt like something was missing this morning. She'd left it. here. In his office.

"Y-yes, that's mine. I didn't realize I'd lost it. Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne."

She forced a smile and reached for it.

But just as her fingers neared, he moved his hand back slightly.

Before she could react, his other hand clasped her wrist and pulled her firmly toward him.

She nearly stumbled into his chest, heart racing. When she looked up in shock, she met his sharp, icy gaze.

Something unspoken passed between them. His eyes were cold, but they saw right through her.

"Mr. Hawthorne.?"

"Do you want to know where I found this bracelet?" Edward asked, his eyes still locked on hers. He turned her hand over and placed the chain in her palm. His tone remained flat.

"Room 2036."

"Alice. the woman from the hotel last night-was you."