Documents piled high on the desk, each marked with an "Urgent" red tag. Ethan Roscente massaged his temples, twirling a fountain pen between his fingers.

His phone screen lit up—Jenna Roland's name flashed across it. He stared at the name for three seconds, Liam Melford's smug face flashing through his mind.

"See you tonight," he replied tersely, sliding the pen back into its holder.

At exactly eleven, Jenna called right on time. Ethan closed the final contract, signing his name with a flourish.

"Dylan, meet me downstairs," he said into the intercom.

During the thirty-second elevator descent, Ethan adjusted his tie in the mirror. The reflection showed a man with a furrowed brow, irritation flickering in his eyes.

A black Audi Q7 waited silently at the company's back entrance. Dylan Lawrence jogged over, his gaze lingering on the vehicle for a split second.

"Get in." Ethan pulled open the door.

Dylan hesitated, eyeing the empty driver's seat. The usual Rolls-Royce Phantom and chauffeur were conspicuously absent.

"Remember," Ethan rested one hand on the steering wheel, "today I'm your colleague."

Dylan swallowed hard. "Understood, Ethan."

Per Se's glass facade glittered under the sunlight. Ethan unbuttoned his suit jacket and dialed Jenna's number.

At the end of the fourth-floor corridor, Jenna waved at him in a pale blue dress. Ethan's lips curved upward involuntarily.

"Is Liam here?" He quickened his pace, scanning the private dining room behind her.

Dylan sucked in a sharp breath. He'd never seen the CEO wear such a gentle expression—it was like looking at a different person.

"And this is?" Jenna glanced curiously at Dylan.

Ethan stepped between them, blocking her outstretched hand. "He's germophobic."

Dylan nodded stiffly, a cold sweat breaking across his back. His boss's gaze sliced through him like a blade.

The clink of cutlery drifted from the private room. Ethan straightened his cuffs and pushed open the door, his perfect smile sliding into place.