Beneath the Surface

Chapter 1: The Green-Eyed Boss

Amelia Harper adjusted her blazer as she stepped off the elevator onto the top floor of Astor Enterprises. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the break room, mingling with the faint hum of phones and keyboards. She loved the rhythm of her mornings—structured, calm, predictable.

Well, predictable except for Adrian Blake.

Adrian was everything you'd expect from the CEO of a billion-dollar empire. Sharp suits, sharper words, and eyes that could slice through steel. Working for him wasn't easy, but Amelia had a knack for navigating his moods, staying a step ahead, and maintaining her poise under pressure.

She stepped into his office, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Adrian was already seated behind his desk, staring at his monitor with a frown. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his tie slightly loosened—a rare sign of fatigue.

"Good morning, Mr. Blake," Amelia said, setting his coffee down with practiced precision.

"You're late," he replied without looking up.

Her lips twitched into a faint smile. She checked her watch—8:02 a.m. Technically not late, but Adrian's standards weren't exactly forgiving.

"Traffic was merciless. But I've reviewed the notes for your 10 a.m. with the investors. Shall I brief you now or later?"

He leaned back in his chair, finally meeting her gaze. His eyes, dark and unreadable, studied her for a moment longer than necessary.

"Now," he said simply.

Amelia launched into a summary, detailing the key points and potential concerns for the meeting. Adrian listened, his expression impassive, but she noticed the way his fingers tapped lightly against the desk—a sign he was deep in thought.

As she finished, the elevator chimed, and a man stepped out, striding confidently into the office.

"Amelia!" the newcomer exclaimed, his voice warm and familiar.

She turned, her face lighting up. "Daniel? What are you doing here?"

Adrian's gaze snapped to the man. Daniel?

The man in question was tall and lean, with an easy smile and an air of effortless charm. He looked like he belonged in a magazine spread rather than a corporate office.

"I'm the new consultant for the Easton project," Daniel explained, his tone casual. "Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

"That's great! It's been ages," Amelia replied, her smile genuine.

Adrian's jaw tightened. He didn't like the way this Daniel character was looking at her—too familiar, too comfortable. And he definitely didn't like the way Amelia was smiling back.