CHAPTER THREE

CALLIE

I closed my car door, glanced up at the sleek glass building that housed my workplace, and took a deep breath to collect myself.

Then, my phone buzzed in my bag. I hesitated, already seeing Ethan’s name flashing on the screen.

The first instinct was to ignore it. After last night, the last thing I wanted was to hear his voice. But then I thought better of it. I wasn’t about to let him think I was sulking. Sure, I was still hurt, but I needed to keep my composure.

The phone buzzed again. With a sigh, I picked it up. “What is it, Ethan?”

“Callie,” he started. “I just… I wanted to say I’m sorry. About last night. I should’ve told you the truth earlier.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “I’m over it.”

“Really?” His voice was filled with disbelief. “Because…”

“Ethan,” I interrupted, trying to keep my tone light. “It’s fine. I’ve got work to get to, so if that’s all…”

“Wait,” he cut in. “There’s something else you should know.”

What now?

“My stepbrother,” Ethan said, “he’s taking over as CEO of your branch. Starting today.”

“What?” The word escaped before I could stop it.

“He’ll be your boss,” Ethan continued quickly. “I thought you should know ahead of time. Just… be prepared, okay?”

“I’ve got to go, Ethan,” I said, cutting him off. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

I adjusted my hair in the reflection of the building’s glass doors and checked my makeup for any smudges. Professional. Composed. That’s what I needed to be. With one last deep breath, I pushed open the door to my new boss’s office, the smile on my face carefully rehearsed.

And then I froze.

Sitting behind the desk, looking all too relaxed and smug, was him. The infuriating bastard from the club. The man who let me make a complete fool of myself just to amuse himself.

My heart dropped. My stomach twisted. Oh. My. God.

Ethan’s stepbrother was my new boss.

Lucas, my former boss, stood by the desk. “Callie! Welcome, dear.” He gestured toward the devil himself. “Meet Sebastian, the new CEO of this branch.”

Sebastian’s eyes widened as he saw me. He knew exactly who I was. The same shock that hit me had clearly hit him too.

But just as quickly as the surprise appeared, he masked it, his expression changing into a composed smile.

The smirk. Of course. That damn smirk.

“Callie,” he said smoothly, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure.”

Pleasure? I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to return the handshake. His palm was warm, and I hated the way my stomach fluttered at the contact. Get it together, Callie.

“Likewise,” I managed to say politely.

Lucas, unware of the tension in the room, clapped his hands. “I knew you two would get along. Callie, you’re going to love working with Sebastian. He’s sharp, efficient, and a great leader.”

I bit back a snort. Oh, I’m sure.

Lucas glanced at his watch and smiled apologetically. “I’d stay and chat, but I’ve got another meeting to get to. I trust you’ll settle in just fine, Callie.”

Before I could protest, Lucas strode out of the office, leaving me alone with him.

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening as he studied me. “Well, isn’t this a small world?”

“Unbelievable,” I muttered, shaking my head. “Of all the people in the world, you had to be my boss.”

“Fate has a sense of humor,” he said, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the desk. “But don’t worry, Callie. I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.”

“Fine?” I shot back, narrowing my eyes. “You humiliated me last night.”

“Correction,” he said smoothly, “you humiliated yourself. I merely... let it happen.”

I opened my mouth to retort, but no words came. My cheeks burned with frustration and embarrassment.

Sebastian tilted his head, his smirk deepening as he let his gaze sweep over me. “I have to admit, this is… unexpected,” he said, with an amused tone. “You’re the famous PA Lucas wouldn’t stop raving about? The one who keeps everything running like clockwork? Wow, i'm shocked.”

I crossed my arms, refusing to let him rile me up. “Sorry to disappoint you,” I shot back. “But I guess you’ll have to deal with it.”

“Oh, I’m not disappointed,” he said, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers. “Just… surprised.”

“Why?” I snapped, annoyed by the condescension in his tone. “Because I don’t fit your idea of what a competent professional looks like?”

“Not at all. I’m just surprised someone who can command a room like you can would... let things get so out of control last night.”

The nerve. My fists clenched at my sides, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Sebastian, since you’re my boss now, let me make one thing clear: I’m here to do my job, not relive awkward encounters. So if you can manage to keep things professional, we won’t have a problem.”

Sebastian leaned forward, his expression suddenly turning serious. "Actually," he said, "I do have a problem with it."

I froze. "What are you talking about?"

He crossed his arms, his smirk vanishing. "You’re fired."

It felt like the ground was yanked from under me. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he said coldly. “You have a few hours to pack your things and leave.”

I let out a shaky laugh. He had to be joking. “You’re not serious.”

“I am,” he said, his voice devoid of any humor. “Completely.”

My heart hammered in my chest. This wasn’t happening. My eyes burned, but I blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.

“Sebastian… I’m sorry if I’ve come across as unprofessional. If that’s the case, I sincerely apologize. I... I need this job. It’s all I’ve got.”

He didn’t flinch. He didn’t even blink.

“Please,” I whispered. “I’m sorry.”

Still, no response.

Realizing I wasn’t getting anywhere, I forced myself to stay composed even as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I turned and made my way to the door.

Just as I reached for the handle, he called out my name. “Callie.”

I froze, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Slowly, I turned to face him.

“I won’t fire you,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “But only on one condition.”