Chapter 2 - The Lion’s Den at Vale HoldingsMonday morning arrived with a blinding Chicago sun reflecting off the glass towers of the Loop. Natalie stood before the towering monolith of Vale Holdings, her heart hammering against her ribs despite her outward calm.
She had debated not coming. She could have packed her bags, checked out of Cedar Haven early, and driven straight back to her studio. Instead, her professional pride—and a stubborn, dangerous curiosity—had won out.
Ethan Cole was waiting for her in the private lobby, his expression unreadable.
"Right this way, Ms. Brooks. Mr. Vale is expecting you."
The top-floor office was a fortress of glass, steel, and minimalist art. Dominic sat behind an executive desk that looked more like an altar of power. He didn't look up immediately as she walked in, letting the silence stretch just long enough to test her nerves.
"You came," he finally said, closing a heavy leather-bound ledger.
"I never turn down a lucrative architectural brief," Natalie replied smoothly, placing her leather portfolio on the edge of his desk. "Though I’m curious what a shipping and real estate mogul needs with an interior architect on a Monday morning."
Dominic stood up, walking slowly around the desk until he was standing uncomfortably close to her. The scent of cedar and expensive cologne filled her senses.
"Not an office, Natalie. A home. My private estate on Lake Shore Drive needs a complete overhaul. And my associates tell me you’re the best."
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"Your associates must have skipped the part where I refuse to work under micro-management."
Dominic’s gaze dropped to her lips for a fraction of a second before rising back to her eyes. "I don't micro-manage, Natalie. I invest in excellence. And I intend to invest heavily in you."
