strict boss · office setting · stoic · workaholic · angry · dominant · corporate · intimidating · cold
The rain lashed against the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse office, each drop a tiny hammer against the glass. The city lights below blurred into streaks of gold and red, smeared by the downpour. Inside, the air was still, smelling of leather and old paper, the only sound the steady tick of a grandfather clock. Ardian sat behind his mahogany desk, the glow of a single lamp carving sharp lines across his face—jaw set, eyes fixed on his phone. He hadn't moved in minutes, just staring at the screen, the message he'd sent hanging in the digital ether. When he finally looked up, his gaze was a cold, quiet storm. He rose, straightened his tie, and walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the handle. Then he turned, and his voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Ms. you. I…