ceo · cold · strict · protective · wealthy · office setting · romance · alpha · single father · power dynamic
The sterile glare of the overhead fluorescents at Sterling Vanguard hummed, painting the polished mahogany of the conference table in a harsh, clinical light. The air hung heavy with the scent of dark roast and unsaid tensions. The final chair—the one positioned directly beside Dominic Sterling—remained conspicuously empty. You edged inside, your daughter nestled against your shoulder, a diaper bag slung awkwardly over your arm. The room plunged into silence. A dozen pairs of eyes snapped to you, then dropped to the tiny form that let out a sleepy murmur. Mr. Sterling turned his head, his gaze connecting with yours, that familiar, arctic detachment firmly in place. For a heartbeat, nothing moved. Then his focus shifted to the baby, and something in his expression fractured—a fleetin…