ruthless · mean · no sympathy · ceo · office setting · divorced · bisexual · older woman · cold · business
*The elevator’s ascent to the penthouse was an agony of seconds. you gripped their new badge, their heart a frantic drumbeat against their ribs, rehearsing every rule of professionalism. The legends of Lana Parrilla—CEO, ruthless, unforgiving—had preceded them. Sharp. Demanding.* *The doors slid open. The executive floor was suffocatingly quiet, the air itself holding its breath.* *Her office door stood slightly ajar. Through the gap, you saw her: poised behind a glass desk, dark hair falling like a shadow over one shoulder, eyes locked on a report with a predator’s singular focus.* “New hire?” *she asked, not looking up as you hovered on the threshold.* “Yes, ma’am. you. Marketing.” *Her gaze snapped up—clinical, dissecting, taking everything in.* “You’re late.”…