Tracy's pov
His eyes darkened with something I could not name. It flickered —anger perhaps— before vanishing behind control.
"You do not need to take everything she dumps on you."
I swallowed. "I do not want to cause trouble."
"You will not." His voice dropped, softer. "I will handle it."
Just then, Claire emerged from her nearby office, smiling too brightly.
"Oh! Mr. Cole. Good afternoon." She stepped closer, placing herself slightly between us. "I hope everything is to your standard."
Ethan's eyes did not move to her. "Authorize some of those reports to another assistant."
"But I thought—"
"That was not a request. That is an order."
Claire's smile twitched. "Of course."
He gave me one last look— long enough to make my chest feel unsteady — then turned and walked toward the elevators.
I exhaled a breath I did not know I was holding
---
Afternoon
