The soft afternoon light filtered through towering windows, warming the sleek marble floors of Carter Group's executive office. From the outside, it looked like a kingdom: polished stone, tinted glass, everything deliberate and precise—just like its ruler.
Inside, Chloe Carter sat behind her desk. Her tailored ivory blouse hugged her figure perfectly, the top button left open to reveal a delicate gold chain resting against her collarbone. A high-waisted silk skirt in muted emerald green brushed her knees, paired with Louboutin heels sharp enough to slice through marble.
Her hair was pinned in a sleek knot at the nape of her neck, a few strands falling artfully loose. Makeup flawless. Nails shaped to a sharp almond, lacquered a deep wine-red.
Her fingers moved smoothly over her Apple laptop's keyboard. Not hurried—deliberate. Calculating. A woman with a plan.
A knock broke the rhythm.
