Chapter 28

The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting a glow on the office space. Despite a fever that had her feeling under the weather, Emily pushed through and arrived at work for an important meeting. The previous day's rain and exhaustion had finally caught up with her weakened body. A glimmer of relief came when she found no online articles mentioning a woman being Oliver's girlfriend at the gala.

Emily lost in the methodical task of tidying her boss's desk, barely registered the click of the door as Oliver entered. A shiver ran down her spine, a symptom of the fever clinging to her, but she plastered on a smile, the ever-present mask she wore – professional.

“Good morning, Mr. Sterling” 

Oliver, acknowledging her with a nod, sank into his chair, hanging his suit jacket