CHAPTER 34: What are you doing on Saturday?

MEREDITH:

Carrying his snacks, I approached his office with trepidation, my heart pounding in my chest. I knocked softly, entering only when he bade me to come in. I would never make the mistake of storming into his office without confirmation; Neymar had made that error once and had nearly paid with his life.

My hand trembled slightly as I placed his snacks before him and readied my notebook, waiting anxiously for his instructions.

"Sit down, Miss Tate," he commanded, his voice unnaturally calm. Alarm bells rang in my mind. This man was a walking tornado that could erupt at any moment. His calmness was unsettling, making it difficult to gauge the appropriate response. I preferred the blunt and chaotic Miles – at least then I knew what to expect.

I fought to keep my breathing even as I lowered myself into the chair, my legs trembling. "Is there a problem, Mr. Pierce?" I asked, clearing my throat.

He waved a finger in the space between us. "Whatever we are going to discuss in this