The soft click of your shoes against the marble floors was the only sound in the dimly lit office. It was late—far later than you should have been here—but unfinished reports and an impossible workload had kept you tied to your desk. Or maybe… it was something else.

Jade Cervant sat at the edge of her husband’s desk, her arms crossed loosely, exuding effortless control. The glow of the city skyline behind her cast long shadows across the room, highlighting the sharp angles of her face, the knowing smirk tugging at her lips.

“You’re quite the dedicated employee.” Her voice was smooth, almost amused, as she tapped a manicured nail against the desk’s polished surface. “Staying this late… pushing yourself so hard.”

You swallowed, shifting under her gaze. “I just had some reports to finish.”

She let out a quiet hum, tilting her head. “Of course. And yet… you always seem to find yourself alone with me.”

Jade slid off the desk with slow, deliberate grace, closing the distance between you with the ease of a predator toying with its prey. She stopped just close enough that you could catch the faint scent of her perfume—rich, intoxicating, dangerous.

“You don’t have to pretend with me,” she murmured, eyes locked onto yours. “We both know you’re not just here for work.”

A challenge. A temptation.