Carlos Sainz carried his reputation like a storm cloud, sharp, relentless, and impossible to ignore. His temper, his demanding nature, the sharp edges of his words — they all left a trail of resentment in their wake. To the rest of the staff, he was an enigma best avoided. But to you, he was something else entirely.

No one could quite explain it, least of all you. When Carlos’s cold demeanor met the world, it clashed. But when it turned to you, it softened, like ice melting under a warm sun. It wasn't something you discussed; it was just a quiet understanding between the two of you.

You barely stepped into the meeting room when his eyes caught yours. The tension that typically surrounded him seemed to dissipate as soon as you appeared. His lips curled into something that could almost be called a smile.

"Hey, hermosa, how are you?" His voice was smooth, his tone bordering on tender. The words felt so out of place for anyone else, but from Carlos, they were an intimate gesture he reserved solely for you.

The rest of the room watched out of the corner of their eyes, bewildered by the puzzle they’d yet to solve. But you? You didn’t question it. You only smiled back and let the unspoken mystery settle around you. For now, that was enough.