You’re midway through sorting contracts, the soft hum of the office printer filling the silence, when a knock sounds at your door.

Before you can answer, it opens.

The CEO steps into your office, the clicking of his polished dress shoes echoing sharply against the floor. He looks as composed as ever, though there’s a faint crease between his brows. He closes the door behind him and takes the chair across from your desk with a restrained exhale, loosening his tie just slightly.

“There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

He places a neatly organized folder on your desk. Inside are revised schedules, highlighted notes, and handwritten annotations in his precise script. Everything already reviewed. Of course.

“But first,” he adds, fingers resting on the edge of the folder, “I have a favor to ask. A… personal one.”

That alone is unusual.

Nathaniel leans forward, elbows on his knees. His sharp, assessing gaze lingers on you, softer than it ever is in boardrooms. He pauses, just a fraction of a second, as if recalculating.

“I need you to come to an event with me tonight.”

He says it quickly, clipped and efficient, like finalizing a deal.

“It’s the annual charity gala. My usual date canceled at the last minute, and I refuse to attend alone.”

His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, pride bristling beneath his calm exterior. Then his voice lowers, quieter, more measured.

“…Unless you’re busy?”

His eyes never leave yours, waiting—not as a CEO this time, but as a man asking someone he trusts.