Chapter 177

Olivia

I stifled a yawn, staring at my computer screen while stretching my arms above my head. My back cracked in three distinct places as I twisted side to side. After hours of tweaking, our concept boards were polished to perfection.

“And we’re officially finished, I announced, saving the file one last time.

Dylan pumped his fist in the air. “Thank god. I was starting to forget what sunlight looks like.”

Ava closed her laptop with a dramatic thud. “If I had to adjust that logo placement one more time, I might have thrown myself out the window.”

“Top floor,” Marcus reminded her, gathering his sketches. “You’d definitely die. And then who would make our presentations look pretty?”

“Someone less talented and twice as expensive,” Ava replied, flashing a tired grin.

I checked the time on my phone, 9:37 PM. We’d been at it for nearly fourteen hours straight.

The team began gathering their belongings, moving with the slow, dazed movements of people who’d been staring at screens for too long.

“Anyone want to grab a drink?” Brandon suggested halfheartedly.

A chorus of groans answered him.****

“My bed is calling,” Ava declared. “And it’s saying very dirty things about how good it’ll feel to collapse into it.”

“TMI, Ava,” Marcus laughed, slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder.

said their goodbyes and filed out of the conference room until only Dylan

clean

him

face. “Thanks,

moment to breathe. The quiet felt good after hours of discussion and debate. I gathered the scattered printouts

chair and pulled out my

Team just left. Presentation

reply came

Congratulations. Still at the

Yep. About to

you. Don’t drive

drive. I have

I insist. Wait for

My Porsche was in the parking garage, perfectly capable of getting me home. But the thought of Alexander coming to pick

Okay. See

things and headed down to the lobby, waving goodnight to the security guard

again, Mrs. Carter?”

one of the plush chairs in the waiting

boss making you work

yes. But

air hit me with a refreshing chill that was far cooler than I had anticipated. I stood alone at the curb, taking a moment to breathe in the crispness of the evening, my senses heightened

of leaves from a nearby tree accompanied the distant hum of traffic, each car’s headlights slicing through the darkness in a brilliant flash as they glided smoothly past on

with a text

Drinks tomorrow?

winced, recalling last night’s chaos at O’Malley’s: Ryan’s confrontation, James stepping in, and Alexander showing up

tomorrow

Her response came quickly.

I’ll find us someplace new and fancy. Maybe that rooftop bar you’ve

Just text me

Will do! Btw, how did things end

smiled at her not-so-subtle fishing for

tell you everything the

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