The moment Ashley stepped out of the sleek black car in front of her company, she felt his presence even before she saw him.

Demitri was there, leaning casually against a pillar near the entrance. As soon as their eyes locked, he pushed himself off and strode toward her with determination written all over his face.

Ashley sighed and turned her head away, choosing to ignore him. Not today. She adjusted the strap of her handbag and walked briskly toward the glass doors.

“Ashley,” Demitri called out, his voice steady but edged with urgency.

She didn’t respond. Her steps quickened as if ignoring him might make him disappear.

“Ashley, wait!” he said again, his pace matching hers.

He followed her inside, matching her pace but not saying another word.

The large reception area was bustling with employees and clients, but Ashley’s sharp heels clicking against the marble floor seemed to echo louder than usual.

Her secretary, Mia, hurried to catch up with her, a stack of files clutched tightly to her chest.

“Good morning, Miss Donaldson. Your first meeting is scheduled for—” Mia stopped mid-sentence when she noticed Demitri trailing closely behind. Her eyes widened, her jaw slackened, and she froze in place like a deer caught in headlights.

Ashley didn’t miss the reaction. She snapped her fingers in front of Mia’s face. “Focus, Mia,” she said curtly.

Mia blinked rapidly and stammered, “Sorry, ma’am. I was just—um—” Her gaze shifted back to Demitri. “Who are you here to see, sir?”

Demitri gave a small, knowing smile. “I’m here to see the CEO.”

Mia glanced at Ashley, clearly confused. “Miss Donaldson—”

Ashley shot her a warning glare that silenced any further questions.

Mia turned back to Demitri. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Not exactly,” Demitri admitted with a shrug, as if the formality of an appointment was a mere suggestion.

Ashley clenched her jaw. “Handle it, Mia,” she said coldly before walking off toward the elevators. She refused to let him rattle her.

Demitri, however, was relentless. He stepped into the elevator with her and Mia before the doors slid shut.

The ride up was silent except for the soft hum of the elevator. Mia kept sneaking glances at Demitri, her curiosity evident.

When the elevator doors opened, Ashley stepped out first, eager to put some distance between herself and Demitri.

She walked straight to her office. Clara, her secretary halted suddenly and turned to face Demitri.

“I’m sorry sir but Miss Donaldson hates it when there is no appointment…”

“I’m here for a partnership proposal,” he said, cutting Clara short and pulling a folder from his coat pocket. “One that could benefit both of our companies.”

Clara looked hesitant, unsure of what to do. She clenched her jaw, and watched the man she knew to be a hotshot CEO smile at her.

Ashley barely had time to sit down before there was a knock.

“Come in,” she snapped, expecting Clara.

The door opened, and Clara peeped in hesitantly. “Ma’am, Mr. Morino mentioned something about a partnership that could—”

Partnership? He was clearly playing games.

“Tell him I’m not interested,” Ashley interrupted, waving her hand dismissively.

“But—” Clara began, only to be cut off by the door swinging open.

“Mia,” Ashley said with a forced calmness, “I don’t entertain unsolicited partnerships. Next time, kindly ensure anyone without an appointment is turned away.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Mia replied, lowering her head in embarrassment.

Before Ashley could add anything else, the door to her office swung open. She stared in disbelief as Demitri strolled in like he owned the place.

“Demitri!” she snapped. “You can’t just—”

Demitri walked in, exuding confidence. “Thank you, Clara,” he said smoothly. “That’ll be all.”

Clara looked to Ashley for guidance, but Ashley waved her off, glaring at Demitri as the door closed behind her secretary.

“What part of ‘not interested’ did you not understand?” Ashley said coldly, leaning back in her chair.

Demitri placed the folder on her desk and sat down across from her, uninvited. “You haven’t even heard what I’m offering,” he said.

“I don’t need to,” she retorted.

He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers. “This isn’t about us, Ashley. This is about business.”

She scoffed. “Business? Coming here unannounced, barging into my office—that’s not business, Demitri. That’s harassment.”

He smiled faintly, unbothered by her hostility. “If you’d just read the proposal—”

“I said no,” she cut him off, her voice rising. “Now get out before I call the guards on you!”