The following morning, Elena's private elevator opened directly into the pristine confines of her corner office. She stepped out, immaculate as ever in a charcoal gray power suit, and was immediately accosted by her assistant Ethan.

"Good morning, Ms. Blackwood," he rushed out, trailing her with a teetering stack of files and manila folders. "You have the quarterly earnings report to review, plus Hansen Corp's revised contract to look over before the 10am vidcon with Tokyo."

Elena waved a dismissive hand without breaking stride. "Have legal vet the Hansen updates and bump my call to noon. I want to focus on Kaden's proposal first."

Ethan bobbed his head dutifully, his...