Alexander leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. The movement pulled the expensive fabric taut across his chest. “Ms. Reed. Your application is impressive on paper. Marketing degree. Three years at a mid-level firm. Strong portfolio.” His voice was cool, professional, completely at odds with the way his gaze drifted for half a second to my mouth. “But paper doesn’t tell me everything. Why Vale Industries?”

I forced my spine straight. Forced my voice steady even though my nipples had tightened to hard points under the thin material of my dress the second he spoke. “Because it’s the biggest. The best. I want to work where the decisions that...