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I meet his intense gaze, a powerful combination of intrigue and ambition in my eyes. "I'm fully aware of the risks, Mr. Jameson. I've devoted my life to investigative journalism, and I'm ready to confront any hurdles that come my way. No matter how intimidating the truth may be, I won't turn away."
His blue eyes focus on me, as if evaluating my spirit. "You appear sure of yourself, Miss Bloom. We'll have to see if your assurance is backed up by the skills and persistence needed for this job."
"My fervor is matched only by my talent," I say with fortitude. "I'm here to make an impact, to share stories that need to be heard."
He leans leisurely against his desk, a faint glimmer of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We shall see, Miss Bloom. Actions speak louder than words. And in this newsroom, we require nothing less than superiority."
I give him a confident nod, motivated by his challenge. "I won't let you down, Mr. Jameson. I'm ready to prove myself."
He holds my gaze steadily for a moment, his deep blue eyes investigating my pledge. "Very good," he finally says in an approving tone. "Welcome to the team, Miss Bloom. Let's check if you can live up to your claims."
As we part ways, I feel a tingle of excitement and foreboding course through me. Working under Stephen Jameson's scrutinizing radar will surely be a test of my abilities, but I won't let his enigmatic aura distract me from accomplishing my goals.
Everywhere I look photos grace the walls; capturing moments of truthfulness, tenderness and sharp feeling. They are a visible sign of the influence of journalism and the gravity that comes with wielding written words. With each step I take, determination drives me forward as I prepare to create my own space in this competitive world.
As I settle into my chair, I steal a glance at Stephen's office. The door is closed, but the air around it crackles with intensity. I can't help but wonder what it will be like to work with someone who is both a legend in the industry and a part of my best friend's family.
My phone buzzes, snapping me out of my thoughts. It's a text from Tiffany, wishing me luck on my first day. I smile, grateful for her support. I know she wants nothing but the best for me, but I can't help but feel a flicker of unease about the potential complications this job might bring to our friendship. And these sinful desires I'm feeling only ignite the flames of passion within me.
The allure of Stephen Jameson may be enticing, but I refuse to let it blur the lines between my personal and professional life.
“Let's see what you're truly made of,” Stephen had said.
Let’s see, indeed,I repeat in my head.
Chapter two
Stephen
Thepasthasaway of entangling itself with the present, weaving a web of complicated emotions. As I sit in my office, the memories of Victoria and Jonathan's tumultuous romance resurface, threatening to disrupt the calm I've worked so hard to maintain.
The heated conversation between Jonathan and me echoes in my mind. The bitterness in his voice as he accuses the Bloom family of betraying him still lingers. It was a love story destined for heartbreak, and Victoria's choice to leave Jonathan for another man had shattered his heart and poisoned his mind. A hard kernel of resentment towards the Blooms has settled deep within Jonathan's core, fueling his animosity towards anyone associated with them.
Unfortunately, that includes Chloe, Victoria’s younger sister. I've observed his cruel treatment of her at work, a constant reminder of the tangled history that binds us all together. It's clear that he takes pleasure in belittling her, using every opportunity to undermine her capabilities.
Sometimes, I almost step in to defend Chloe, but then she takes me by surprise by holding her own against Jonathan’s never-ending demands. Every so often, her eyes would glimmer and the angles of her face would heighten the delicate curves of her neck.
How I yearned to grip handfuls of her hair, steer her against my office window and devour her…Let’s just say keeping myself aloof from Chloe has taken considerable effort on my part.
I remember the day Chloe was hired. As I leaned back in my chair Jonathan stormed into my office, his face contorted with anger.
"What the hell were you thinking, Stephen?" Jonathan's voice cuts through the air, filled with frustration and resentment. "Hiring Chloe Bloom was a slap in the face, not just to me but to everything we went through!"
I take a deep breath, trying to remain composed despite the storm brewing in front of me. "Jonathan, calm down. Hiring Chloe was a professional decision based on her skills and previous work experience. You know I can't let personal grievances cloud my judgment."
His hands ball into fists at his sides, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and hurt. "You know damn well what Victoria did to me. And now you bring her sister into our workplace? It's a constant reminder of everything I lost!"
I lean forward, my voice firm yet tinged with understanding. "I understand that it's difficult for you, Jonathan. But Chloe deserves a fair chance. She's passionate, talented, and determined to make a difference. Can we really hold her responsible for Victoria's choices?"
He scoffs, his voice laced with bitterness. "Easy for you to say. You didn't have your heart shattered and your dreams crushed by a Bloom sister."
I take a moment to choose my words carefully, my gaze steady on Jonathan's troubled face. "I never wanted Victoria's actions to come between us, but I can't let it dictate our decisions forever. We've built this company together, Jonathan. It's time to rise above the past."
Jonathan shakes his head, his frustration was evident. "I can't just forget, Stephen. Every time I see Chloe, it's a painful reminder of what happened. I can't work like this. I can't be in the same place as her."
I reach out to him, my voice softening with a plea. "Jonathan, please. I need you here, by my side. We've achieved so much together. We just can’t let our personal history ruin everything we've built. Please try to understand."
He pulls away, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and stubborn resolve. "I can't do this right now, Stephen. I need some time to think. Maybe it's best if I take a step back."
