"Jinx, have you identified the sender of that mysterious email?"

Jinx sat beside Nora, sighing as she met her gaze. "This person clearly understands technology. The location is fake. I traced it to an illogical place overseas. But I am certain it is one of the staff members in Mr. Xander's company."

Nora agreed. The only person worth suspecting was Richard. After all, he was the one who had been furious when Nora halted his prized project, which Xander had ultimately approved.

After her visit with Jinx, Nora returned home to prepare for the office. Marcus would pick her up soon, and she already knew what needed to be done. While waiting for Jinx to accurately trace the email's origin, Nora resolved to remain cautious while working at Xander's company.

When she arrived at the skyscraper that had become her daily view, Nora walked calmly, flanked by two assistants. She crossed paths with Xander, who now sported a new hairstyle. His light brown eyes gazed intensely into hers.

"Meet me in my office after your meetings today, Nora!" Xander commanded.

"Of course," Nora replied without hesitation.

Entering the conference room, she confirmed what Marcus had told her. Seven projects were to be canceled for draining company funds. If these ghost projects continued, Xander would surely sink.

There was no profit to be gained, yet they were allowed to proceed. Nora would not overlook the actions of those around Xander.

She opened the documents one by one. "Mr. Richard, I am halting your project once again. I cannot allow you to run it without more serious consideration."

"What are you saying, Ms. Nora? I personally surveyed this project and weighed it carefully. Do not tarnish my work again."

Nora sighed and handed the documents to Benjamin, Xander's legal advisor, who was present as a witness to the project's cancellation.

Carefully retrieving the files, Nora stated, "I now control the company's finances. No project proceeds without my approval."

"Mr. Richard, let us pause this for now. What Ms. Nora says is correct."

Richard's face twisted with emotion as Benjamin, the legal advisor, sided with Nora. No one could oppose Benjamin now.

After the meeting, Nora returned to her office. There was still no call from Xander.

Everyone in the company was stunned by Nora's repeated rejections of Richard's projects. Even the finance team could not override her decisions, and Benjamin had made the final call to cancel them all.

Though Nora knew Richard was furious, she had long grown accustomed to adversity. Loss and being unheard were pains she had swallowed raw. Another opponent meant little to her. She felt no need to coddle anyone's feelings for sympathy.

The phone in their office rang. Chloe answered, as was her duty.

"Ms. Nora, you are requested to see Mr. Xander."

Nora rose immediately and left to meet him.

Entering the expansive office, she heard the door lock behind her. Xander leaned against his desk, arms crossed, studying her. "I can only imagine the look on Richard's face when he faced you, Nora."

"I work for you. I do not care if he wants me dead."

Xander turned, picked up a file from his desk, and opened it. "Seven projects canceled. No funds move without my approval," he repeated her words from the meeting.

"I know. I will not let you carry out another massive layoff."

Xander continued reading the file as they stood in silence. Nora wondered if he objected to her final decision, but she knew what lay ahead. "I understand, Nora. Even Ben supported you and asked Richard to stand down."

Having the legal advisor on her side was a decisive victory. No one could challenge her now.

Xander set the file down and closed the distance between them, stopping just centimeters away. As he moved behind her, his right hand brushed against her flat stomach. "Do you know how many millions those canceled projects were worth, Nora?"

"I understand."

"The five million I paid you is nothing compared to what you just scrapped."

"I understand," Nora replied firmly, without fear. His touch sent a flutter through her stomach as his breath warmed her neck. He inhaled the floral scent of her perfume, his nose grazing her skin, his hand still resting on her abdomen.

"You said you were paid to work, not to warm my bed. A compelling statement, Nora. Even Isabelle desires that. Why do you not do it for me?"

Nora stood tense, aware this was one of Xander's tactics, a reaction to the canceled projects. "Mr. Xander, if anyone were to see this, your engagement to Isabelle would become the talk of the town."

"They only want an heir to the Pierce fortune born into the Laurent family. It is about money, nothing more."

Nora's mind raced, recalling Marcus's warning that Isabelle might use Xander to get to her, or remove her from the picture for Richard's sake.

Quickly, Nora turned and pushed Xander back, now playing with his tie, teasing him.

As Xander leaned in to kiss her, Nora felt a surge of triumph at having stirred his desire.

If Isabelle planned to use Xander to touch her, then Nora would use Xander as her shield.

Xander turned again, lifting Nora onto the desk, caging her with his arms. "I am not playing games if you tease me, Nora."

"Neither am I, as long as you do not interfere with my work. You know I am working tirelessly to save your company. If you follow my lead, you will survive."

Nora loosened his tie, sensing Xander's unrestrained desire. The door was locked. No one would enter.

"You are quite mischievous at work, Nora. Do you do this with other clients?"

"Of course not. I only play this game when you challenge me."

Xander leaned closer, kissing her neck. Nora knew she now held the reins. Let Marcus and Chloe handle the strategies. She would play Xander as she pleased. Who would have thought this famously cold man would fall right into her trap?

"Aaaaah," Nora gasped, tangling her fingers in his hair.

Their eyes met as Xander pulled back from the kiss. "You are toying with me, Nora."

"I am not toying with you. You are just carried away."

Xander kissed her neck again. Nora knew this was her chance. "You are truly something, Nora," he murmured as she pushed him away, breaking the contact. She knew he was losing control.

"I will throw myself into your bed, Xander, under one condition."

Xander's gaze intensified. "say it, Nora!"

"Do not interfere with my work at the office. I only want to do my job well. Remove anyone who gets in my way, and I will give myself to you as you wish."

Xander raised his right hand as if taking a vow. "Yes, I will do that."

"Including protecting me from your fiancee."

"You already know I do not want Isabelle. You have nothing to fear from her threats."