Chapter 2 - The Apology
Everyone on the night shift assumed Clara would be fired before sunrise. Human Resources usually processed terminations at 8:00 AM sharp, and crossing the owner of the Morreti empire was a career death sentence.
But morning came, and Clara’s badge still worked.
The real shock came at eleven fifty-two the following night. The grand lobby of Morreti Tower was bustling with late-night arrivals when the front doors parted. Julian Morreti strode in, flanked by Victor and his security detail. He wasn't heading for the private elevators. He was heading straight for the front desk.
Leo, the young busboy, was standing near the bellhop station. Julian stopped right in front of him.
"Mr. Santos," Julian’s voice carried across the marble lobby, ensuring every employee in earshot heard him. "Last night, I made an assumption without evidence. It was unprofessional and unjust. I apologize to you."
Leo’s jaw dropped. The concierge dropped a pen. Clara, who was standing behind the reception desk, felt her breath catch in her throat. Julian Morreti didn’t apologize. He destroyed. Yet here he was, bowing his head to a minimum-wage worker.
Julian pulled a sleek black card from his suit jacket and handed it to Leo. "Your college tuition is covered for the next four years. Consider it compensation for my error."
Before the boy could even stutter a thank you, Julian turned his piercing gaze to Clara. The temperature in the lobby seemed to spike. He walked over to the desk, his massive frame towering over the counter. He leaned in, smelling of expensive cedar and danger.
"What time does your shift end tonight?" he asked.
May you like
Clara swallowed hard, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Why do you want to know?"
"Because," Julian murmured, his dark eyes tracing the curve of her jaw, "you and I are going to have breakfast."
