Chapter 9 9 Chapter 9 The Violet-Blue Eyes Monica's POVD I smoothed down my new blue dress and took a deep breath before stepping into the office. This was it my first real day as executive assistant to the CEO of Lorenzo Group. "Oh my goodness- stunning!" Paula's eyes widened when she saw me. "Monica, you look absolutely I blushed, not used to such enthusiastic compliments. "Thank you. My friend Natalie insisted I needed something new." "Well, your friend has excellent taste." Paula circled me, nodding approvingly. "That color is perfect on you. It brings out your eyes beautifully." The morning passed quickly as Paula walked me through various filing systems and introduced me to the executive floor staff. Her warm presence made everything less intimidating, and I was just starting to feel comfortable when she glanced at her watch. "I need to run down to Accounting for about twenty minutes," she said. "Will you be okay organizing these files while I'm gone?" "Of course," I assured her, grateful for the chance to prove myself. Once alone, I focused on the task at hand, bending over to sort through the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet. I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't hear the door open. "Well, hello there." The deep male voice made me jump. I straightened so quickly I nearly lost my balance, spinning around to face two men standing in the doorway. The first was tall-well over six feet-with broad shoulders and a clean-shaven head. His chocolate-brown eyes sparkled with amusement as he looked me over. He was undeniably handsome, with a perfectly groomed goatee and a charismatic smile. "I'm Darren Torres," he said, extending his hand. "Vice President of Lorenzo Group and boss's right-hand man. You must be Monica Hayes, the new executive assistant." I nodded, shaking his hand. "Yes, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Torres." your "Please, call me Darren. His smile widened. "And this-" he gestured to the man beside him, "is your boss, Morris Lorenzo," Time seemed to freeze as my gaze shifted to the second man. My breath caught in my throat. Morris Lorenzo was even more stunning than Natalie had warned. Tall and impeccably dressed in a navy-blue suit that highlighted his athletic build. His brown hair was styled perfectly, 9 Chapter 9 - The Violet-Blue Eyes framing a face that belonged in a magazine-strong jawline, straight nose, and full lips currently pressed into a thin line. But it was his eyes that made my heart stop. Violet-blue. So strikingly beautiful it stole the air from my lungs. "Miss Hayes." His voice was deep and husky, exactly like it had been on the phone, but now it sent an entirely different kind of shiver down my spine. I realized I was staring and quickly extended my hand. "Mr. Lorenzo. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." When our hands touched, electricity shot up my arm. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he'd felt it too. His grip was firm and warm. "You've made quite an impression already," he said coolly, releasing my hand. "Not many people hang up on me and live to tell about it." My cheeks burned. "I apologize for that misunderstanding, sir "Paula seems impressed with you, he continued, his eyes scanning me from head to toe in a way that made me feel both exposed and exhilarated. "We'll see if her judgment is sound." Darren cleared his throat. "Let's go over those Tokyo contracts before your ten o'clock, Morris." Morris gave a curt nod and turned toward his office. "Have that chamomile tea ready in ten minutes, Miss Hayes," he tossed over his shoulder, his tone making it clear he hadn't forgotten our phone exchange. "Yes, sir," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. As they disappeared into his office, my legs gave out, and I collapsed into my chair. My hands were trembling as I pressed them against my face. My heart hammered against my ribs. It wasn't about his strictness-it was about his eyes. That impossible violet-blue brought everything back music, the mask, the stranger who had changed the entire course of my life. the The truth was, to this day, I was still haunted by that color. An anomaly shared by less than one percent of the world's population. My son, his father... and now, my new boss. My new boss was a living reminder of the single-biggest turning point in my life. How was I supposed to function? I forced myself to take several deep breaths. I needed to calm down and think rationally. I had a job to do. A job I desperately needed to support my son. The door suddenly burst open with enough force to hit the wall, making me jump. A striking 9 Chapter 9 - The Violet-Blue Eyes blonde woman stormed in, her expensive heels clicking aggressively against the marble floor. Behind her, a flustered Irina rushed in, trying to intercept her. "I'm sorry, but you can't go in there! Mr. Lorenzo is in a meeting!" 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