Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter BR Chapter 88

[Cordelia]

Tilly and Clark provided an excellent distraction as I got over the hard feelings of my first day at work Watching their sweet interactions at the Ice cream parlor as I Indulged in more frozen dessert than is probably healthy, their playful banter warmed my heart and eased my mind. After a restful evening. I arrived at work the next day feeling refreshed and optimistic.

Today, I am determined to make a good impression on all of them. Kill them with kindness.

I will make them like me, goddamn it, even if I have to force them to.

Thinking about how it felt to get a nice treat from my friends, I thought it might be nice to show my staff similar consideration. Taking Tilly's advice and showing them all I can be a good friend. Maybe if they can see I'm a kind boss, and maybe learn a bit about why I'm there, they might warm their hearts to me a little

bit.

So as I drove into work this morning I stopped by a famous donut shop and grabbed two dozen donuts and a large carafe of premade coffee. My chest held high, I walked into the office with a bounce in my step, a song in my heart, and hands full of deep-fried warmth. Hopefully, a sweet treat will take the sour looks off of everyone's faces.

Taking gentle care, I placed the donuts on two long trays with the carafe in the center next to a bouquet of lilies. Smiling at a job well done, I settled into my office for the day.

A sticky note on my monitor reads "You are Amazing signed with an elegant A that I recognize Immediately. At some point yesterday Atlas came to check on me. Feeling special, I know that today is going to be better than yesterday.

I mean, who doesn't like donuts?

Apparently fashion designers.

By the time I got through my emails and phone messages, both trays of donuts and lilies had been placed in the trash. the coffee set to the side next to it, only because it wouldn't fit in the garbage.

In its place was a brand new espresso machine with a note that read "XOXO, Mrs. Steele."

"The new Mrs. Steele is so considerate, unlike the last one." A young woman took a long drink of a fresh latte. "The one before never thought of us at all, but this one understands what it is to be truly classy." "She's so pretty too," another one spoke up, "She could be a model. No wonder Atlas set the other one

aside for her."

"What I want to know," The gruff guy from the elevator, who I have since learned is named Andre, "Is who was cruel enough to bring donuts? Half the office is gluten-free and the other half are on keto diets. Except for Tim, but he's diabetic and..." Turning around without saying anything, I leave the break room and start walking.

I'm not sure where I'm going or what I am going to do, but I have a very clear idea of who is responsible for this.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 88

Angelica.

Stomping up the stairs destroyed the heels on my cute new shoes that Tilly helped me pick out, but by the time I reached the executive floor, I was feeling a bit more in control of my feelings. At least enough to think.

The way I see it, I have two options.

I can go in there, confront Atlas about Angelica, and demand something be done.

Or I can choose to not let her actions bother me, to pretend like it doesn't hurt to see my efforts at connecting with my staff thrown in the garbage as unwanted junk.

I think about going downstairs, but I remember the little note and realize I want to see him. I want to feel him hold me, to remind me of our second agreement.

Opening the door, I step out onto the executive floor. It is still early, so almost nobody is here and those who are are deeply engaged in their work.

Walking from the stairwell, I turn the corner, trying to remember where the CEO's office is. This floor is much more of a maze with all of the closed doors and unmarked offices I eventually need to find someone to guide me in the right direction. When I come to Atlas' large double doors I smile, thinking of how just a few days ago he kissed me only a few feet away.

Atlas Steele kissed me. Not because he had lost control, but because he wanted me.

Still wants me.

If Atlas wants me here, that's good enough. That's all I need. Even if nobody else approves of me.

I push open his door, a bright smile on my face, confident in the love of a wonderful man.

A man who is now holding onto my sister.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 89