Despite Kian’s intervention, Harper couldn’t shake the unnerving sense that integrating herself into the department would prove more challenging than she had expected.

  Kian’s gaze stayed on her, his voice warm. “Harper, I hope you’re into Japanese cuisine. We can talk about your first project over lunch.”

  Pleasantly surprised, her bubbly reply floated to his ears. “That sounds perfect, Teacher Kian.”

  Jyn’s nails pressed into her palms, her knuckles whitening, her carefully curated facade barely concealing the storm brewing inside. Teacher Kian? Where did this vixen get the nerve to call him that?

  Sensing an opening, Jyn stepped forward, her tone syrupy sweet. “President Shahi, may I also join you? I want to treat you and Ms. Lange to lunch as a gesture of apology and to welcome Ms. Lange to Prime.”

  Kian’s expression hardened. “I’m afraid not. The reservation is for two, and it’s meant for me to discuss the project I’ve earmarked for Harper.”

  The rejection stung. Jyn’s composure faltered for a split second before she recovered, her polished veneer stiffening. “Of course, President Shahi. Another time, then.”

  Kian turned back to Harper as Jyn’s thoughts festered. Humiliation burned in her chest, but she hid it well, retreating with feigned grace. He even called her by her first name while he calls me Director Lennin!

  As Kian gestured toward the door, he asked, “Harper, the restaurant is about a mile from here. Should we walk or take the car?”

  Harper batted her lashes. “It’s downtown D.C. If parking is a hassle, we might as well walk.”

  A faint curve tugged at Kian’s lips. “Did you drive your little TT today?” His question carried a trace of amusement, the memory of their first meeting flashing in his mind.

  Harper shook her head. “I wasn’t sure about parking here, so I took an Uber.”

  “Okay, we’ll apply for your parking permit after lunch,” Kian replied lightly.

  Unbeknownst to the pair, Jyn lingered nearby, her mind calculating. She watched them leave, a dark determination settling over her. Harper was a threat, and threats needed to be neutralized.

  Kian escorted Harper out of the office and into the bustling streets of downtown D.C., leading her to Sushi Nakazawa, chatting as they went.

  The Michelin-starred restaurant, nestled within the Trump International Hotel, welcomed them with its Zen-inspired ambiance. Kian chose a table in a quiet corner for privacy.

  After settling in, Kian tried to smooth things over. “So, Harper, how are you finding your first day at Prime?”

  She paused, her fingers grazing the edge of the menu. “It’s been a whirlwind,” she admitted. “I’m excited to get started. Prime is such a prestigious firm, and I’m honored to be here.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Kian’s eyes softened. “I’m glad to hear that. And I must apologize for Director Lennin’s behavior earlier. She’s very protective of her department, and sometimes, that comes off more aggressively than intended.”

  Harper’s lips pressed into a thin line. She chose her words carefully. “I understand. It was just... a bit unexpected, that’s all.”

  He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Her talent is without question, which is why she’s the Director. But her ambition and... personal feelings sometimes cloud her judgment.”

  She tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her gaze. “Personal feelings?”

  Kian hesitated, his voice lowering. “Director Lennin and I have a complicated history... we met during our MBA program. I recognized her abilities and invited her to join Prime when I started my company. I only found out she had feelings for me a few years later. I’ve rejected her pursuit to no end, but she’s persistent. It’s been trying, to say the least.”

  Harper frowned, empathy etched into her features. “That sounds difficult. It’s never easy navigating those kinds of dynamics.”

  He murmured, “You’re right. It’s one of the reasons that made me hesitant about getting into a relationship.” He paused, then added, “By the way, while I appreciate the respect behind calling me ‘Teacher Kian,’ it feels too formal. Can we drop it and go back to my name?”

  Harper shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Okay, Kian. Thank you for letting me know.”

  The arrival of their sushi momentarily broke the intensity of their conversation. As they dug in, Harper ventured, “Kian, why did you choose me for this role? There are so many qualified candidates out there.”

  Kian’s eyes stayed on her for a moment before he answered. “It’s true; there are many gifted architects and designers. But your portfolio stood out. It wasn’t just your technical skills—I was impressed by your creativity and innovative approach to problem-solving. I could feel your passion for architecture and design.”

  Harper felt her cheeks burn. “Thank you, Kian. That means a lot.”

  The conversation flowed easily, layering professional insights with personal anecdotes. They hadn’t met or spoken to each other since Harper completed her work at The Cliffs. But here they were, seamlessly picking up where they’d left off.

  As the meal drew to a close, Kian leaned forward, his tone thoughtful. “Sana has told me to look after you. I promised her I would.”

  Harper’s expression softened. “Typical of my bestie. Her support means the world, and now, having you as a mentor... It’s more than I could’ve hoped for.” But as the words left her lips, her smile wavered, her mind drifting back to her encounter with Jyn earlier that morning. “Kian, I... I’m a little apprehensive regarding Director Lennin.”

  Kian nodded slowly. “That’s why I asserted myself back there. Rest assured, I won’t let anything untoward happen to you. If she crosses the line, please let me know.”

  As they strolled back to the office, something had shifted between them—a subtle undercurrent of awareness. For Harper, it was an unfamiliar stir of emotion, something she couldn’t quite define, yet it wrapped around her like a soothing blanket. Kian, however, recognized the pull with certainty: he was undeniably attracted to her.

  As they neared the building, he found himself reluctant for the lunch to end. The easy rapport between them had erased time without notice, and he wanted more.

  “Harper, we had so much to talk about that we didn’t get down to the special project I’ve assigned you,” Kian mused as they reached the lobby. He added, almost casually, “Are you busy this evening? How about I take you to dinner? We can discuss it then.”

  In truth, Kian had chosen not to broach the project. He wanted to clear the air about Jyn before anything else.

  Harper blinked, then beamed. “I was gonna head home and have dinner with the rents. But it’s okay, I’ll ring my mom and tell her they can have a romantic dinner without their adorable third wheel!”

  Kian chuckled, the sound low and melodious. “Alright, sounds like a plan. I’ll come get you at around six?”

  “Sure, Kian. See you then.”

  As the elevator doors closed behind her, Harper leaned against the wall, her thoughts a whirlwind. Excitement and apprehension warred within her.

  I’m so stoked! I wonder what this project entails.