HER eyes still lingered on the bouquet in Ella’s hands, the orchids and roses, carefully selected, perfectly arranged, exactly the kind of thing Adrian would send. But instead of softening, her gaze hardened, her chin tilting ever so slightly as though she were putting on armor.
Ella waited, nervously shifting the bouquet.
“Should I… should I put it on your desk, ma’am?”
Amelia’s lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, it looked as if she might say nothing at all. Then, her voice came cool and clipped, like the snap of a blade.
“No,” she said firmly. “Take it home, Ella. Add it to your vase. Consider it a gift from me.”
Ella’s eyes widened. “Ma’am?”
“You heard me,” Amelia repeated, her tone unyielding. “I don’t want it anywhere near this office. If he thinks a bouquet will chan
