Chapter 26. The Tension

Victoria’s POV

My heart slammed against my ribs as I lowered myself into the chair across from him. He sat there, the picture of composure, his suit tailored to perfection, his posture exuding authority. For a moment, I was convinced the universe was playing some cruel joke on me.

The man who had crashed into my life twice—arrogant, dismissive, and impossibly attractive—was now seated before me as the head of the panel for the final stage of this interview. What were the odds?

“Miss Hawthorne, this is Dominic Blackwood, the CEO’s son. In her absence he’ll take care of things.” The brunette woman informed me.

My breath faltered but I forced myself to nod. I had suspected that he was influential, but I didn’t think he was this influential, I didn’t think that he was Dominic Blackwood.

How could I have?

“Miss Hawthorne,” he began, his voice smooth and measured, betraying nothing of the recognition I was sure he felt. “You’ve made it to the fin