Chapter 71

Lauren's POV

“Now tell me, do you have any questions?” he asked, rolling a silver pen over his knuckles with an ease that spoke of long practice.

About his business life? No. About what happened yesterday? Yes. But I couldn’t ask that now. Not here, not with the sharp fluorescent lights humming above me and his calculating eyes fixed on my face. I just shook my head lightly and pressed my lips together. Best to keep my mouth shut.

“Does that mean I’m hired? If so, when do I start work?” I asked finally, trying to keep my tone neutral, almost casual

“Tomorrow,” he said, setting the pen down with a quiet click. “You can use today to get yourself prepared — iron your clothes properly and take care of your hair a little better than this.” His gaze lingered on my hair for a fraction too long, and his voice, though calm, felt like a slap.

My breath caught. I closed my eyes for half a second, not wanting to show the heat that was rushing up my