That night, the assistant received a termination letter-she wouldn't need to show up for work tomorrow.

She'd pulled every string and played every card to climb her way into the executive office, hoping her looks would catch lan's eye. Her plan was simple: seduce him, become his office lover, and secure her position at the top.

But things didn't go her way. She'd barely found a chance to get close to lan before he dismissed her without a hint of mercy.

When she received the termination papers, her mind went blank for a few seconds. She remembered the way lan had looked at her earlier a flicker of desire, or so she thought. That look had given her hope, made her believe she had a shot.

But, in the end, she just wasn't what lan was looking for. She'd have to chalk it up to bad luck.

***

By late July, Meridian Dynamics looked imposing in the morning light. A sleek Bentley pulled into the parking lot, and Faye stepped out, dressed in a designer gown. As she locked her car and started toward the entrance, a voice called out behind her.

"Faye."

She froze, her eyes narrowing in surprise. Turning around, she saw Horace approaching, hands in his pockets, his gaze lingering appreciatively.

"Horace?" Faye feigned surprise. "What are you doing here?"

His eyes traveled over the car, and he nodded in admiration. "That's a hell of a ride, Faye. Suits you."

If anyone else had complimented her like that, Faye would've enjoyed it. But coming from Horace, she tensed. She knew he wasn't here for small talk.

"I heard you're working at a dealership now. How's that going?" she asked, her tone soft but distant.

Horace gave a rueful smile. "I'm not exactly a top salesperson. Not making much money."

His attempt to gain her sympathy only made Faye uncomfortable. Her fingers tightened around her car keys.

"Don't get discouraged," she offered, trying to sound supportive. "I'm sure you'll find your niche."

Horace hesitated, then got to the point. "Actually, Faye, I was hoping you could help me. I heard your dad's company went public, and he's got a big stake in medical equipment. I want to work for him-do you think you could put in a good word for me?"

Faye's expression cooled. "Horace, you know I never get involved in my father's business. I probably can't help."

"You're the only daughter of the Yeaton family. The company will be yours someday—you must have some influence, right? Please, Faye. After all, back when we "

She cut him off sharply. "Horace, let's not dig up the past." Then, with a forced smile, she added, "I can arrange for you to have an interview, but if you want to make it in my dad's company, you'll have to prove yourself."

Horace was momentarily stunned, then managed a weak smile. He knew he was asking for a lot, and Faye had always been out of his league anyway.

"That's all I can hope for—just a shot at the interview," he conceded, his eyes lingering on her flawless features. "You really do look the part of a heiress now."

His scrutiny made Faye's skin crawl. She glanced at her watch. "I'll let you know about the interview," she said briskly. Then, trying to soften the blow, she added, "With your abilities, I'm sure you'll make something of yourself."

Horace perked up at her encouragement. "Faye, if I get in, I'll work my hardest. One day, when I've made something of myself, maybe we could-"

She folded her arms, her tone slightly mocking. "Maybe we could what?"

Horace faltered. He'd always felt inferior to Faye, even before her family's fortune skyrocketed. Now that she was a bona fide heiress, he hardly dared dream.

Still, he clung to the hope that, one day, he might stand beside her father, become his right-hand man. Maybe then, just maybe, he could be worthy of Faye.

"N-Nothing. I just mean I'll do my best at your father's company. You should get going," he stammered, then, curiosity getting the better of him, added, "Are you still competing with Eleanor?"

Faye had just turned away but stopped at his words. Her eyes flashed coldly. "What, you think I can't measure up to her?"

Horace hurriedly shook his head. "Of course not. I know your research skills are top-notch, too."

Faye had heard enough. She strode toward the towering glass doors of Meridian Dynamics. Horace watched her disappear inside, regret flickering in his eyes.

He knew he could join another research team, but after what happened last time, his reputation was shot. In this field, he'd be just another face in the lab, with no chance to rise through the ranks.

Getting into Yeaton Holdings was his best bet. Rumor had it even lan had invested in the company-if a billionaire like him saw its potential, the future there had to be bright.

Inside her office, Faye watched from the window as Horace finally walked away. She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking of the longing in his eyes. The idea that he still dreamed of a future with her was almost laughable.

A man who couldn't recognize his own limits, who needed her help just to get by -how could she ever take him seriously?

There was only one man she considered marriage material: Joel.

But Joel's world revolved around his research, and in his heart, Eleanor would always come first, even if she'd never given him the time of day.