Chapter 4: The Office Showdown

The Mitchell Group wasn’t far from home, just a twenty-minute walk through Lincoln Park. I slipped over during lunch break to check things out, politely waving at the receptionist who looked about nineteen and overwhelmed.

"Could you help me contact your President Mitchell? Just say his sister came to have lunch with him."

The receptionist nodded, confusion on her face—probably wondering why the president’s sister wasn’t on any approved list.

"Miss, please have a seat. I’ll contact Secretary Winters first."

Secretary Winters? Jessica Winters? This lunch was about to get interesting. I settled into the leather chair, crossing my legs.

The HR manager passed by, giving me a double-take. "Are you President Mitchell’s… sister?"

I nodded, flashing my best professional smile.

She nodded knowingly. "Oh, I’ve seen you before. Let me message President Mitchell."

"You’ve seen me? I haven’t been back to Chicago in ten years."

I smiled, genuinely curious.

"I’m Lauren Chen, the HR manager. I joined back when we were just a strip mall startup. Before Secretary Winters, I was President Mitchell’s temp secretary. Two years ago, I saw your photo in his desk drawer. You’re so beautiful—I remembered you instantly."

She was polite, but the implication was clear—he kept my photo hidden, but close.

Before we finished, a familiar shadow blocked my path—Jessica, breathless and flustered from being summoned by the receptionist.

"President Mitchell’s still in a meeting. Please go back first."

I ignored her and kept waiting, scrolling through emails from my coffee shop manager.

She anxiously pulled me aside, her grip surprisingly strong for someone so petite.