Page 26 of Titus

“Ambitious,” Lena called from the back.

“We all know how I operate,” I smirked at my operations and communications manager.

“All too well,” she answered with a laugh.

A quiet voice cut through the noise behind me.

“Cat?”

I turned.

Daniella Cruz stood near the entrance to my office, tablet in hand, expression composed, but not neutral. That alone immediately grabbed my attention.

“Yes?”

“You have a call.”

I glanced toward the clock on the wall.

“I just walked in.”

“I’m aware.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Who is it?”

“Titus Hawk’s office. His secretary.”

God. I let out a slow breath, setting my hands on my hips as I looked around the space, watching my team in mid-transition, mid-chaos, and mid-perfection.

I looked back at Dani. “Put it through to my office line.”

“Who am I speaking with?” I asked when I picked up the line.

“Ms. Veléz, this is Elizabeth calling on behalf of Mr. Hawk.”

Her voice was exactly what I expected, smooth and professional.

“How can I help you?” I replied, moving toward the window.

“Mr. Hawk is requesting a moment of your time.”

Requesting? I almost laughed. “He doesn’t strike me as the requesting type.”

“He prefers efficiency.”

“I prefer context,” I countered.

“I’ll connect you now.”

I waited as the line clicked again, and I leaned lightly against the edge of my desk, my gaze drifting toward the glistening ocean as I waited.

“Ms. Veléz,” his voice commanded through the phone.

“Mr. Hawk,” I answered with the same command.

“Forgive me for interrupting your moving day,” he said, “but I believe I must humbly request your services once again.”

“For five hundred thousand dollars?” I said, ensuring I wouldn’t have to work for him.