#Chapter 21 - I Won't Bow

Miranda's POV I stare at Sebastian’s name on the wall. It is etched on a gold plaque, his name dark, matching the dark wood of the doorframe. I sigh and hold my folder to my chest. I don’t know why I’m so hesitant to go inside. I’ve met him plenty of times before. Many of those times have been…intense, to say the least, but I’m here on business, not for personal reasons. I fix my hair and take a deep breath, pushing through the door. Our eyes meet when he looks up from his desk. He sets down a paper and pen, folding his hands on the desktop. I approach his desk, forcing a smile onto my face. His expression remains unchanged. “Sebastian,” I breathe out. “Miranda.” His tone is the same as always: lacking any warmth or openness. Still, his voice makes me pause. I sit in the chair in front of him, our eyes never leaving each other, and I set the folder in front of him. He glances at it and I can breathe again. “What’s this?” He asks. He picks it up and I straighten my back