Chapter 102

Alice felt the same way. Though she’d only been working on the 33rd floor as Edward’s assistant for a few months, staying by his side every day had given her a clear grasp of his temperament. At this point, she could usually read his preferences—or dislikes—with just one glance. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she broke the silence. “Mr. Hawthorne, do you and Adam know each other?” “No.” “Met a couple times.” Their voices overlapped—his short and icy, Adam’s breezy and warm. Alice froze. Yeah, she really shouldn’t have asked. This time, though, the atmosphere didn’t spiral into awkwardness. Adam gave a casual smile, his previously stiff expression replaced with relaxed confidence. “We crossed paths once or twice at Matrix Media. Didn’t really talk much. Mr. Hawthorne’s a busy man—it makes sense he doesn’t remember.” Edward simply lifted his eyes and cast a faint glance in Adam’s direction, offering no further response. Still, just like that, Adam smoothed things over in a few sentences.