Page 4 of Mated To My Boss

She pauses, her hand on the doorknob, and turns back to face me. "Excuse me?"

"This act. This mature, professional persona. I don't buy it." The words tumble out before I can stop them. "You came here for me, and we both know it won't work."

Her expression remains composed, but I catch a flicker of something in her eyes—hurt maybe, or disappointment.

"Look, Madeline," I continue, more firmly now. "I need to be clear. I don't believe in fated mates—not the way you do. Things didn't work out between us before, and they won't work now. That bond... It's just biology. It doesn't mean we're meant to be together."

She's quiet for a moment, studying me. When she speaks, her voice is soft but steady. "I never mentioned our bond, Nate. You did."

That simple observation hits me like a physical blow.

"I respect your position," she continues. "And I hope you'll eventually respect mine. I'm here to work and learn." She offers me a small, dignified smile. "Believe what you need to about my intentions. I'll let my actions speak for themselves."

Before I can respond, three sharp knocks sound at the door.

Madeline's hand is still on the knob, and she turns it automatically, opening the door. An older woman with graying hair stands in the doorway, her stern expression shifting to surprise when she sees Madeline.

"Aunt Cora," she says, stepping back.

Chapter 2

MADELINE

My aunt's piercing eyes remain on me for a second, and I already know I've complicated things on my first day—but not in the way either of us expected. She doesn't move away from the door, standing like a barrier between me and the hallway.

"I had a feeling you'd be in here," she says, turning her gaze to Nate.

"You brought her here?" Nate says, accusation clear in his voice.

"And what business is that of yours?" Aunt Cora throws back. "If my niece wants to work here, she's free to do so. Do you have a problem with that?"

He sighs, looking defeated. "No, I guess not." He turns to me with a forced smile. "Welcome to IronFangs Law. I'm sure you'll have a great time here."

I offer a polite nod. "Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity."

Aunt Cora steps aside, gesturing for me to exit first. I feel Nate's eyes following me as I leave, but I don't allow myself to look back. The time for chasing is over.

Once we're a safe distance down the hall, my aunt gives me a side-eye. "Well, it certainly didn't take long to find him."

I keep my expression neutral despite the butterflies still fluttering in my stomach. "He found me, actually. I was on my way to deliver the Hamilton briefs."

"And how did that go?" she asks, genuine concern in her voice.

"About as expected," I reply evenly. "He thinks I'm here to pursue him."

We reach Aunt Cora's office, and she closes the door behind us. I sink into a chair, finally allowing a small sigh to escape.

"Are you alright?" she asks.

For the first time today, I let my carefully constructed composure slip just a little. "It was ... harder than I thought itwould be," I admit, meeting her eyes. "Seeing him again. But I think I handled it well."

"You did," she confirms, taking her seat. "I was prepared to rescue you, but it seems you didn't need my help."

"Not this time." I can't help but smile. "He hasn't changed much, has he? Still so certain he knows everyone's motives."

"Most people don't change," she remarks. "They just become more of who they are already."

I consider this, thinking about who I was when Nate last knew me last.

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