Page 29 of Money Reigns

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I’ve never had anything like this.

Not even close.

I walk further in, eyes scanning the room, breath catching as I spot a glass water bottle waiting on the corner of the desk, just like the one I bring from home. And next to it, a tiny ceramic diffuser, mint green.My favorite color.

I pick it up. It’s already filled. I twist it gently in my hands, like it might disappear if I’m not careful.

I lift it to my nose.

Eucalyptus.

How did he know?

I almost forget he’s standing there until he speaks again.

“There’s a pay increase,” he says simply. “You’ll see it in your next deposit.”

I turn, still holding the diffuser in my hand. “I don’t understand. Why me?”

His expression doesn’t change. It’s unreadable. Cold, maybe. Or too calm.

“I told you. I need someone I can trust.”

“But you don’t even know me,” I whisper.

He steps into the room. Closer than he needs to be.

“I know enough.”

I nod.

“Enjoy your space. Take a moment to get acclimated, and meet me in my office around lunch, we’ll review your initial thoughts on the Parker file. Read what you can, see what jumps out. I’m not expecting a miracle by noon.”

“Yes, Mister—Warren,” I say before adding. “I’ll do my best work.”

He raises a brow. “That you will.”

And just likethat, he’s gone.

The door clicks softly behind him.

I stand in the center of the office, still holding the diffuser like it might blow up in my hands if I believe too hard it’s really mine.

This is real.

This is mine.

I let out a slow breath and turn in a circle, eyes sweeping over every detail. The matching note pads. The soft light spilling across the desk. The elegant little clock on the wall ticking softly like a countdown to something I can’t name.

This is crazy.

Insane.

But also, it’s kind of beautiful.

My throat tightens unexpectedly. I blink hard, swallow it down.

There’s no time for tears. No space for weakness.

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