Chapter 15

Lucy's POV The conference room at Sterling Industries gleamed with wealth and power. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city, though I had to fight not to flinch from the afternoon sunlight. Rico's protective serum coursed through my veins, letting me pass for human during daylight hours, but it wasn't pleasant. "Ms. Henna?" The receptionist's voice pulled me from my discomfort. "Mr. Sterling will see you now." I gathered my proposal documents, unnecessarily straightening my blazer. This merger was important to Rico's plans – another piece in the complex game of alliances before Venice. I just hadn't expected to be handling it alone. The door opened, and I caught his scent before I saw him – purely human but somehow magnetic. Johnny Sterling wasn't what I expected. Young for a CEO, maybe early thirties, with kind eyes and an easy smile that probably won most people over instantly. "Lucy Henna." He extended his hand, and I took it carefully, monitoring my stren