Sure! Here's a continuation of *Chapter Ten* from where you left off, enhancing the *dialogue*, *humour*, *emotional tension*, and ending with the *suspenseful twist* you wanted. It blends professionalism with
Sebastian leaned forward again, resting his arms on the desk. His expression was calm but serious.
"And one more thing," he said, locking eyes with her. "You don't leave before closing time. Not unless it's a true emergency. And even then, you report it to HR before stepping out. Understood?"
Elena nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. Of course."
Her voice was steady, but her mind was racing, trying to absorb every word and not mess anything up.
"I promise to give my best," she added. "I take this job seriously, and I won't slack off. Ever."
Sebastian's sharp gaze softened slightly at her response. He nodded in approval and leaned back into his chair, folding his arms.
There was a short pause.
The atmosphere relaxed a little.
"Good," he said. "I like people who show initiative."
Elena gave a small smile, and for a second, the room felt less like a high-rise office and more like a strange… conversational bubble. Like something was shifting.
Then he tilted his head, his tone shifting ever so slightly.
"Speaking of the coffee incident," he said casually, "you did say you'd replace it."
She blinked.
"…Yes, I remember."
"Well," he continued, "I know a place that serves a solid latte. Great sandwiches too. You might like it."
Elena froze.
*Wait. What?*
*No. Wait, no way.*
Did Mr. Lancaster just… *Was that a suggestion?*
She blinked again. *Did the CEO just ask me out on a—*
Her thoughts spiraled in milliseconds.
On the outside, she tried to keep it cool, but on the inside?
WHAATTTT?
"Uh…" she started, words failing her.
Sebastian, clearly amused by her stunned expression, chuckled lightly. "Relax, Morrison. I'm not asking for candlelight and jazz music. It's coffee. As repayment."
Still stunned, she nodded slowly. "Right. Of course. Just coffee."
His brow rose. "Unless you *do* want candles."
Elena's eyes widened. "No! I mean—I'm not saying no—I just—"
He laughed, actually laughed. "Relax. I'm messing with you."
She exhaled sharply and rubbed her palm against her skirt. "You've got a very serious poker face for someone who jokes."
"I get that a lot," he replied, smirking.
There was a comfortable silence.
Then Sebastian stood and walked over to the tall window behind his desk, looking out at the city. The light from the morning sun hit the side of his face just right—sharp jawline, relaxed expression, commanding presence.
Elena, still seated, followed his gaze from a distance.
"I haven't asked someone to coffee in a while," he said suddenly, voice lower. "Especially not someone who spilled it on me first."
She let out a surprised laugh. "Well… I haven't offered to repay coffee I ruined either. So I guess we're even."
He turned slightly to face her again. "So, what do you say? Tomorrow, 5:30. After work. Just coffee."
She hesitated, her heart thudding in her chest.
It wasn't the coffee.
It was *him.*
This was Sebastian Lancaster. Her boss. The man everyone walked on eggshells around. The same man who barely flinched when coffee spilled down his running shirt, and who now stood before her, relaxed, charming—and very possibly asking her out.
Could she handle this?
Could she really sit across from *him* in some coffee shop and not be nervous the entire time?
More importantly… *should* she?
Her lips parted to answer—
A knock came on the door.
Sebastian glanced at it, then at her. "Saved by the bell."
He walked back to his desk, pressed a button on the intercom. "Yes?"
It was HR.
"Mr. Lancaster, your 10:30 meeting has been pushed to eleven. Just letting you know."
"Noted. Thank you."
He clicked it off and looked back at her.
"So? Coffee?"
Elena stood slowly, straightening her skirt. "Tomorrow at 5:30," she repeated. "Sure."
He nodded once. "Good. I'll text you the address."
Her eyebrows shot up. "You have my number?"
He smirked. "I'm the CEO. I have *everyone's* number."
She exhaled a half-laugh, shaking her head.
"You may go now," he added, his tone professional again, but the hint of a smile remained on his lips.
She turned to leave, placing her hand on the doorknob.
Before opening it, she paused.
Then glanced back over her shoulder.
He was watching her, arms crossed, leaning slightly on the desk.
She opened the door and stepped out, heart pounding harder than it had that morning.
As she walked back to the front desk, coworkers looked up at her curiously, wondering what could have gone on behind the CEO's closed door.
But Elena?
She was still processing it all.
Coffee? With *him*?
She sat down, stared at her screen, and whispered under her breath:
"Did the CEO just ask me on a date?"