CHAPTER 4 – The Mistake
Elara had triple-checked the email.
At least, she thought she had.
The message was meant for the finance department—confidential figures for a potential merger. Instead, it went to the entire executive mailing list.
Including Alexander.
She realized it the moment she hit send.
Her heart dropped into her stomach.
Within seconds, her phone lit up with messages.
Did you mean to send this?
Elara, this is sensitive.
You're in trouble.
Her hands were shaking so badly she nearly dropped the phone.
She stood up slowly, every step toward his office feeling like a walk toward her execution.
The door was closed.
She knocked once.
"Come in."
He was at his desk, eyes already on his screen.
"You sent the figures," he said flatly.
"I'm so sorry," she said quickly. "It was an accident. I can recall the email, and I'll—"
"You can't recall damage," he interrupted.
Her throat tightened. "I know. I take full responsibility."
He leaned back slightly, studying her face.
This was it. She was about to lose her job.
"You've been here four days," he said. "Four."
"I understand if you want to terminate me."
The word terminate felt heavy in her mouth.
Alexander was silent for a long moment.
Then he stood and walked past her to the door.
He closed it.
The sound echoed.
Her pulse spiked.
"Sit," he said.
She sat.
He remained standing, arms crossed.
"Most people, when they make mistakes," he said slowly, "blame systems. Or other people. Or stress."
She said nothing.
"You blamed yourself."
She looked up. "Because it was my fault."
His gaze softened, just barely.
"I will handle the consequences," he said. "You will learn from it."
She stared at him. "I'm not fired?"
"No."
Her eyes filled with tears before she could stop them.
"I won't make the same mistake again," she whispered.
"I know," he replied quietly.
She left the office in disbelief.
Alexander sat back down, staring at his screen without seeing it.
He should have fired her.
Anyone else would have been gone.
But he hadn't.
And for the first time, he realized something disturbing.
He didn't want her to leave.