Chapter 17

Noah leaned back, his presence filling the space with a quiet, heavy authority. "I won't be working late tonight," he said, his voice deep and steady. Chloe nodded, remaining silent as she pulled a small container from her bag. She popped the lid, revealing a pile of dried cranberries. "Want some?" she asked, holding the container toward him. Noah glanced at the fruit, then at her, his expression tightening with subtle disapproval. He didn't move to take any. "You should try them,"...