Chapter Fifty-Nine

After Magnus left, Peter leaned forward and pressed the intercom button. 'Stella, could you come in for a moment, please?'

A minute later, Stella stepped into the office, smiling softly. 'You called for me, sir?'

'Yes, Ella. I've told you to call me by my name when we're alone. You knew me as Peter before you got the job, so please use my name, or feel free to create a pet name for me,' he said, meeting her eyes with a warm smile.

She nodded, a hint of mischief in her expression. 'All right, Peter. I'll think of something special.'

'Great,' he replied, his tone lightening. 'Could you bring me a coffee? I could really use it right now.'

She nodded, left briefly, and returned with a warm cup of coffee. As she set it on his desk, their hands brushed for a second, and Peter's eyes lingered on hers a moment longer.

'Thanks, Stella,' he said quietly, his voice calm but warm. He stood up and moved closer to her, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face, his fingers gently tracing her cheek.

Stella's breath caught as he leaned in, and they shared a soft, unhurried kiss. She placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling his arm pull her close.

After a few moments, Peter relaxed slightly, his eyes still on hers. 'I'd like you to come with me this evening,' he said. 'We're going to Richie's house to hand over the invitation for the product launch, and I'd like you there with me.'

Stella nodded, smiling, her cheeks flushed. 'I'd love to.'

With a small squeeze of her hand, Peter watched her leave, feeling a deep sense of calm after she was gone.