Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 65

Staring at Julian's message, Hazel's face remained completely blank. She knew he had undoubtedly heard about the commotion at the Institute; otherwise, his timing wouldn't be this flawless.

Exhaling heavily, she locked the screen and shoved the phone back into her pocket, pretending she never saw it.

The car navigated through the city streets and eventually pulled up in front of a towering skyscraper.

Hazel glanced out the window. The Apex Holdings headquarters pierced the sky, its glass facade gleaming with a harsh, cold light under the sun. This was a playground for the elite. She never imagined she would end up working in a place like this.

Assistant Alden opened the door, and she stepped out. Looking up at the monolithic structure, she couldn't pinpoint exactly how she felt.

"Right this way, Dr. Garrison," Alden said, stepping ahead to lead the way with respectful precision.

She nodded and followed him inside.

The lobby was massive. A few receptionists chatting in low voices stopped to stare as she walked in, their eyes scanning her with poorly disguised curiosity and judgment.

Dressed in a simple white blouse and black trousers, Hazel looked distinctly out of place amidst the sea of high-end designer suits.

But she kept her gaze forward, refusing to shrink or cower, her posture perfectly straight.

Alden led her to a private elevator and hit the button for the top floor.

The doors slid shut, cutting off the prying eyes from the lobby.

Alden stood slightly ahead of her, the picture of professional deference. When the doors opened, they stepped onto a hallway lined with plush, dark gray carpet.

He stopped in front of heavy double doors and offered a polite smile. "Dr. Garrison, this is Mr. Thornton's office. You can just knock."

Hazel nodded, stepped up to the wood, and knocked twice.

"Come in," a deep, magnetic voice answered.

She took a deep breath, mentally bracing herself, and pushed the door open.

The moment she stepped inside, the crisp scent of cedar washed over her. She turned and quietly clicked the door shut behind her.

Facing forward again, she took in the sheer size of the office. Floor-to-ceiling windows made up an entire wall, flooding the space with brilliant, unfiltered sunlight.

Marcus Thornton stood silhouetted against the glass. The immaculate cut of his black suit accentuated his tall, athletic build. At the sound of the door, he slowly turned around.

Those slightly upward-slanting eyes still held a lingering hint of amusement, the corners of his lips curved upward. He looked at her, his voice dripping with an effortless, captivating charm. "You made it, Hazel."

As their eyes met, Hazel felt a sudden, jarring sense of deja vu.

He looked so much like him. But she knew he wasn't. Zachary's face was scarred; the cuts from the bushes hadn't fully healed the last time she saw him. Marcus's face was completely flawless, not a single mark on his skin.

She quickly shoved the thought away, walking up to the massive desk and offering a polite smile. "Mr. Thornton."

Marcus walked over and sank into the leather chair behind his desk, steepling his long fingers together in a relaxed, commanding posture. "Starting today, you are my special-appointed lead researcher. You will be running the team."

Hazel didn't immediately agree. Instead, she kept her tone steady. "Mr. Thornton, there's something we need to discuss."

As Hazel followed him, she glanced back one last time. Marcus had already turned back toward the window, a dark silhouette against the glaring sun, completely unreadable.

The door clicked shut, returning the office to silence.

Assistant Zeller, standing quietly by the side, frowned, clearly wanting to say something.

"Spit it out," Marcus said, his cool voice floating from the window.

Zeller chose his words carefully. "Boss, are you absolutely certain about Hazel Garrison?"

Marcus turned around, pressing a long finger against his lips, and let out a soft scoff. "Why? Do you have a problem with it?"

Zeller's frown deepened. "Not a problem, sir. It's just that she's very young, and her track record is practically non-existent..."

"You don't think she has the potential to be exactly what we need?" Marcus cut in, his tone dangerously casual.

Zeller immediately backed down, lowering his head. "I apologize. I misspoke."

Marcus didn't push it. He looked back out the window, his voice turning flat. "Keep an eye on her. Report back to me the second anything happens."

Meanwhile, Hazel followed Alden down to the new Apex research division.

When the elevator doors opened, she stepped into a massive, state-of-the-art facility. The equipment was flawlessly organized and easily rivaled the Capital Research Institute—in fact, it was newer and far more advanced.