Page 14 of Filthy Rich Bosses

I nod, following him out to the back of the house. As we walk, I can't help but ask, "So...does Grayson often disappear like this?"

Douglas's pause is telling. "Mr. Harrington is a very busy man, Miss Morrow. But I assure you, Zeus's welfare is of utmost importance to him."

We reach a spacious kennel area, and I see him—a gorgeous German Shepherd, his ears perked up at our approach. But there's wariness in his eyes that makes my heart ache.

"This is Zeus," Douglas says softly. "He was...he was Sarah's dog."

The name hangs in the air, loaded with unspoken meaning. I want to ask who Sarah is—was?—but something in Douglas's tone stops me.

Instead, I crouch down, speaking gently to Zeus. "Hey there, handsome. Want to go for a walk?"

I lead Zeus out to the sprawling backyard, my pocket heavy with treats. The morning sun warms my skin as I observe him, noting how he moves with a mix of caution and curiosity.

"All right, buddy," I murmur, "let's see what you're all about."

Zeus' ears prick up at my voice, but he keeps his distance. I sit cross-legged on the grass, letting him approach on his own terms. As I watch, I notice how his tail twitches when a bird chirps nearby and how his posture stiffens when he hears a car in the distance.

"You're a sensitive soul, aren't you?" I say softly, more to myself than to Zeus.

I pull out a treat, holding it where he can see. His nose twitches, interest sparking in those soulful brown eyes.

"Come on, handsome. It's okay."

For a moment, Zeus takes a step forward, then hesitates. I hold my breath, willing him to trust me. Then, miracle of miracles, he inches closer.

"Good boy," I whisper, my heart soaring. "That's it."

Encouraged, I decide to try a simple command. "Zeus, sit."

To my amazement, he lowers his haunches for a split second before popping back up. It's not perfect, but it's progress.

"Yes!" I exclaim, tossing him the treat. "Good boy, Zeus! What a smart boy!"

As I praise him, I notice movement out of the corner of my eye. A few of the household staff have paused in their morning routines, watching us with undisguised surprise.

"Did you see that?" I call out, unable to contain my excitement. "He almost had it!"

One of the maids, an older woman with kind eyes, smiles warmly. "It's been a long time since we've seen Zeus respond like that to anyone," she says. "You must have the magic touch, Miss Morrow."

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks, but I can't help the pride swelling in my chest. "We've got a long way to go," I admit, "but this is a great start."

As I turn back to Zeus, I catch a glimpse of movement in an upstairs window. For just a moment, I swear I see Grayson watching us. But when I blink, he's gone.

"Well, Zeus," I say, reaching for another treat, "shall we try again?"

Chapter 7

Cole

Igrip the steering wheel tighter as Morgan's shrill voice fills the car. The familiar skyline of the city comes into view, but instead of feeling relieved to be home, I'm already exhausted.

"Cole, are you even listening to me?" Morgan demands through the speakerphone.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Yes, Morgan, I hear you. But I don't understand why you're calling me about this."

"Because it's important!" she snaps. "You can't just ignore me. Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was for me when I walked into the party alone? Everyone was asking where you were."

The light turns red, and I ease to a stop, closing my eyes for a brief moment. The scent of leather and my fading cologne fills my nostrils, a stark contrast to the sterile hotel rooms I've been living in for the past week. I rub at the tension between my brows.

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