Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

[Cordelia]

In our five years of marriage, I have only stepped foot this building 6 times. During each of those occasions, it had been for official reasons-The celebration of our union, and the annual employee mixer at the end of the fiscal year.

Today is different. Today I'm not here as Mrs. Atlas Steele. I'm just another vendor, Cordelia Louise Greyson, looking to hire the production services of Steele Industries. Services I cannot afford.

"You've got this, Cordy," Clark smiles at me encouragingly as he leaves me at the front door to the building. He had planned to come in with me, but a call from work pulled him away unexpectedly. "I'll see you tonight for a celebratory dinner." "Celebratory," I give him a sideways glance as I pull on the strap of my portfolio. "Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself? Atlas might say no."

"He won't," He says calmly and with absolute certainty. "I know my brother. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but he cares for you." He closes his eyes. "No, he loves you."

Love. Here is that word again. First the banker and now Clark.

Waving goodbye, I turn away from my Clark and towards my potential future.

Hands shaking, I pull open the glass door, take a deep breath, and walk purposefully towards the front-desk. The young man looks up at me smiling. "Welcome to Steele Industries. Are you here for the tour?"

I pause. I didn't realize Steele Industries gave tours. "Tour?"Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

He looks down at my portfolio, slung across my chest, and asks, "Aren't you one of the students from the Art Institute?"

Blushing, I realize how he could make that mistake. I'm dressed casually and look about the same age as all the other college students that I now see gathering in the lobby.

"The tour is set to start in 20 minutes," he points to the crowd. "You can wait over there."

"Actually, I'm here to see Mr. Steele," I pull myself up a little taller. "Tell him that Cordelia Greyson is here to speak with him about..."

"Miss," he shakes his head. "Nice try, but there is no Cordelia Greyson on my clearance list," he points to the clipboard next to me. "You'll have your chance to meet Mr. Steele like everyone else during the tour. Now if you don't mind," he looks down at his keyboard, dismissing me.

Feeling defeated, I step away from the desk and step outside to make a call. If he won't listen to me, maybe he'll listen to his boss.

Pulling my phone out of the front pocket of my portfolio, I call Atlas. It goes straight to voicemail. Frowning. I try again but realize he's probably on a call, which isn't unexpected as it is the beginning of the business day. I try texting him, but when I do not get a response right away, Lgive up.

I would call Clark, but I know he is busy. Besides, it wouldn't do any good, he has no official standing with

+25 NONUS

Steele Industries. Sure he looks like his brother, but not enough to bypass security.

Maybe I should just join the tour.

No. I'm so tired of people disregarding me just because of the way I look. Yes, I am petite, young, and a woman, but that doesn't mean I'm not strong, capable, and professional.

"You've got this, Cordelia," I cheer myself on before standing and heading back through the double doors. Rolling my shoulders I approach the front desk for a second time. Clearing my throat I try again.

"Excuse me...Anthony," I read his name from the tag. "I'm not a part of the tour. I am here to see Mr. Steele. If you give him my message, he will confirm that he knows me. It will only take you a couple of minutes to call up to his office and confirm I am who I say I am and that I should have access to the executive floor."

"Mr. Steele is not available," he replies curtly. "He is having breakfast with his wife. So if you are going to insist on seeing him, you'll need to wait in the lobby until he arrives," he gives me his most professional smile.

"His wife," I scowl. "Impossible. Atlas isn't married."

Looking over my shoulder, the man at the desk smiles. "Mr. Steele, this woman says she knows you and....

I turn.

Atlas Steele is standing behind me. His arms folded across his chest.

"Cordelia, what are you doing here?"