The holiday party was in full swing when Daniel snatched the mic from the band.
The room hushed.
Emma froze, champagne flute halfway to her lips. Oh God.
Daniel's gaze locked onto hers. "I have an announcement."
Her face burned. This was it—the end of their carefully constructed lies.
HR Lisa already had her head in her hands.
"For six months," Daniel said, voice rough, "I've been breaking every rule in the employee handbook."
A nervous laugh rippled through the crowd.
Emma braced for the fallout.
Then Daniel smiled— really smiled —and her heart stuttered.
"Because Emma Carter isn't just the best damn assistant I've ever had." He extended a hand toward her. "She's the love of my goddamn life."
The room erupted.
Someone wolf-whistled. Lisa muttered, "Finally," into her wine.
Emma's legs carried her forward on autopilot. Daniel met her halfway, pulling her onto the stage.
"You're insane," she whispered.
His thumb brushed her cheek. "Insanely in love with you."
The kiss was soft, sweet—and very, very public.
Later, as they slow-danced under the twinkle lights, Emma sighed. "We're so fired."
Daniel nuzzled her hair. "Worth it."