Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains as Danelle slowly stirred from sleep, her body heavy with exhaustion. Her eyes fluttered open, and it took a few seconds for her to orient herself. She blinked at the wall clock.
10:23 a.m.
She gasped and sat upright. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath.
She hadn't meant to sleep in so late—definitely not on her first official day at Da Vinci Co. She blamed it on the bed, which was far too soft, warm, and comfortable for someone who had spent years sleeping with one eye open.
Kicking off the duvet, she moved with purpose, heading into the bathroom. Her bare feet padded across the marble floors as she brushed her teeth and jumped into a quick, hot shower. Ten minutes later, she stepped out wrapped in a towel and selected a sleek, fitted navy-blue gown from the wardrobe. The fabric hugged her curves just right without being too revealing.
Today, she needed to look like power. No one had to know she woke up an hour late.
