Hidden Potential

Avery

The driver opened the door, and Declan stepped out first, then extended his hand to help me. I hesitated before taking it, trying to ignore the warmth that spread up my arm at his touch.

Outside, the air smelled of river water and damp earth. A salt-and-pepper-haired man in a suit approached from a parked SUV, accompanied by a younger woman clutching a portfolio.

"Mr. Pierce," the man called