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I stare at it for a moment before making eye contact with her. “Does one of your employees own an orange orchard? Is the company sponsored by an orange farm? Or do your employees just like citrus?” I ask, pointing at the bowl. “I noticed there’s a bowl at reception too.”

Violet rolls her eyes. “No. I think my brother’s going through some kind of midlife crisis. He’s been acting strange this past week. Completely out of character.” She gestures towards the fruit bowl. “This morning, he arrived with an entire crate of oranges. He even got up early to go to the fruit market to buy them fresh, before strategically placing them throughout the office.”

I shrug like it’s the most obvious explanation. “Well, at least we know he’s getting his vitamin C.”

Violet laughs. “I don’t even think he likes oranges. He didn’t when he was a kid. He’s more into apples and bananas.”

“I’m quite partial to bananas,” I admit. “I run marathons, and they’re one of my go-to fruits. Easy to eat, packed with carbohydrates, and good for keeping those pesky muscle cramps at bay.”

“You run marathons? Willingly?” Violet asks, screwing up her face.

“That’s usually the reaction I get. There’s something strangely satisfying about spending months training for the privilege of torturing yourself for four hours.”

“I admire you. If you ever see me running, you’d better run too, because I’m probably being chased by a serial killer.”

This time, we both laugh. I like her already. Something about her easygoing nature makes me relax almost immediately.

“So, Rose,” she says, opening the folder in front of her. “Tell me about yourself. I see you recently moved to Sydney from Melbourne. Are you planning on staying here long-term, or is it temporary?”

“I’m hoping it’ll be more long-term. I’m embarrassed to admit that, up until a few months ago, I was still living with my parents. I’m an only child, and they’re protective. They’re currently travelling the world on a six-month holiday, so I figured it was the perfect opportunity to finally branch out on my own. I’ve even taken the plunge and put a hefty deposit on my first apartment. Living at home allowed me to save a lot of money.”

“I commend you for that. I’m twenty-six and still living with my Mum, so I know exactly what you mean. And, honestly, who doesn’t love coming home from work to a home-cooked meal, and clean laundry folded neatly on your bed?”

“I know. It took me a few weeks to find my feet once I was out on my own.”

She glances back down at the paperwork in front of her. “You’re currently working for Whitmore Industries.”

“Yes.”

“Is there a reason you no longer want to work there?”

I puff out my cheeks. “I don’t mind my job, but to be blunt, I can’t stand my boss.”

“Oh,” Violet says, biting the corner of her bottom lip. “Bronson didn’t get along with his last PA either, so this could be a problem.”

Her words have me panicking. I need this job. “Can I ask why he didn’t get along with his PA?”

“They clashed. Let’s just say Janet was … difficult, and had a tendency to challenge everything she was asked to do.”

“I don’t have a problem following orders. That’s not why I’m dissatisfied with my current employer.” My fingers knot together in my lap. If I have any chance of getting this job, I need to be honest. “Mr Edmanson …” I glance away, staring at the wall. “I’ve given him the nickname Sir Hands-a-Lot, if you get my meaning.”

Violet’s eyes widen when my gaze moves back to her. “He touches you inappropriately?”

I swallow around the lump in my throat and nod. The only other person I’ve ever admitted that to is that cad, Not-Brendan.

“Did you report it?”

This time I shake my head. “I couldn’t afford to lose the job.”

“Oh, Rose,” she says, reaching across the table and placing her hand on mine. “If anything happens to you while you’re working here, promise me you’ll come to me.”

My heart rate spikes. “Are you saying I have the job?”

“Yes.”

When I follow Violet out of the boardroom ten minutes later, we find a man lurking in the hallway. He’s seriously good-looking, suit-clad and carries an air of confidence that makes me instantly wonder who he is. He’s leaning casually against the wall, his hands shoved into his trouser pockets, as his eyes ping-pong between Violet and myself. Is this my new boss? Because holy hell if it is.

“Why are you standing in the hallway looking like you’re up to something?” Violet asks.