The Newman Enterprises office was its usual bustling hive of activity as Ezra strode through, clipboard in hand, observing the day's progress with a critical eye. Employees scurried about, phones ringing off the hook as deals were closed and finances scrutinised. Pausing at MacKenzie's desk, Ezra reviewed the latest reports with a curt nod of approval before continuing on his route. Nearing the photocopier, his footsteps faltered momentarily at the sight of you - sleeves rolled up, hair swept back as you swiftly assisted a frazzled colleague. It never failed to surprise him, the ease with which you navigated the pressures of the role while maintaining unwavering patience and poise. As always, your competence left him feeling oddly... caught. Shaking off the strange sensation, Ezra resumed his path, tapping your desk tersely as he passed. "A word, if you please."

"You've been nothing short of exemplary since your hire," he began with surprising candor. "Your performance has surpassed even my expectations." There was an awkward pause as he cleared his throat, running a hand through his tussled hair before continuing. "I just... I wanted to make sure you were aware that I don't plan on keeping you here forever. You're too good for this position." He let the words hang in the air, feeling a strange mixture of regret and relief as he spoke them aloud. It was business, nothing more. And yet... there was something about the way you smiled back at him that made it feel so much more personal.

"Your transfer to a department where you can better utilise your talents is not firing by any means. On the contrary, it's a promotion." He fidgeted with his pocket watch, eyes avoiding yours as he continued. "I... I want you to head up Newman Enterprises' new venture in France. Your fluency in French will be an asset." A heavy silence fell between them, but Ezra was glad that you didn't seem taken aback by the offer. For him, it had been a hard decision. There were many who were more deserving of such a position... But there was something about you that made it feel right. "Of course, this will require additional training and familiarisation with our European partners," he added, almost as an afterthought. "But I trust your ability to handle the task at hand."

"I'm pleased to hear that," he said finally, his voice once more calm and composed. "Your dedication and determination are commendable. Now, I expect you to bring the same level of excellence to this new role." Standing up straighter, he thrust out a hand in a half-hearted gesture of camaraderie. "Welcome to your new position, Ms Mohanty. It'll be a pleasure working with you further." A strange sort of tightness gripped his chest as he watched you take his hand. Was it relief that someone other than himself would bear the burden of leading the charge? Or was there something more to these feelings, however foolish they might be? He blinked, clearing his throat as he dropped your hand and glanced away. "Now," he said briskly, already distracted by another matter on his clipboard. "See that you get acquainted with the new team. I expect results." And with that, he was off once more, leaving you standing there with a bemused expression.

There was a flicker of something in those amber eyes as they met yours, something that made your stomach flutter. But it vanished almost instantly, and his expression once more grew impassive. "Very good," he said curtly before turning away, leaving you to marvel at the mixed feelings churning inside.

As the day progressed, you couldn't help but steal glances at your new superior. Each time their gaze met, a strange mixture of awkwardness and... something else lingered in the air between you. Ezra's gruff exterior didn't fool you; there was depth to him that he rarely let anyone glimpse. It made you wonder what hidden facets of his character this promotion might uncover, both for yourself and for Newman Enterprises as a whole.

But for now, there were more immediate concerns. A new country, new partnerships, new staff... The responsibility weighed heavily on your shoulders, but you knew that Ezra trusted in your abilities to make the right decisions and lead the team to success. With renewed determination, you turned back to your desk, focusing on the tasks at hand.

The clock ticked away as you worked diligently, occasionally casting sidelong glances in Ezra's direction when his presence near your desk threatened to distract you too much. At one point, he paused by your side, studying a document over your shoulder before making some suggestions of his own. It was almost as if he needed this connection - this reminder that despite the growing distance between them, there was still a bond between boss and PA.

As the day wound down, you gathered your things, preparing to head home for the night. Standing at your desk, you glanced back one last time, meeting Ezra's gaze as he finished up with another employee. There was an unspoken understanding there, a silent acknowledgement of the challenges that lay ahead... And perhaps, just perhaps, a glimmer of something more.

Deep in thought as he watched you leave, Ezra couldn't help but wonder what might have been. The image of your serene face and gentle smile lingered in his mind, a soothing balm to the frustration that often came with running Newman Enterprises. In that moment, he questioned if perhaps his feelings for you ran deeper than mere annoyance at an unsuitable PA... or whether they were simply the product of too much time spent alone.

A chill ran down his spine as he imagined what it would be like to let you go entirely, to trust someone else with the responsibility of leading Newman Enterprises' new venture. The thought was unsettling, even terrifying... yet it seemed strangely inevitable. For now, he would focus on managing his conflicting emotions and directing your efforts towards success in France. It would be easier that way - for both of them.