Jeremy was stunned to find his mentor Aaron Hale's mini-me in the elevator. She stood gracefully, aloof, mirroring Aaron's demeanor—a disconcerting similarity. Beautiful in a serene, sparkling, cold way, like snow, she was obviously Aaron's daughter. Surprised, Jeremy was even more surprised when she called him out for staring; most people weren't so direct.

Awkward silence hung in the air as they were trapped together, but Violet Hale remained guarded. Why? She knew him; she knew her father's trust in him. He posed no threat.

To break the ice, he asked, "What brings you to the office today?"

Violet produced a plastic container. "These are for Dad. My brother's in culinary school; these pastries are too tempting. I had to pawn them off for my own safety."

"What's wrong with eating pastries?"

Her smile warmed her cold exterior, revealing a radiant joy that made Jeremy's heart thump. What was this feeling?

"Nothing, in moderation," she replied. "But I've had far too many this weekend, and I don't want the ballet company's dietician after me."

Recovering his composure, Jeremy managed, "Makes sense."

Violet chuckled. "I'd ask you the same, but it's fairly obvious."

"Uh, yeah. I practically live here," he admitted. He worked late, striving for perfection, determined not to waste the opportunity Aaron had given him—the chance to become his successor. Aaron had promised him the CFO position in five years, a dream come true. Before thirty, CFO of a Fortune 10 company? Unbelievable.

Overworking didn't bother him; it was his passion. Some called him a "business bot," but he didn't see it as derogatory; he was one.

Violet's smile faded, and she resumed her impassive stare. Ten minutes later, with the elevator still stuck, she sighed, "Time to break out the big guns," and pulled out her phone. Amazingly, she had reception.

"Dad, I'm stuck in your elevator," she said. "I don't want to be late for work; can you hurry the technician?"

Jeremy felt the chill radiating from the phone. Aaron would likely reprimand the technician. He sometimes wondered how his four children survived living with him.

Less than five minutes later, the elevator reached the top floor. Aaron Hale was efficient.

Expecting the usual icy greeting, Jeremy was shocked. His mentor's face broke into a grin; he hugged Violet tightly. He was a completely different person! This affection extended beyond pride in his family, surprising Jeremy, who had assumed his mentor was gruff, even if caring.

"Vi! What are you doing here?" Aaron asked warmly.

"I'm bearing contraband," Violet replied, offering the container. "Don't tell Nate."

He accepted the pastries eagerly, kissing her head. "Once again, you're a solid contender for World's Best Daughter."

Her brilliant smile returned, captivating Jeremy. It wasn't just the smile; it transformed her from elegant and aloof to someone approachable, someone he wanted to know. He hadn't realized a smile could have such an impact.

"You flatter me," Violet laughed. "But I have to go. See you tonight."

"Will I?"

She rolled her eyes. "My show's over; I'm back to a normal schedule—for now."

"But your favorite person's in town. I bet you won't be back until late," Aaron predicted.

Violet shrugged, then paused before the closing elevator doors. "Bye Jeremy! Nice meeting you."

"You too," he replied softly.

The moment she was gone, Aaron resumed his business persona. The mystery was solved: Jeremy now understood why his friends called Aaron contradictory. It wasn't contradictory; it was a split personality. The business icon was entirely different with his daughter. Violet seemed the same. He couldn't shake her dazzling, enigmatic smile from his mind.

(Note: I removed the website plug at the end. It was inappropriate for the context of a grammar and punctuation edit.)