The whispers grew louder.
Avalon Resort.
Everyone in the office couldn't stop talking about it, about the rumored infinity pool that seemed to stretch into the sky, the private beaches, and the luxurious spa that could melt away years of stress with one touch. It was all anyone could think about.
Karen sat at her desk, her fingers tracing the delicate bracelet on her wrist, the one Alex had given her. It was simple but beautiful, cool against her skin, and somehow calming.
It wasn't just a gift, it was a message, a warning and a promise. She wasn't sure which.
Luca had been surprisingly quiet since he learned he was included in the retreat. He had passed her earlier in the hallway, and instead of his usual teasing smirk, his eyes had been sharp. Watchful, like he was already on guard.
The thought made her stomach twist.
She glanced around the office. Groups of employees were huddled together, scrolling through pictures of Avalon Resort on their phones.
Carla, now fully cemented as her closest friend at work, nudged her elbow and grinned.
"You ready for this escape from reality?" she asked.
Karen gave her a half-smile. "Escape? You make it sound like a vacation."
Carla leaned in, lowering her voice. "Girl, with that bracelet on your wrist, and the way the boss looks at you, it might be anything but."
Karen's smile faded.
Her mind kept replaying the moment she received the email.
Chosen. Selected. Handpicked for something she hadn't even applied for. And the moment her fingers brushed against the velvet box containing the bracelet. Why had Alex included Luca in the retreat? For protection? Or because he didn't trust her alone?
The unease settled in her chest.
The retreat would be for three days. At a luxurious resort far from the noise of the city. But the calm of the place didn't match the storm she felt brewing beneath the surface. Something told her this wasn't going to be a normal team bonding event.
"Peace or chaos," she whispered to herself, eyes still fixed on the bracelet.
Carla raised a brow. "What?"
Karen shook her head slowly. "Nothing."
But deep down, she knew..... she knew that this retreat was about to change everything.