Tensions Behind Closed Doors
The Hart Corporation headquarters stood tall and commanding in the heart of the business district, its sleek mirrored exterior reflecting the sky above. Inside, the atmosphere was equally sharp, the hum of productivity resonating through every floor. In his top-floor office, Sebastian Hart tossed aside the final document of a grueling meeting, his head briefly tipping back against his leather chair.
His assistant, Mason Blake, entered quietly, carrying a tablet. "The Seoul contract is ready for final review. There's also a flagged transaction connected to the domestic staffing agency—something you might want to look at personally."
Sebastian's fingers drummed lightly on the desk. "Staffing agency?"
"It's related to Elena's hiring decisions before… the change," Mason said carefully. "A significant payment was made to an unlisted personal account by the woman named Linet— the maid who recently resigned after Elena's accident."
Sebastian's jaw hardened. "Pull up the details."
Mason projected the files on the office screen, scrolling through the financial records. "The timing aligns oddly with Elena's hospitalization, then her 'recovery.' I thought you might want to quietly investigate."
Sebastian's gaze darkened. He had dismissed much of Elena's behavior as petty dramatics, but now…
"Keep it off the official radar," Sebastian ordered. "Hire someone discreet to trace the payment source."
---
Back at the mansion, the staff room buzzed with its own currents of tension. Oliver, the driver, pretended to scroll through his phone while his ears stayed sharp. Across from him, Mina, a young maid with sharp eyes, whispered urgently to the older cook, Lorna.
"I swear I heard her mention 'Serena Moore,' Madam's sister " Mina muttered. "She's been making strange calls, and ever since Madam started changing, she's been jumpy...and now she has resigned"
Oliver stood casually, exiting the room and pulling out his phone. Moments later, Aria's secure line vibrated in her pocket.
"Oliver?"
"The maid Fiona may be involved," he reported. "She's been overly nervous and frequently in contact with outside numbers."
Aria's fingers curled slightly. "Keep watching. Don't confront anyone yet. We need proof."
"And thank you for your hardwork Oliver "
---
Meanwhile, at Hart Corporation, Sebastian's brother, Noah Hart, lounged lazily in one of the executive lounges, swirling a drink in his hand. Unlike Sebastian's calculated coldness, Noah oozed reckless charm. He was known for stirring trouble, but his loyalty to family was unquestionable.
He raised a brow when Mason entered. "Big brother looks stormy today."
"It's about Elena," Mason said, lowering his voice. "Sebastian's beginning to notice the inconsistencies."
Noah smirked. "Finally. Maybe now he'll realize marriage isn't just a corporate punishment."
But beneath the jest, Noah's gaze sharpened. He knew better than anyone how dangerous manipulations within the family's inner circle could become.
---
That evening, Sebastian returned home later than usual. As he walked into the mansion, he paused briefly by the entrance, eyeing the subdued atmosphere. The usual loud gossiping among the maids was absent. Even the butler seemed more guarded.
In the drawing room, Aria sat with a book, posture relaxed, face calm. She didn't rush to greet him, didn't flash a dramatic smile or cling to his sleeve. It was unsettlingly… normal.
Sebastian's lips pressed into a thin line. "You seem busy."
Aria looked up, expression neutral. "Reading helps pass time."
He lingered longer than he intended before retreating upstairs. Alone in his office, he replayed the financial records, the subtle shifts in Elena's demeanor, and the silent tension crackling through his household.
Sebastian had never cared much for personal details, but now, instincts honed in business told him something beneath the surface was festering.
It was surprising how Elena got an allergic reaction, was admitted in the hospital...a day after returning she's suddenly a different person.
"Tomorrow, I'll start to do my search seriously , this is too suspicious " Sebastian muttered as he cast a dazed look on the files given by his assistant.
"I'll have to probe this woman as well and see what this pretence is all about "