Chapter 6: Tension Behind the Glass Walls
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Maxwell Enterprise – Monday Morning
The sound of stiletto heels echoed across the pristine marble floor as Kristy stormed into the executive floor of Maxwell Enterprise. She was dressed in a fitted gray pencil skirt, a white blouse that hugged her curves, and her signature crimson lipstick—the one she knew Nathan once complimented. But this morning, there was no warmth in her stride. She had seen the tabloid.
Nathan Maxwell—her boss, the man she had secretly loved—was on the cover of The Weekly Star, standing close to Brittany John, the stunning Hollywood actress. The headline screamed: "Billionaire Bachelor Nathan Maxwell Finally Off the Market?"
She didn't bother knocking. She pushed open the glass door to Nathan's office.
Nathan, seated behind his massive mahogany desk, didn't flinch. He was reviewing a marketing proposal when her perfume announced her presence.
"Nathan," Kristy snapped, holding out her tablet with the article on display. "You're dating Brittany John now?"
Nathan didn't look up immediately. "Are you stalking me now, Kristy?"
Her hand trembled slightly. "No. But it's all over the media. You didn't think I deserved to know?"
Nathan's voice remained even. "I don't owe you any explanation. Brittany and I have an understanding. She's not my girlfriend—just a friend with benefits. That's all."
What does that even mean?
Kristy's chest heaved as she stepped closer to his desk. "Just like me, right? Another convenient body when you need one?"
Nathan finally looked up, his gaze hard. "Stop it, Kristy. We're at work. I need you focused on the client file. We need to hit our Q3 target.
But Kristy wasn't done.
"You think you can bury what happened between us?" Her voice lowered to a whisper. "Five months ago, you came to visit your father. That night—when you were all over me—you didn't look confused. You looked… sure."
Nathan stood now, his tone colder. "That night was a mistake."
Her voice cracked. "It wasn't a mistake to me."
"You were vulnerable," he said, voice low.
Kristy's eyes narrowed. "That's not true. You kissed me like you meant it. You undressed me like you knew every inch of me. You whispered things you can't take back."
Nathan's hands balled into fists at his sides. "Kristy, I said enough."
She stepped even closer, lowering her voice into a seductive murmur. "Nathan, you were far from me back then—in your final year at school. Now you're here, close to me, and pretending it didn't happen. Why? Because I'm not famous? Because I'm not Brittany John?"
"Because it shouldn't have happened," he said, jaw clenched. "We crossed a line, and I regret it."
Kristy's pride began to crumble. "We can still make this happen," she whispered. "You just have to want it."
Nathan turned away and walked toward the glass wall that overlooked the city. "My father's dying wish was for me not to sack you. You've grown with this company. You've built your name here. Please… don't make me break that promise."
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she turned and left the room without another word.
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That Evening – Nathan's Apartment
Nathan collapsed on the leather couch in his penthouse, trying to make sense of the storm brewing inside him. The tabloids. Kristy. His mom's call. Everything was spiraling out of control.
Just then, his phone rang. His mother's voice chirped through the speaker.
"Nathan, darling, have you seen the magazine cover? You and Brittany look stunning. She should come home so we can meet her properly."
Nathan groaned. "Mom, please don't believe everything you see. Brittany is just a friend. Nothing romantic."
"But the world already thinks otherwise. Why don't you just give it a try with her? She's beautiful, intelligent, and clearly fond of you."
"Fond of the idea of being with me," Nathan corrected. "Not the man behind the money."
His mother paused. "Are you seeing someone else?"
"No."
"Then what's the problem?"
Nathan looked out the window at the city skyline, the weight of loneliness pressing on his chest. "The problem is—I don't know what I want."
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Later That Night – Inside Emily's Quarters
While the rest of the house slept, Emily was cleaning the hallway near Nathan's private study.
She overheard the conversation between Nathan and his mom
Nathan had never treated Emily unkindly. There were moments he smiled at her. Moments when their eyes met too long. Moments when he asked if she had eaten or offered her a glass of wine when she cleaned late.
But maybe that was just basic kindness. Nothing more.
She sat down at the edge of her tiny bed and stared at the cracked ceiling. "Stop dreaming, Emily," she whispered to herself. "Men like Nathan don't fall for girls like you."
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Next Morning – Office Tension
The next day at Maxwell Enterprise was filled with unease. Kristy avoided Nathan's gaze. Nathan didn't say much during the team meeting. He was physically present, but his mind was elsewhere.
Everywhere he looked, he felt watched. Every whisper sounded like it contained his name.
When Brittany called later that afternoon, inviting him to a charity gala, Nathan said yes—but not because he wanted to go. He needed a distraction. He needed the media to see something, anything, that kept the real mess hidden.
And maybe… he needed to prove to himself that Kristy hadn't left a dent.