The grand office of Adrian Cross—towering windows, sleek mahogany furniture, and an intimidating black leather chair—felt colder than usual that morning.
Evelyn stood just inside the doorway, clutching her portfolio. Her heart raced. Why did he call me here?
Adrian sat behind his desk, hands steepled, eyes sharp as ever. The room smelled faintly of cedar and leather. The weight of his presence pressed down on her chest.
"Sit," he said, voice deep and controlled.
Evelyn obeyed, though her knees trembled. She had no idea what to expect.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, studying her silently. After a long pause, he finally spoke:
"You handled yesterday well. The audition, the sabotage… you didn't falter."
Evelyn blinked. "I… I just did my best."
He stood abruptly, walking around the desk, each step deliberate. "Your best isn't good enough for mediocrity," he said, voice low, almost dangerous. "But it is enough to challenge people who think they can control you."
Her eyes widened. Is he… praising me? Or warning me?
Before she could respond, the door burst open. Lady Eronis, green eyes blazing, stormed in.
"Adrian! This girl—she's…" Eronis' words faltered as she looked at him. "Why are you defending her?!"
Adrian didn't flinch. He stepped between Eronis and Evelyn, tall and immovable.
"She's under my protection," he said coldly. "Any further attempts to sabotage her, and you'll answer to me."
Eronis' smile twisted, icy and dangerous. "Oh, I see. So this is personal now."
Evelyn's stomach twisted. She had never seen Adrian this openly confrontational—and part of her wanted to hide, while another part felt… strangely safe.
Adrian's gaze swept over her, softer now, though still commanding.
"Evelyn, you don't need to be afraid here. Not while I'm in this room. Do you understand?"
She nodded, words caught in her throat. He's… actually protecting me. Not just in secret… but openly.
Eronis' eyes narrowed, lips pressing into a thin line. "This isn't over," she hissed, before storming out.
Once the door clicked shut, Adrian exhaled, finally allowing a fraction of his usual cold mask to slip.
"You're lucky. Not many get this kind of protection… not that I'd admit it to anyone."
Evelyn's heart pounded. He's… serious. And he's on my side.
The moment the door clicked shut after Eronis stormed out, the atmosphere in Adrian's office shifted. The oppressive tension eased slightly, but the air still felt charged.
Adrian leaned against his desk, arms crossed, studying Evelyn. His icy-blue eyes softened for a brief moment—a flicker she barely noticed.
"You need to understand," he began, voice calm but commanding, "this isn't just about talent or ambition. People like her"—he didn't name Eronis—"will try to manipulate, control, and humiliate you at every turn."
Evelyn swallowed hard, gripping her portfolio tighter. "I… I didn't even do anything wrong," she murmured.
Adrian's lips twitched, the barest hint of a smirk. "Wrong? No. Courageous, even reckless, maybe. But never wrong. That's why I can't allow anyone to use you."
Her heart raced. He actually means it… he's not just saying it.
He moved closer, walking slowly around his desk, each step measured, like a predator circling but also guarding. "You're in a world you don't fully understand yet. And while you might think I'm harsh or cold, know this: I won't let anyone—especially her—undermine you."
Evelyn blinked, cheeks flushing. "I… I didn't realize…"
Adrian's tone softened, almost imperceptibly, as he added, "You're not alone. Not here. Not ever while I'm in this office."
The words hung in the room like a whispered promise. Evelyn's chest fluttered. For the first time, the fear that had gripped her in the mansion eased slightly.
Just then, the phone on Adrian's desk buzzed. He glanced at it, eyes narrowing. The message was from his assistant, Ethan:
> "She's been followed by someone from Eronis' circle. Be careful."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "I see." He looked at Evelyn, voice low but firm: "Stay here. Don't leave this room until I say it's safe."
Evelyn nodded, heart pounding. Safe… with him. But why does it feel like danger is right outside the door?
From the hallway, faint footsteps echoed. Adrian's hand instinctively moved toward the door, ready for anything.
And somewhere, Lady Eronis' green eyes glinted from afar, plotting her next move…