Elena walked down the marble corridor, her thoughts in a whirlwind. Her lips still tingled with the ghost of his kiss, and her heart hammered in her chest. What did I just do? What have I gotten myself into?
Her steps quickened toward the restroom, desperate for a moment alone, but a sharp voice cut through the hallway.
"Elena."
She froze. Amara stepped out from the corner, arms folded, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she approached. Her eyes were sharp, gleaming with venom.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" Amara sneered. "The poor countryside girl who suddenly catches the CEO's eye. Did you really believe you could steal him from me?"
Elena swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. "I didn't steal anything. I'm just doing my job."
Amara's laugh was cold and bitter. "Job? Don't play innocent. I saw the way he looks at you. I know what's going on between you two."
"That's not true," Elena whispered, shaking her head.
But Amara's fury had already ignited. She stepped closer until her perfume was suffocating. "Stay away from him. He's mine."
Elena turned to walk away, not wanting to fuel the fire, but before she could take a second step—
SLAP!
The sound cracked through the empty corridor. Elena's head snapped to the side, her cheek burning from the force of Amara's hand.
Her eyes widened in shock. "You—"
Amara's voice rose, dripping with venom. "Don't you dare walk away from me! You're nothing but a stray peasant girl. Do you really think you can compete with me? With us?"
Elena's hands clenched at her sides. The sting on her cheek was nothing compared to the ache swelling in her chest. She wanted to scream, to defend herself, but before she could speak—
"Elena!"
Goldie came rushing down the hall, her eyes flaring with anger the moment she saw Elena's red cheek. She pushed herself between them, glaring at Amara.
"How dare you lay a hand on her?" Goldie's voice was sharp, protective. "You think because you dress in expensive clothes and sit in an air-conditioned office, that makes you better than her? Newsflash, Amara—class doesn't buy you dignity."
Amara scoffed, crossing her arms. "This is none of your business."
"Oh, it's very my business," Goldie shot back. "You ever touch Elena again, and I won't stay silent."
For a moment, the hallway was electric, the two women staring daggers at each other.
Elena, still shaken, touched her cheek lightly and whispered, "Goldie, please… let's just go."
Goldie turned to her friend, her expression softening, then glared once more at Amara before leading Elena away.
Behind them, Amara's nails dug into her palms as rage consumed her. "Enjoy this little victory, country girl," she hissed under her breath. "Because I'll make sure it's your last."
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