The next morning, Vel's Corporation was unusually tense. Conversations that usually filled the open floor space were now replaced by quiet murmurs and half-hidden stares. The news about Vanessa Moore's unexpected appearance had already spread like wildfire. By the time Selina arrived, clutching her handbag close to her chest, she could already feel the shift in the air.
She kept her head low, pretending not to notice the employees who suddenly paused their conversations when she walked past. Still, she caught fragments "That woman came back… The ex-boss's ex…" and "He looked furious yesterday."
Selina's steps faltered slightly, but she forced herself to continue to her desk. It wasn't her business, she told herself. It shouldn't bother her. Yet something about the name Vanessa made her chest feel uncomfortably tight.
Inside his office, Andrew Vel sat at his desk, his expression unreadable. The blinds were half-drawn, casting stripes of light across his face. His phone buzzed repeatedly, but he ignored it. He had been staring at the same document for nearly an hour, unable to focus.
Vanessa's sudden return wasn't just a surprise — it was an open wound ripped apart. He thought she had left his life completely, taking every ounce of chaos she brought with her. But now, she was back, walking into his company as if she still belonged there.
There was a knock on his door.
"Come in," he said, his voice low.
Aiden stepped in, holding a folder. "Sir, these are the final reports from the land corporation."
Andrew nodded, taking the file without looking up. "Leave it there."
Aiden hesitated, then quietly added, "Sir… people are talking about yesterday. Maybe you should"
"Handle your work, Aiden," Andrew cut him off sharply. His tone was cold enough to freeze the air.
Aiden gave a quick nod and left. Outside, he exhaled heavily. Everyone could feel the storm brewing.
Meanwhile, Gabrielle leaned against his office window on the next floor, watching the employees scurry about nervously. He smirked, sipping his coffee. "So the ice prince has finally cracked," he muttered to himself before heading down the hallway.
He didn't bother knocking when he entered Andrew's office. "You look terrible," he said casually, dropping into the seat opposite Andrew.
Andrew glanced up briefly. "Good morning to you too, Gabrielle."
"You know," Gabrielle continued, "I left my own company to come see how you're doing, and not even a thank you? My, how fame changes people."
Andrew sighed, rubbing his temples. "What do you want?"
Gabrielle grinned. "Just wanted to check if the rumors were true. Miss Vanessa Moore, back from the land of heartbreak?"
Andrew shot him a warning glare. "Don't start."
"Oh, come on," Gabrielle teased. "It's all over the building. You should see how your employees look like they're watching a drama series. You, Vanessa, and—" he paused, raising a brow— "your lovely secretary."
Andrew froze for a second but quickly looked away. "Selina has nothing to do with this."
Gabrielle leaned forward, smirking. "You keep saying that, but your tone says otherwise."
Andrew ignored him and stood, walking to the window. "I thought she was gone for good."
Gabrielle's expression softened slightly. "You know how people like Vanessa are. They don't just walk away when they feel replaced."
The word replaced hung in the air for a moment. Andrew didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on the city below, but his mind was miles away — back to the moment Vanessa left without a word, leaving only a note and shattered trust behind.
Downstairs, Selina sat quietly at her desk, flipping through files she had already reviewed twice. She couldn't help glancing at Andrew's office door every few minutes. Ever since yesterday, he'd barely spoken to her except for work-related instructions. His tone had changed — colder, distant, as if he was punishing her for something neither of them could explain.
Her phone buzzed with a message from her mother.
"Your father left again last night. I don't know where he is. Please talk to him if he calls you."
Selina's chest tightened. She bit her lip and typed back quickly.
"I will, Mom. Just try to rest."
She locked her phone and pressed her fingers to her temple. The headache she had been ignoring all morning returned in full force. Between the tension at home and the coldness at work, she felt completely drained.
Then she heard soft whispers nearby. Two female employees at the copier were giggling, trying to keep their voices low.
"I heard she used to run this place with him," one said.
"Yeah, and they said she left because of another man. But now she's back? That's trouble."
"And did you see how she looked at the new secretary?"
Selina clenched her jaw and stood, walking toward the files room to escape their voices.
At that same moment, Andrew's phone buzzed again — this time with a message that made him pause.
From: Vanessa Moore
Lunch at La Blume, 1 PM. Don't be late.
No greeting. No explanation. Just a command exactly how she used to be.
Gabrielle peered over the desk and whistled. "Oh boy. That woman doesn't waste time."
Andrew placed the phone face down. "It's a business lunch."
Gabrielle laughed. "Sure it is. And I'm secretly a priest."
"I'm not entertaining your nonsense," Andrew muttered, grabbing his jacket.
As he stepped out of the office, the employees immediately went silent. Selina looked up from her desk just as he passed by. Their eyes met briefly a flicker of something neither of them could name.
He said nothing, only adjusted his tie and left.
Selina watched him go, her chest feeling oddly heavy. Why do I even care? she thought. He's my boss, nothing more.
But as she turned back to her computer, she noticed an email pop up — a new meeting scheduled for the afternoon.
Lunch meeting — La Blume Restaurant
Attendees: Andrew Vel, Vanessa Moore
Her fingers froze over the keyboard.
Across the city, Vanessa stood before her mirror, finishing the final touch of her lipstick. Her reflection smirked back at her — cold, composed, beautiful.
"Round two," she whispered. "Let's see how far you've moved on, Andrew."