"You remember when I told you I didn't know who I slept with that night?" Elara asked as she stopped in front of Madeline's desk.
Madeline slid a chair toward her, her eyes already narrowing. "You said you woke up and he was gone."
Elara sank into the chair, her voice unsteady. "It was the other way around. I woke up and he was there … this perfect man beside me. But you know me, Maddie… I panicked. I thought I'd made a mistake I couldn't face. So, I left. I never thought we'd cross paths again… until you showed me your boss's picture. And it was him."
"Mr. Ranveer?" Madeline's mouth dropped open enough to fit two eggs. "Come on Elara!" she waved her hand like someone forcing a confession. "You're not serious?"
Elara looked at her silently. Madeline rolled her eyes in shock. "El?"
Elara's voice trembled. "I swear, I didn't know. I've never followed the business headlines, never cared about who's who. That night, I was drunk. Maybe he was too… I don't know… I thought it would just fade into nothing."
Madeline shook her head in disbelief. "This is straight out of a movie. And does he know?"
Elara leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Remember the day of the Energy contracts meeting? That brief contact we had at the narrow doorway? I felt it like something strange, almost electric. I brushed it off. But he didn't. He dug into my past, Maddie. He found out I was at that hotel that night. He confronted me today. I'm dying…"
"I knew it!" Madeline slapped her hand on the desk. "This is messy. Mr. Ranveer is about to be engaged to Bianca Monroe. Do you understand what that means? If this ever comes out, the Monroe family won't just fire you from Orion, they'll bury you."
"I know," Elara whispered. "I promised myself I'd stay out of it. I hate drama. You know that."
Madeline's expression softened, but her tone remained sharp. "Then hold on to that promise. Stay away from him. Whatever this is, let it die."
"I swear," Elara said, nodding. "I'll never let myself get close to Mr. Maxwell again."
"El, I kind of want to understand this, but you know the families involved have the power to just erase us from existence!"
"Me… there is us?" Elara paused and asked.
"ooh dear Lord! You're so stupid!" Madeline slapped her face lightly. "This kind of people come for everyone, including your ancestors!"
Just then, the elevator doors opened. Edward Monroe stepped out, followed closely by Maxwell Ranveer. Elara's stomach tightened. For a fleeting moment, Maxwell's gaze locked on hers. It was only a second, but it felt like a storm raging beneath calm waters.
"Elara," Edward said in his usual brisk tone, "after the signing of the contract, the Monroe family will be hosting a celebration party at the Golden Hotel. Everyone will attend, including Mr. Ranveer here."
The words Golden Hotel hit Elara like a jolt. She dared to glance at Maxwell. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes lingered on her as if they both remembered exactly what had happened there a week ago.
"Yes, sir," she replied quickly, trying to mask her nerves.
Later, as she and Madeline walked out, Madeline smirked. "That eye contact… don't think I missed it."
"It was coincidence," Elara said flatly.
Madeline's grin widened. "Sure. Coincidence."
"ooh come on Maddie… this is getting very awkward!" Elara complained.
…
The next morning…
Elara was heading up the stairs when Adrian Rodolph appeared beside her, flashing a polite smile.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," Elara replied. "Right on time."
"I always keep time," Adrian said lightly.
She hesitated before speaking. "Can I ask you something? Don't take it the wrong way. I'm just curious."
"Go ahead."
"Are you really the heir of the Rodolph family?"
Adrian chuckled softly. "That was quick."
"I couldn't help it. The name caught my attention," Elara admitted. "The Rodolphs are among the top five families in the country. Anyone would be curious."
"You're right," he said. "I am Adrian Rodolph."
"And?" Elara stopped and looked at him intensely.
Elara stopped mid-step, nearly bumping into him. "Then what are you doing here working under the Monroes? You should be running an empire."
His smile thinned. "A fallout with my stepmother. Let's just say I needed distance from the family… long story."
"I'm sorry," Elara said gently. "I didn't mean to pry."
"I know," Adrian said, brushing it off. "Don't worry."
They reached in the stairs where they had to part ways. Before leaving, Adrian added, "Are you attending the Golden Hotel party? You missed the last one."
"Yes," Elara admitted. "My friend thinks it'll be a good way to cool off. Things have been… complicated lately."
"Then I'll look forward to seeing you both," Adrian said, smiling before walking away.
Elara couldn't help but smile back. But once she sat at her desk, the smile faded. She quickly texted Madeline: Adrian really is the Rodolph heir.
Within seconds, Madeline called. "A fallout with his stepmom? Elara, what kind of fallout makes someone leave that kind of life? Something's off."
"I don't know. He wasn't ready to share, and I didn't push. But he didn't deny who he is."
"Anyone would know the moment they heard the name Rodolph," Madeline said dryly.
"I told him the same thing," Elara replied. "Anyway, I've got work to do."
….
That evening…
"Sir, here." Elara placed a stack of files on Edward Monroe's desk.
He set his phone aside and glanced up. "Good."
As she turned to leave, he spoke again. "Elara."
She paused. "Yes, sir?"
"My sister has just signed on as the new fashion model for The Lady magazine. She wants everyone there to cheer her on. You're invited."
Elara forced a bright smile. "She's such a diva. Of course, I'll come."
Edward gave a small approving nod. "She's over the moon. Her fiancé will be there too."
Elara's breath caught. "Mr. Ranveer?"
Edward's silence was answer enough.