The morning atmosphere at Arinston Corporation was unusually lively.
Employees whispered as they passed one another, excitement buzzing through the halls. News had already spread that the company's endorsed actress, Melissa Anderson, would be coming in again today to discuss final details for the upcoming campaign.
Selena noticed the shift immediately.
She sat at her corner desk, organizing files, when she overheard two junior staff members passing by.
"She's really coming again today."
"I heard she looks even more stunning in person."
"I wonder if President Arinston will personally see her again."
Selena's fingers paused briefly on the document she was holding.
She took a quiet breath and resumed work, reminding herself not to overthink things. Melissa was the face of the company's new product. Of course, she would be around.
It meant nothing.
Or at least… that's what she told herself.
Moments later, the office door opened.
Clara stepped in, her expression professional as always. "President Arinston, Miss Anderson has arrived. She's meeting with the marketing team first."
Jace nodded, eyes focused on his tablet. "Let them proceed as planned."
"Alright," Clara said, then glanced briefly at Selena before leaving.
Jace stood and adjusted his suit jacket. "I'll be back shortly."
Selena nodded. "Okay."
As he walked out, Selena found herself unconsciously watching his retreating figure until the door closed behind him.
Calm down, she scolded herself internally.
The meeting with the marketing team went smoothly.
Melissa sat elegantly at the table, dressed in a refined cream-colored outfit, her makeup flawless and her posture effortless. She listened attentively, nodding at the appropriate times, asking thoughtful questions.
But her mind wasn't entirely on the campaign.
When the meeting ended, she glanced at her assistant. "I'll catch up with you later."
Before anyone could object, Melissa stood and walked out confidently.
She headed straight for the top floor.
Back in Jace's office, Selena was focused on printing reports when the door suddenly opened again.
She looked up.
Melissa stepped inside with practiced ease, heels clicking as she crossed the floor.
For a moment, both women froze.
Again.
Selena stood slowly. "Good afternoon, Miss Anderson."
Melissa's lips curved into a measured smile. "Good afternoon."
Her gaze swept the office before landing on Selena—calm, assessing.
"So…" Melissa said lightly, folding her arms. "You're still here."
Selena kept her composure. "Yes. I work here."
Melissa tilted her head. "Still sharing an office with President Arinston?"
Selena hesitated for just a second. "Yes."
Interesting, Melissa thought.
Before Selena could say more, footsteps sounded behind Melissa.
Jace stopped at the doorway.
"What's going on?" he asked coolly.
Melissa turned instantly, smile brightening. "Jace."
His gaze flicked briefly to Selena—checking her expression—before returning to Melissa.
"Did you need something?" he asked.
Melissa clasped her hands together. "I wanted to clarify something about the campaign schedule. I thought it would be faster to speak to you directly."
Jace glanced at his watch. "We can talk here."
Melissa smiled. "Perfect."
She moved closer to his desk, purposefully placing herself within his line of sight—then casually glanced back at Selena.
"Oh—should your secretary stay?"
Selena felt the subtle sting of the word.
Before she could respond, Jace spoke sharply. "She stays."
Melissa's smile stiffened, just slightly.
"Oh," she said softly. "I didn't know she was that… involved."
Jace's tone cooled. "She works for me."
Silence fell.
Melissa recovered quickly. "Anyway, about the shoot location—"
She leaned over slightly, closing the distance between herself and Jace as she spoke. Selena remained standing at her desk, watching everything unfold with quiet composure.
Yet inside, her heart was not as calm.
She noticed the way Melissa stood too close.
The way her fingers brushed the documents on Jace's desk.
The familiarity in her smile.
And though Jace's expression remained restrained, Selena couldn't ignore the fact that Melissa belonged to his world—wealth, status, spotlight.
A world she was only temporarily stepping into.
When the discussion ended, Melissa straightened and smiled sweetly.
"It was good talking to you, Jace," she said. "Maybe we can catch up properly sometime. Like old times."
Jace's jaw tightened slightly. "We'll see."
She turned to Selena. "Nice seeing you… again."
Selena nodded politely. "Likewise."
Melissa walked out, heels echoing down the hallway.
The moment the door closed, the office felt heavier.
Neither Selena nor Jace spoke immediately.
Selena focused back on her documents, but her hands trembled faintly.
Jace watched her quietly.
Finally, he spoke. "She likes to test boundaries."
Selena glanced up, surprised. "It's okay."
"No," Jace said firmly. "It's not."
She paused. "It's part of your world. I understand."
That answer unsettled him more than anger ever could.
After a brief silence, Selena spoke again. "Do you need anything else, sir?"
Jace frowned. "You don't have to call me that."
Selena blinked. "I'm at work."
He didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he said quietly, "Melissa doesn't mean anything to me."
The words hung in the air.
Selena smiled faintly. "You don't have to explain."
But she looked away too quickly.
And Jace knew—trouble had already been stirred.
Elsewhere, Melissa entered the elevator, her smile fading instantly.
"So she's not just a secretary," she muttered.
Her eyes darkened with resolve.
If Selena thinks she can just walk into Jace's life and stay… she's wrong.
Melissa pressed the elevator button with a sharp tap.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.