Selena was halfway through organizing the files when a familiar pair of heels stopped in front of her desk.
She didn't need to look up to know who it was.
"Selena Ward," Melissa's voice came smoothly, almost sweet. "Do you have a moment?"
Selena stiffened slightly before lifting her gaze. Melissa stood there in a fitted cream dress, flawless as always, lips curved in a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Yes," Selena replied calmly. "How can I help you, Miss Anderson?"
Melissa's smile widened just a little. "Oh, no need to be so formal. I just wanted to say hello."
Selena nodded. "Hello."
An awkward pause followed.
Melissa glanced around the office, her eyes deliberately skimming over Jace's desk—empty at the moment—then settling back on Selena.
"You've adjusted quickly here," Melissa said lightly. "Not many people last this long working so… closely with Jace."
Selena's fingers tightened on the folder in her hand. "I just do my job."
"Mm." Melissa tilted her head. "You always give that impression. Calm. Modest. Unassuming."
That word—unassuming—hung oddly between them.
Melissa leaned slightly closer, lowering her voice. "But you see, the funny thing about quiet people… is that they usually have the most interesting stories."
Selena met her gaze squarely. "Is there something you want to say?"
Melissa chuckled softly. "Relax. I'm only curious."
"About what?"
Melissa's eyes flickered briefly—sharp, assessing. "About how someone with no business ties, no social presence, and no prior connection… ends up becoming Mrs. Arinston."
The air shifted.
Selena's heart skipped, though her face remained composed. "I don't see how that concerns you."
Melissa smiled again, slow and deliberate.
"You're right," she said. "It doesn't. Yet."
She straightened. "I just wanted to test something."
"Test what?"
Melissa leaned back slightly. "Whether you actually know where you stand."
Before Selena could respond, Melissa turned on her heel.
"Oh—and Selena?" she added over her shoulder. "Enjoy everything while it lasts."
Then she walked away.
Selena stood frozen, her chest tightening with unease.
What does she know?
Jace returned to his office minutes later and immediately sensed the change.
Selena was quieter than usual—too controlled.
She didn't look up when he entered. Didn't greet him. Didn't shift nervously like she used to.
"Did something happen?" Jace asked after a few moments.
"I'm fine," Selena replied, eyes fixed on the screen.
He watched her carefully.
"Melissa stopped by?" he asked casually.
Selena's fingers paused for a fraction of a second.
"Yes."
Jace's jaw tightened. "What did she say to you?"
"Nothing important," Selena replied. "Just… conversation."
He didn't believe her.
Before he could press further, Clara knocked and entered, clearing her throat.
"President Arinston, Chairman Arinston called. He's finalizing the family dinner for tonight."
Selena's pen paused for half a second—so brief it might've been imagined.
Jace frowned. "Today?"
"Yes. This evening."
"I'll handle it," Jace said. "You may leave."
After Clara exited, silence settled.
"A family meeting?" Selena asked calmly.
"Yes."
"You hadn't mentioned it."
"I was planning to," Jace replied.
"When?"
"When things were clearer."
Selena nodded slightly. "I understand."
Jace turned toward her. "You overheard something."
She didn't deny it. "Only enough to know I wasn't included in the initial plan."
"That wasn't intentional."
"I know," she said quietly. "This arrangement was never meant to involve emotions—or expectations."
The word arrangement hit harder than she intended, but her face remained calm.
"I won't misunderstand my role," she added.
Jace felt something twist inside him.
"There is a family dinner tonight," he said after a pause.
Selena looked at him. "And you're attending."
"Yes."
"Alone?" she asked.
Jace hesitated.
Selena smiled faintly. "You don't have to answer. Either way is fine."
He watched her for a long moment. "Get ready. You'll come with me."
Her brows lifted slightly. "That's unexpected."
"So is everything else lately."
She nodded. "Alright."
As she turned back to her desk, she added evenly, "Just so we're clear—I won't read meaning into this."
Jace swallowed. "I didn't think you would."
Yet something about the distance in her voice unsettled him more than anger ever could.
Across town, Melissa scrolled through her phone.
Family meeting — confirmed.
A slow, satisfied smile curved her lips.
"Let's see," she murmured, "how long calm can last."