The New York skyline was barely visible through the early morning mist as Eve Blackwood strode into Blackwood Enterprises. Her heels echoed through the empty corridors, a confident rhythm that belied the tension coiling in her chest. As director, Eve was accustomed to high-stakes decisions, but her 8 AM meeting with Violet felt different - personal, risky, exhilarating.
At precisely 8:00, a thunderous knock shattered the silence. Eve's spine stiffened, recognizing the aggressive rap.
"Enter," she called, her voice steady and commanding.
Richard Blackwood III burst into the office, his face a mask of barely contained fury. Eve didn't flinch, meeting her father's gaze with cool composure.
"To what do I owe this unexpected visit, Father?" she asked, her tone professional and detached.
Richard's eyes flashed as he tossed a manila envelope onto her desk. "Explain this, Eve."
With deliberate slowness, Eve opened the envelope. Her heart rate quickened as she saw its contents: photographs of her and Violet in the parking garage, standing close, holding hands. One shot, cleverly angled, suggested an intimacy that hadn't actually occurred.
Eve's mind raced, but her exterior remained calm. She'd faced corporate raiders and hostile takeovers - her own father wouldn't rattle her. But as Richard spoke, she realized the true threat wasn't to her, but to Violet.
"An anonymous source sent these yesterday," Richard snarled. "Do you have any idea what this could do to our family? To the company? I won't let you destroy everything we've built for some... dalliance."
Eve's blood ran cold at the implied threat. She knew her father's reach, his ruthlessness when it came to protecting the Blackwood name. Violet's career, her reputation - everything could be obliterated with a single word from Richard Blackwood.
"Dad," Eve said, her voice low and controlled, "you're jumping to conclusions. These photos are misleading."
Richard's eyes narrowed. "Then enlighten me."
Eve took a measured breath, weighing her options. She could stand her ground, defend her relationship with Violet - whatever it was becoming. But the risk to Violet was too great. Eve made her decision.
"Violet is a valued employee, nothing more," Eve stated firmly. "We were dealing with a sensitive HR situation. An employee was being blackmailed, and we were handling it discreetly. That's all you're seeing here - a manager supporting her subordinate through a difficult situation."
Richard's expression remained skeptical. "And I'm supposed to believe that?"
"It's the truth," Eve insisted. Then, seeing an opportunity to deflect further suspicion, she added, "In fact, I've been meaning to tell you... I've started seeing someone. A man."
Richard's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh? And who might this be?"
"Thomas Winthrop," Eve said, the lie rolling smoothly off her tongue. "We reconnected recently."
Richard's eyebrows relaxed, a pleased smile replacing his scowl. "Thomas Winthrop? Well, this is excellent news, Eve. Why didn't you say so earlier?"
Just then, a soft knock interrupted their conversation. Before Eve could respond, the door opened, revealing Violet. She froze, taking in the scene before her, her emerald eyes widening in surprise.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were in a meeting," Violet said, her voice faltering as she caught the tail end of their conversation.
Eve felt her heart drop, realizing Violet had likely overheard her fabricated relationship. She struggled to maintain her composure, painfully aware of the hurt that flashed across Violet's face.
"It's quite alright," Eve replied, her tone deliberately formal. "Violet, allow me to introduce my father, Richard Blackwood. Father, this is Violet Thompson, one of our junior executives."
Richard's eyes gleamed with a mix of triumph and warning as he turned to Violet. "Ah, Ms. Thompson. Perfect timing. We were just discussing Eve's relationship with Thomas Winthrop. I'm sure you've heard Eve mention him?"
Violet's face paled slightly, but she managed a polite smile. "I... I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure."
"Oh, you must have," Richard pressed, his voice dripping with false congeniality. "Thomas and Eve were quite the item in their younger days. Inseparable, really. It's wonderful to see them rekindling that flame."
Eve watched as Violet struggled to maintain her composure, her hands clasped tightly in front of her to hide their trembling. "That's... that's wonderful news, Ms. Blackwood. Congratulations."
Richard nodded approvingly, turning back to Eve. "Indeed it is. You know, Eve, the Winthrops have always been close family friends. I wouldn't be surprised if we hear wedding bells soon. It's about time you settled down with someone appropriate, don't you think?"
Eve felt a surge of guilt as she saw Violet flinch at her father's words. She knew she had to play along, for both their sakes. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Father. Thomas and I are taking things slowly."
"Nonsense," Richard chuckled. "When it's right, it's right. No need to dawdle." He turned his attention back to Violet, his tone taking on a subtle edge. "Ms. Thompson, I trust you understand the importance of maintaining professional attitude in the workplace? ."
Violet nodded stiffly, her face a mask of forced neutrality. "Of course, Mr. Blackwood. Professionalism is of utmost importance to me."
"Excellent," Richard said, satisfaction evident in his voice. He turned to Eve, squeezing her shoulder. "Well, I'll leave you to your work. Don't forget, we have that family dinner this weekend. Bring Thomas along, won't you?"
As Richard made his way to the door, he paused beside Violet. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Thompson. I'm sure you'll continue to be a valuable asset to Blackwood Enterprises."
The threat in his words was thinly veiled, and Eve saw Violet stiffen, her chin lifting slightly in defiance despite her obvious discomfort.
After Richard left, an oppressive silence fell over the office. Eve found herself unable to meet Violet's gaze, the weight of her deception heavy on her shoulders.
"Violet, I-" Eve began, but Violet cut her off.
"I should go," Violet said, her voice tight with barely contained emotion. "Congratulations again on your relationship, Ms. Blackwood. If you'll excuse me, I have work to attend to."
Before Eve could say another word, Violet turned on her heel and left, closing the door behind her with a soft click that seemed to echo the finality of Eve's decision.
Alone in her office, Eve sank into her chair, the full impact of what she'd done crashing over her. She had protected Violet from her father's wrath, but at what cost? The hurt in Violet's eyes haunted her, a stark reminder of the connection they'd been nurturing.
Eve reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over Violet's name. She wanted to explain, to apologize, to tell Violet that none of it was real. But she knew she couldn't. This deception, as painful as it was, was necessary to keep Violet safe from her father's machinations.
With a heavy heart, Eve put her phone down. She had made her choice - to protect Violet by pushing her away.