Chapter 9 - Vivian

"Ms. Thompson, right?"

I looked up from my desk to see Vivian standing in front of me, gorgeously dressed and wearing a small, unreadable smile. 

I had not even expected to see Vivian so soon or even at all. 

The heiress did not really used to interact with anyone outside her social circle, so I felt an instant feeling of pain and nerves.

"Yes, that's right," I replied, careful to keep my tone polite but normal. "How can I help you please?"

Vivian's eyes moved around the office before settling on me with a scanning intensity.

 "I wanted to really see a face behind the name. Elias told me about you recently, he really praised you, actually. He said you had been doing a very good work here."

I really fought to keep my expression normal, even as surprise filled my eyes. "I am… glad to hear that."

Vivian's smile was forced. "Yes, he seems to have taken a very special interest in you, Ms. Thompson. And that is so rare for him, you know."

I swallowed my words, feeling the heavy weight of Vivian's continuous stare. "I just try to do my best with every duties assigned to me. I will hardly call it… special."

"Maybe, you would not," Vivian replied, moving her head slightly.

 "But you have managed to catch his attention, and Elias is not the one to pay much attention to someone unless there is something worth noticing."

I become really annoyed with what she just said. Vivian's tone was not unfriendly, but it was calculating, as if she were putting together one hard puzzle.

"Tell me, Lena," Vivian continued, the smile disappearing from her face, "where did you work before you joined us here?"

I paused a bit, feeling a cold move of anxiety. "I had a few small jobs, mostly administrative work. Nothing in particular."

"Nothing in particular," Vivian repeated softly, my eyes narrowing. "Interesting. And yet you are here, performing at a level Elias considers most impressive."

My heart sounded very fast in my chest, but I forced myself to meet Vivian's eyes. "I have always been a fast learner, Ms. Vivian."

Vivian's eyes glowed with a hint of something that's very dark, almost predatory. "I see. A fast learner with a strong work ethic with an admirable qualities, truly."

There was a disturbing pause, as if she was waiting for me to say more, to reveal some truth that is not yet out.

When I said nothing, Vivian's smile returned immediately, now sharper than before. 

"I suppose it does not even matter where you came from, Ms. Thompson. What matters is loyalty. Elias prioritize loyalty above any other thing else, especially when it concerns the family business."

I nodded, forcing myself to be calm and I said. "I understand."

"Good," She replied, stepping closer to my side until we were nearly touching each other. 

"Then you won't mind if I do a little digging of your past. After all, we should know everything there is to know about the people Elias trusts and have around. Would you not agree?"

My heart was beating very loud, but I kept my expression stable and composed. "Of course. I have nothing to hide anyways."

She studied me for a moment longer, as if she was testing the truth out of my words. 

Then she turned to leave where she was standing, her heels sounding on the floor as she walked away, stopping for a while just before she disappeared around the corner.

"Oh, and Ms. Thompson," she called me again before she left, her tone was light but full of warnings. "I will be in touch with you. There are a lot of things I will like to discuss with you personally."

I waited until she was out of my sight before I let out a shaky breath, my mind was racing. 

I knew this would not be the last time Vivian will be scanning me.

 The obvious warning in Vivian's words will make her know a deeper investigation, one that could open everything if she was not really careful.

And as I rest my back into my seat, a new fear just settled in my chest.

I had known there would be some risks in working for Mr. Langston, but now it felt like as if I was being cornered by more than just one hidden motives.