Evelyn sat behind her massive mahogany desk, the weight of the day pressing on her shoulders. She was used to it—used to the pressure, the responsibility, the endless challenges of being at the top. But today, something felt different. There was a coldness in the air, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
She glanced over at Leo, who was standing by the window, his posture casual, but his eyes… They weren't as relaxed as usual. There was something in them—something she couldn't decipher.
"Everything okay?" Evelyn asked, trying to sound casual, though she felt a knot form in her stomach.
Leo turned to face her, that familiar half-smile playing on his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Of course, Ms. Carter. Everything's fine."
She didn't believe him. Not for a second.
But before she could press him further, her phone rang. The name on the screen made her stomach drop—Zane Moretti. The CEO of one of her biggest rivals. He wasn't the type to make friendly calls.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice steady despite the unease creeping in.
She answered the call. "Zane."
"Evelyn, always a pleasure," Zane's voice oozed with charm, but there was an edge to it that made Evelyn's skin prickle. "I trust everything's going well on your end?"
"Always," she replied smoothly, masking the tension she felt building in her chest.
"Well, I just wanted to let you know… I've taken an interest in your latest expansion. You know, just business. No hard feelings, of course. But, I do think we can make things… more interesting."
Evelyn's pulse quickened. Zane wasn't the type to just let things slide. He had a plan, and it didn't sound like it was going to be in her favor.
"What are you proposing?" she asked, her tone sharp now.
"I think you know," he said cryptically. "And as for your… assistant, Leo. He's an interesting choice. You know, loyalty is a tricky thing."
Her heart skipped a beat. She couldn't believe it. Leo. She hadn't expected Zane to bring him into this.
Before she could respond, the line went dead.
Her gaze snapped to Leo, who was standing with his back to her once again. This time, she didn't feel the usual comfort in his presence. Instead, the air between them felt thick, like a storm was about to break.
"You knew about this?" Evelyn's voice was a little sharper than she intended.
Leo turned around slowly, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I didn't know you were involved in this, Ms. Carter."
The words sent a chill down her spine. There was an implication in them, something she couldn't ignore. She stood, crossing the room towards him, her eyes narrowing as she tried to read him.
"Tell me the truth, Leo. Are you working with him? With Zane?"
Leo didn't flinch. He simply looked at her, and for the first time, Evelyn wasn't sure whether the gaze was filled with respect—or something far darker.
"You want the truth, Evelyn?" Leo's voice was low, a dangerous edge to it. "The truth is, I'm not here to protect you. I'm here to take what I want."
Evelyn's breath caught in her throat.
Her heart was racing. Was this all a game to him? Was she just a pawn in something much bigger than she ever imagined?
Before she could respond, Leo stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "And I want you, Evelyn."
The words hung in the air between them, thick and charged, and for the first time, Evelyn wasn't sure whether she should be afraid or… turned on.
"I'm not playing your games, Leo," she said, though her voice was shaky, unsure.
"Then maybe you should stop pretending you're not already in mine," he replied, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke.
And in that moment, Evelyn realized that she had never truly been in control of this situation. Not with Leo, and certainly not with the storm that was coming for her empire.