Aliyah stormed into Alexander's office, her anger still simmering. "What's this about?" she demanded.
Alexander leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I've been reviewing your work, Aliyah. You're... adequate."
Aliyah's eyes flashed. "Adequate? You're always finding fault, never satisfied."
Alexander shrugged. "You're capable of more. I'm pushing you to excel."
Aliyah's voice rose. "You're pushing me to the edge. Your constant criticism is suffocating."
Alexander's expression turned cold. "Maybe you're not cut out for this job."
Aliyah's anger boiled over. "I'm more than capable. You're just trying to break me."
Their words hung in the air, a challenge. Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.
"Prove it," he said, his voice low and menacing.
Aliyah's heart pounded, but she stood her ground. "I will. And I'll show you I'm more than just adequate."
The tension between them was palpable, a living, breathing thing. Aliyah felt like she was drowning in Alexander's intensity, but she refused to back down.
Gerald Thompson, a prominent investor, walked into Alexander's office, a wide smile on his face. "Alex, good to see you, my boy!"
Alexander stood up, shaking Gerald's hand. "Gerald, welcome. I trust you're here to finalize the contract?"
Gerald nodded, taking a seat. "Yes, let's get down to business."
As they began discussing the details, Aliyah entered the room, her eyes fixed on the papers in her hand. She didn't notice Gerald until he stood up, a look of surprise on his face.
"Aliyah! What are you doing here?" Gerald asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Aliyah's eyes widened, her face pale. "Gerald... I... uh..."
Gerald's expression turned stern. "You've been avoiding me, Aliyah. Why haven't you returned my calls or texts?"
Aliyah's eyes darted to Alexander, who was watching the exchange with interest. "I've been busy, Gerald. I..."
Gerald's voice rose. "Busy? After our last date ended like that? You just disappeared!"
Aliyah's face flushed, her discomfort evident. Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.
"I think we can discuss this later, Gerald," Alexander interrupted, his voice cold.
Gerald turned to Alexander, his expression incredulous. "You're her boss? What's going on here?"
Aliyah's eyes pleaded with Alexander to intervene. "Gerald, please... let's talk about this later."
Gerald's face darkened. "Fine. But this isn't over, Aliyah."
As Gerald stormed out, Alexander's gaze lingered on Aliyah, his expression unreadable. "It seems you have some unfinished business, Aliyah."
Aliyah's voice barely above a whisper. "It's none of your concern, Mr. Thompson."
Alexander's eyes flashed, his tone dripping with jealousy. "I think it is. You're my employee, after all."
Aliyah's eyes widened, her heart racing. What had she just gotten herself into?
Alexander's words hung in the air, thick with tension. Aliyah felt a shiver run down her spine as his gaze bore into hers.
"I think we're done here, Aliyah," Alexander said, his voice low and even. "You may leave."
Aliyah nodded, her heart still racing. She quickly gathered her papers and made a hasty exit, sensing Alexander's eyes on her.
As she stepped out of the office, Gerald caught up to her. "Aliyah, wait," he said, his voice urgent.
Aliyah turned, her expression wary. "Gerald, I don't have time for this."
Gerald's eyes pleaded with hers. "Please, Aliyah. I need to know what happened. Why did you disappear like that?"
Aliyah sighed, her shoulders sagging. "It's complicated, Gerald. I'll talk to you later, okay?"
Gerald nodded, his face etched with concern. "Okay. But soon, Aliyah. I need to know what's going on."
Aliyah nodded and hurried away, leaving Gerald looking troubled. Meanwhile, Alexander watched from his office window, his eyes narrowing as he observed the exchange.
His mind whirled with questions. What was Aliyah's relationship with Gerald? And why did he feel this sudden surge of jealousy?
Alexander's gaze lingered on Aliyah's retreating figure, his thoughts consumed by the unexpected spark of jealousy. He couldn't explain why, but the thought of Aliyah with Gerald unsettled him.
Shaking off the feeling, Alexander refocused on the contract, but his mind kept wandering back to Aliyah. Her fiery spirit, her determination, and her haunting beauty had captivated him.
Just then, Ryan walked in, a knowing glint in his eye. "Alex, what's going on? You look like you've lost your last dollar."
Alexander forced a smile. "Just contract negotiations, Ryan. Nothing to worry about."
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Save it, Alex. I saw the way you looked at Aliyah. You're interested."
Alexander's expression turned cold. "Don't be ridiculous, Ryan. She's just an employee."
Ryan chuckled. "Keep telling yourself that, Alex. But I know you better than that."
Alexander's jaw clenched, his thoughts in turmoil. Was Ryan right? Was he developing feelings for Aliyah?
Meanwhile, Aliyah struggled to shake off Gerald's words. Their past lingered, unresolved. She knew she had to confront him, but her heart wasn't ready.
As she walked back to her desk, Aliyah caught Alexander's gaze, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, their unspoken emotions hanging like a challenge.
What secrets lay beneath their polished exteriors? And how long could they keep their true feelings hidden?