The next few days passed in a strange haze for Kian. The office seemed to settle back into its usual rhythm, the buzz of daily deadlines and meetings replacing the tension that had lingered since Marcus's departure. Yet Kian couldn't shake the feeling that things were far from resolved.
Adrian had been more present than usual, his sharp gray eyes often watching Kian from across the room. It wasn't oppressive, but it was noticeable, a quiet reminder that the Alpha was still keeping tabs on him. Kian found it equal parts frustrating and reassuring, though he wasn't sure which emotion was stronger.
---
By Thursday morning, Kian thought he might finally be able to focus on his work without the shadow of Marcus hanging over him. He buried himself in the details of a new marketing pitch, the steady rhythm of typing and note-taking easing his nerves.
"Hey."
Kian glanced up to see Lila standing at his cubicle, her arms crossed and her expression cautious.
"Got a second?" she asked.
"Sure," Kian replied, setting his pen down.
Lila slid into the chair beside his desk, leaning in slightly. "So, are you going to tell me what happened with Marcus, or do I have to bribe you with coffee?"
Kian sighed, running a hand through his hair. He'd been expecting this conversation, but that didn't make it any easier. "He's gone. That's all I know."
"Come on, Kian," Lila said, her tone soft but insistent. "You were the one he was always hanging around. And now HR sends out an email saying he's no longer with the company? That's not a coincidence."
"It's complicated," Kian admitted, his chest tightening.
"Complicated how?"
Kian hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. "He crossed some lines, Lila. Asked too many questions about projects that weren't his, pushed boundaries he shouldn't have. HR got involved, and... now he's gone."
Lila's brow furrowed. "And Adrian? Where does he fit into all this?"
Kian stiffened, her question hitting a little too close to home. "He... made sure HR had what they needed to act."
Lila leaned back, studying him. "You're being careful, right? Adrian doesn't exactly have a reputation for playing nice when it comes to competition."
Kian's stomach churned. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying Adrian's smart, and he's protective of what's his. But that protectiveness can sometimes feel like control. Just... be sure you're not getting caught up in something you can't get out of."
Her words left a sour taste in Kian's mouth, though he couldn't entirely dismiss them. He nodded, offering her a faint smile. "Thanks, Lila. I'll be fine."
She seemed unconvinced but didn't push further. "Alright. Just remember, I'm here if you need me."
---
The day dragged on, the hours blending together as Kian threw himself into his work. By the time the office began to empty, he felt the familiar pull of exhaustion settling over him.
He was packing up his things when his phone buzzed with a new message.
---
Unknown Number:
Did you think I'd disappear that easily?
---
Kian froze, his breath hitching as he stared at the screen. His chest tightened, the familiar chill of fear creeping over him.
Marcus.
He glanced around the empty office, his mind racing. The message didn't make sense—Marcus was gone, removed from the company. How could he still be reaching out?
With shaky hands, Kian typed a reply.
---
Kian Vale:
What do you want?
---
The response came almost instantly.
---
Unknown Number:
To show you the truth. Meet me tonight. Same bar as before. Eight o'clock.
---
Kian's stomach churned, dread pooling in his chest. He didn't want to go. He didn't want to see Marcus again, let alone engage with whatever "truth" he claimed to have. But ignoring the message felt just as dangerous.
Before he could decide, his phone buzzed again—this time, a different name lighting up the screen.
---
Adrian Blackwell:
Everything okay?
---
Kian hesitated, his fingers hovering over the screen. He wanted to tell Adrian about the message, to let him handle it like he always did. But a part of him—the part that resented feeling like a pawn in Adrian's plans—stopped him.
---
Kian Vale:
Yeah. Just finishing up here.
---
The lie settled heavily in Kian's chest, but he ignored it, shoving his phone into his pocket and grabbing his bag.
---
The bar was exactly as Kian remembered it—dimly lit, upscale, and filled with the hum of quiet conversation. He spotted Marcus almost immediately, seated in a booth near the back.
Kian approached cautiously, his heart pounding as Marcus's sharp green eyes met his.
"You came," Marcus said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Why wouldn't I?" Kian replied, sliding into the seat across from him.
Marcus's smirk widened, though there was no warmth in it. "Because you're smart enough to know this isn't just a casual drink."
Kian clenched his fists under the table, his patience already wearing thin. "What do you want, Marcus?"
Marcus leaned back in his seat, his expression turning serious. "I want you to see Adrian for who he really is."
Kian's jaw tightened. "I already know who he is."
"Do you?" Marcus asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like he's been playing you from the start."
Kian bristled, his anger flaring. "You don't know anything about my relationship with Adrian."
Marcus chuckled, though the sound was devoid of humor. "I know enough. He's good at what he does, Kian. Manipulating people, pulling strings, making sure everyone dances to his tune. You think he's protecting you, but all he's doing is using you to solidify his own position."
"That's not true," Kian snapped, though his voice wavered.
Marcus leaned forward, his green eyes glinting with intensity. "Think about it, Kian. Every move he's made has been calculated. He doesn't care about you—he cares about keeping his power. And once you're no longer useful, he'll toss you aside like everyone else."
Kian's chest tightened, Marcus's words digging into the doubts he'd tried so hard to suppress.
"What do you get out of this?" Kian asked, his voice cold.
Marcus's smirk returned, though it was laced with bitterness. "Closure. And maybe a little satisfaction knowing that I'm not the only one who sees through him."
Kian stood abruptly, his hands trembling. "We're done here."
Marcus didn't stop him, his gaze steady as Kian walked away. But as Kian stepped out into the cool night air, his mind was a storm of conflicting emotions.
Adrian had protected him, guided him—but at what cost? And Marcus, for all his charm and manipulation, had planted a seed of doubt that Kian couldn't ignore.
The truth, it seemed, was far more complicated than Kian had ever imagined.