Elena had barely stepped into Blackwood Corporation when the whispers started again.
"Is that her?"
"The CEO brought her to the penthouse…"
"No one has ever gone there…
"She must be special—or stupid."
Elena dropped her gaze and moved quickly toward the private elevator.
Before she could press the button, a hand slapped onto the wall beside her.
She flinched.
The tall, elite woman beside her stood with perfect makeup and perfect posture, coldly smirking.
"You must be Elena Rivers," she said, eyes sharp.
"I'm Victoria Hayes. Director of Public Relations."
Elena swallowed. "H–Hello…"
Victoria scanned her up and down like she was trash someone dragged inside.
"I don't know how you got his attention," she said, moving closer, "but it won't last."
Elena straightened.
"I—I don't want to compete with anyone."
Victoria laughed softly.
"Oh, sweet girl. This isn't competition."
She leaned in.
"It's a warning."
Before Elena could reply, the elevator doors opened.
And Adrian stepped out.
His expression was neutral for half a second—
Then he saw Victoria, standing close to Elena.
His eyes turned to ice.
"Victoria," he said, his voice flat. "Leave."
Victoria stiffened.
"Mr. Blackwood, I was only—"
"I didn't ask what you were doing."
Victoria swallowed, then took a step back.
Adrian didn't look at her again.
He looked only at Elena.
"Come," he said, his hand brushing the small of her back as he guided her inside.
The moment the elevator doors closed, Adrian spoke.
"What did she say to you?"
Elena hesitated.
"Nothing important."
"Don't lie to me."
His tone softened, but only slightly.
"Elena."
She looked up to him, caught between honesty and fear.
"She… warned me about you."
Adrian's jaw flexed.
"What sort of warning?"
"That… you don't keep people around for long."
The silence thickened.
Then Adrian asked quietly,
"And what did you think of that?"
Elena's voice came out small.
"I don't know."
Adrian turned fully toward her, pinning her with his stare.
"You don't need to know," he said.
"You just need to stay."
Her heart twisted.
The elevator opened onto his private floor.
Everyone in the office went stiff when Adrian walked out—but their eyes widened when they saw Elena walking beside him.
Keyboard typing slowed.
Murmurs spread.
A few jaws literally dropped.
Adrian ignored everyone and ushered her directly to his office.
The instant the door was closed behind them, he shrugged out of his jacket and slung it over the back of his chair.
"Sit," he said.
Elena sat nervously on the couch.
Adrian leaned against the desk, arms folded, watching her through unreadable eyes.
"You will stay here while I work."
"What? Why?"
"Because I want you where I can see you."
Her heartbeat faltered.
"But that's unreasonable—"
"Yes," he said.
"Very."
He walked toward her slowly and stopped right in front of her.
"We had trouble today," he murmured.
"I don't want more."
"T-There was no trouble—"
"Someone made you uncomfortable," Adrian said.
"And I am not fond of people who do that."
Elena blinked at him.
"I don't want to cause problems for you," she whispered.
"You are not a problem."
His voice deepened.
"You are a priority." Her breath caught. And then, suddenly— The office door burst open. "Adrian, we have a situation—" he said, but froze when he saw Elena. Adrian's expression darkened in an instant. "This is my private office," Adrian said, his voice lethal. "You don't enter without knocking." "S-Sorry, sir. But it's urgent." Adrian looked at Elena once, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "Stay here," he said. "I'll handle this." He stepped out, pulling the door sharply behind him. Elena stared at the door long after he was gone. Her hands trembled. The deeper she walked into Adrian Blackwood's world… …the harder it was becoming to walk out.