Amanda had grown used to whispers in the office, but she hadn't expected open hostility. It came in the form of Vanessa Cole, a striking woman with sharp heels and sharper words. Vanessa was a senior executive at Black Enterprises, known for her ruthless ambition and her long-standing interest in Greyson Black — both professionally and personally.
From the moment Amanda arrived, Vanessa had watched her with thinly veiled disdain. But now, with rumors swirling about Amanda's closeness to Greyson, Vanessa's disdain had turned into something more dangerous.
One morning, Amanda found a stack of contracts on her desk, marked with urgent notes. She worked through them diligently, only to discover later that the documents had been deliberately misfiled. When she presented them to Greyson, Vanessa was quick to pounce.
"Mr. Black," Vanessa said smoothly during the meeting, her tone dripping with false concern, "it seems your assistant overlooked key details. Perhaps she isn't ready for responsibilities at this level."
Amanda's stomach dropped. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but Greyson spoke first. His voice was calm, but carried an edge that silenced the room.
"Miss Evans didn't overlook anything," he said. "She was given faulty files. Files that came from your department, Vanessa."
The room shifted, eyes darting between them. Vanessa's smile faltered, though she quickly recovered. "Surely you don't think I would sabotage your assistant."
Greyson's gaze was cold, unyielding. "I don't think. I know. And I don't tolerate games in my company."
Amanda's breath caught. Greyson had defended her again, but the tension was palpable. Vanessa's eyes narrowed, her expression promising that this wasn't over.
Later that evening, Amanda lingered in the office, shaken. Greyson appeared at her desk, his voice softer now.
"You handled yourself well," he said.
Amanda shook her head. "I didn't do anything. You defended me."
Greyson leaned closer, his gaze steady. "You don't have to fight alone. Not here. Not with me."
Amanda's heart raced. His words carried more than reassurance — they carried loyalty, protection, and something deeper she was afraid to name.
But as she left the office that night, Amanda knew Vanessa Cole wasn't finished. And if Greyson's world was full of rivals like her, Amanda would have to decide whether she was strong enough to stand her ground — not just for her career, but for her place in Greyson's life.