By afternoon, the rumors had spread across the entire company.
Some avoided Amelia.
Some stared.
Some whispered.
"Corporate spy."
She packed her desk quietly.
Adrian had not fired her.
But she had been placed under investigation.
Temporary suspension.
Victoria approached her desk with slow, graceful steps.
"Such a shame," she murmured. "You had potential."
Amelia met her eyes.
"Why are you really here?"
Victoria smiled.
"To remind Adrian who belongs in his world."
Before Amelia could respond, the elevator doors opened.
Adrian stepped out.
The entire floor went silent.
He walked straight toward Amelia.
Without hesitation.
Without looking at anyone else.
"You're coming with me."
Gasps echoed.
Victoria's smile faded.
Inside the private elevator, silence surrounded them.
"Why aren't you letting me go?" Amelia asked quietly.
"Because," Adrian said, eyes forward, "you're still my assistant."
"That's not what this looks like."
His jaw tightened.
"I don't protect employees."
Her heartbeat quickened.
"Then why are you protecting me?"
The elevator stopped.
He stepped out.
Then turned back toward her.
"Because someone crossed a line."
And Adrian Kane never tolerated that.