The next morning, Kane Industries was in chaos.
All executive access cards had been temporarily disabled.
Board members were furious.
Victoria was livid.
"This is unnecessary," she snapped inside the emergency meeting. "You're punishing everyone for something minor."
"Minor?" Adrian asked calmly.
She held his gaze. "The damage has already been done."
"No," he corrected softly. "The damage is just beginning."
He slid a printed screenshot across the table.
Security footage.
A hand.
An access card.
Executive clearance.
Victoria's expression flickered — just barely.
"You're accusing me?" she asked coolly.
"I'm investigating," Adrian replied.
Their eyes locked in silent warfare.
"Be careful," she said quietly. "Trusting the wrong person can ruin everything."
"I agree."
His tone was calm.
But beneath it was steel.
Meanwhile, Amelia returned to the office to collect some documents.
People stared.
Whispered.
But this time something was different.
Security followed her discreetly.
She wasn't being watched as a suspect.
She was being protected.
Victoria approached her near the elevators.
"You're still here?" she asked smoothly.
"I work here."
"For now."
Amelia met her eyes directly.
"You seem very interested in my position."
Victoria's smile tightened.
"I'm interested in maintaining standards."
"Or control?" Amelia replied quietly.
For a split second, Victoria's composure cracked.
Then she leaned closer.
"You have no idea what you're stepping into."
The elevator doors opened.
And Adrian stepped out.
His gaze moved from Victoria to Amelia.
Cold. Assessing.
"Is there a problem?" he asked.
Victoria stepped back gracefully. "None at all."
She walked away.
Adrian looked at Amelia.
"Stay near me today."
Her breath caught.
"Yes, sir."
But this wasn't an order.
It felt like something else.