The car was silent at first, only the hum of the engine accompanying the tension in the air. Stephanie stared out the window, her thoughts still a mess of everything that had happened.
"I'm sorry," Nathan finally said, his voice low and uncharacteristically soft.
Stephanie turned to him. "For what?"
"For causing trouble… at the house. I didn't mean to make things worse with Leo."
Stephanie's lips curved slightly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Leo's stubborn, but he doesn't hold grudges for long. He'll come around."
Nathan gave a slight nod. "He's protective of you. It's not hard to see why."
Their eyes met, something unspoken stretching between them—complicated, fragile, and growing.
As the car pulled up outside her office building, Nathan reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Take care of yourself in there."
She smiled and leaned in. Their lips met in a brief, warm kiss that left a tingle in its wake. Then she opened the door and stepped out.
From a high window across the street, someone watched.
Nora Brighton's jaw clenched. She was standing in her glass-walled office with arms folded tightly, fury radiating off her in waves. Her eyes locked onto Stephanie and the expensive black car pulling away—she had seen everything.
As soon as Stephanie stepped into the office, she knew something was wrong. The air felt charged. Several coworkers turned quickly to their screens or found excuses to leave the hallway.
Then came the voice.
"Well, well, look who finally decided to show up."
Stephanie stopped, already steeling herself.
Nora stormed out of her office, heels clicking like gunshots on the tiled floor. "Tell me, Stephanie, did the file you were supposed to deliver yesterday get delivered to his hands, or into his bed?"
There was a collective gasp. Someone whispered, "Did she really say that?"
Stephanie stiffened. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me." Nora crossed her arms. "You left this office with a simple task. You never came back. The only logical conclusion is that you were off seducing men."
Stephanie's fists clenched. "I was attacked, Nora. I was mugged in the middle of the street. My mother is in the hospital because she saved me."
"Oh, please," Nora scoffed. "That's the best you could come up with? How convenient. You're a liar."
Stephanie's chest rose and fell with anger. "Why would I lie about that?"
"Because you're desperate. And pathetic. And clearly more interested in climbing up through bedsheets than actual work," Nora snapped.
Murmurs rippled through the office. Some exchanged glances. A few looked uncomfortable. One intern stepped backward and whispered, "She's going too far."
"Enough!" Stephanie shouted. "I've worked harder than anyone here. I've never disrespected you, but you keep coming after me like some bitter, jealous—"
Nora's hand shot out. "Where's the file?"
Stephanie blinked, thrown off. She opened her bag—and froze.
It wasn't there.
"Oh no…" she muttered.
"What now?" Nora asked with a smirk. "Lost it while rolling around in expensive sheets?"
Stephanie's head snapped up. "I forgot it… in Nathan's car."
Nora's eyes lit up. "So you admit it."
"I said car, not bed."
"Well, from the way he kissed you goodbye outside this building, I doubt there's much difference."
Stephanie's face burned. "You need to stop."
"No, you need to stop pretending. You're fired, Stephanie. Go live out your whore dreams full-time."
The room fell into stunned silence.
But Stephanie didn't shrink. Instead, she stepped forward, eyes blazing. "You're a lonely, bitter, hollow woman. And everyone here knows it. You don't lead, you tear down. That's why no one respects you. That's why people leave."
Nora's eyes went wide with rage. "You insolent—!"
She raised her hand to slap her.
"Don't," came a cold voice.
Every head turned.
Nathan Voss stood in the doorway, holding the forgotten file in one hand. His eyes were locked on Nora, deadly calm.
"I'd think twice about touching her."
Nora's mouth opened, but nothing came out.
"I found the file in my car," Nathan continued. "I thought I'd do the professional thing and return it. Seems I walked in at the right time."
"Nathan, this is none of your—"
"You don't have the right to fire her," he said, cutting her off. "Because you're the one who's fired."
There was a moment of stunned silence. Then—
"You can't fire me," Nora said, trying to laugh. "I'm the manager."
Nathan smiled faintly. "Correction. You were the manager. I bought this company a month ago."
Gasps echoed.
Nora's eyes widened in horror. "That's not possible. The president—he would never—"
At that moment, the current president stepped in. His expression was neutral, but his voice was firm. "Actually, I sold it. Mr. Voss has been the new owner for weeks. I remained to help with the transition and act as VP at his request."
Nora stumbled back. "But… I was running this place—"
"Exactly why I bought it," Nathan said sharply. "Because I saw how you treated people—how you treated her."
Stephanie's eyes shimmered, stunned.
A gasp swept the office. Nora gaped.
"You can't do this!" she shrieked. "You'll regret this!"
"Get out," Nathan said coldly. "You're trespassing on my property."
Nora's heels clicked in retreat as she stormed out, but not before sending Stephanie one last hateful glare.
Nathan turned back to Stephanie, his expression softening. "Are you alright?"
She nodded slowly, then smiled. "I'm still catching up."
"Take your time," he murmured, "but know this—I've got your back now."
⸻
The murmurs in the office were now full-blown whispers that danced like wildfire.
"She really just called Nora bitter and empty—"
"And then Nathan Voss showed up like some avenging boss prince—"
"She was fired, right?"
"I can't believe she talked back to Nora like that—"
"Wait… did he say he owns the company?"
"Did she really forget a file in his car, or in his bedroom?"
"I heard her say his name like she knew him very well…"
"I still can't believe Stephanie was dating him—wait, were they dating?"
The co-workers weren't even trying to hide their gossip. Stephanie stood frozen as Nora stormed out in disgrace, heels clacking like the echoes of her wounded pride. Nathan remained at her side, unbothered by the murmurs or looks, his presence commanding silence wherever his gaze fell.
Stephanie turned to him, her voice soft but stunned. "You… you bought the company?"
Nathan shrugged, looking oddly boyish for someone who just publicly dismantled a toxic manager. "Last month. I saw what Nora was doing—how she treated you. I knew a day like this would come."
She blinked. "You did this… for me?"
"Partly," he murmured. "The company was already a target for expansion. But Nora gave me the final push."
Whispers spread again as the vice president returned and gestured toward Stephanie. "Congratulations," he said with a polite smile, "Manager Quinn. Your promotion is effective immediately."
Stephanie stared at him, confused. "Excuse me?"
Nathan handed her the file she'd forgotten and added,"You're the new manager." Full authority over your team. Consider it a vote of confidence."
Mouths dropped. A few co-workers clapped weakly, others stood stunned. One of the senior staffers—a quiet woman named Trina—whispered, "Finally someone decent in charge…"
"But—what about protocol? HR? Contracts?" someone stammered.
"Handled," Nathan said curtly. "Unless anyone else would like to resign?"
The room fell deathly silent.
He turned to Stephanie. "Would you show me to your new office?"
Her throat dried. "Y–Yes, of course…"
Stephanie clutched the file against her chest as Nathan gently took her arm, steering her away from the stunned crowd. He didn't say a word until they reached what was now her office. Not Nora's anymore.
Stephanie closed the door behind them. "You didn't have to do that."
"I know," Nathan said, walking toward the window, looking out at the city. "But I wanted to."
"Why?" she asked softly.
He turned to face her. "Because I care."
Stephanie swallowed, her heart flipping wildly. "You always act like you don't."
"I've acted like a lot of things," he said, stepping closer, voice low. "But today… I couldn't stay silent. Not when someone tried to tear you down in front of everyone. Not when someone laid a hand on you."
She blinked rapidly, unsure if it was from shock or emotion. "Nathan…"
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're not alone anymore, Stephanie."
The silence between them thickened with tension. She nodded slowly, unable to find words.
He hesitated—then leaned in, his lips brushing hers with a warmth that was surprisingly tender, not demanding. Just a whisper of connection, soft and meaningful.
Stephanie didn't pull away.
When he did, he murmured, "You should probably get to work, Manager Quinn."
Her lips curved. "Yes, sir."
As Nathan exited, murmurs intensified again—except this time, they weren't cruel. Some even looked impressed. A few smiled at her as if they suddenly remembered she was human too.
⸻
Meanwhile, across the city, the tension in Leo's room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Anita stood by the door, twisting her fingers together. "Leo…"
He sat at the edge of his bed, arms crossed, eyes distant. "So you're finally here."
She walked in slowly. "I wanted to give you space… and time to cool down."
"Well, congratulations," he muttered. "I'm ice now."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "You kept it from me. You both did. Do you know how it feels to be the last to know that the person I think is bad for my sister… is the reason my family fell apart?"
Anita flinched but didn't retreat. "I didn't lie to you."
"No? Just kept the truth from me?" He looked at her now, sharp and accusing. "You knew everything, and you let me walk around like an idiot."
"I didn't keep it from you to hurt you, Leo," Anita said. "I was being loyal to my best friend. She told me in confidence—"
"That doesn't justify it."
"No," Anita agreed. "But it explains it."
"She's my sister."
"And I'm her best friend."
Leo shook his head. "That's not an excuse. I deserved to know."
Anita crossed the room and sat on the armchair opposite him. "You're right. You did. But maybe Stephanie had her reasons—maybe she was trying to protect you. Or maybe it was just too painful."
He clenched his jaw. "Nathan is the reason our family got torn apart. The night our dad saved him… my mom left with Mia. She couldn't handle it. And two weeks later, our dad was gone."
Anita's eyes welled slightly. "Leo… do you really believe it's Nathan's fault? He was a boy. Dying. Your father made a choice—a noble one. And your mother made hers."
He looked away.
She leaned closer. "You keep blaming Nathan because it's easier than facing the fact that sometimes… people just leave. Even the ones who are supposed to stay."
His voice cracked a little. "I needed her. We all did."
"I know," Anita whispered. "But maybe it's time to ask her why she left. Not assume."
"Really, Leo. Is it his fault your father chose to save a life? Or that your mother made a decision she never explained? Have you ever asked her why?"
He looked away, pain flickering in his eyes. "No. I was too angry. Too proud."
"Maybe it's time," Anita said gently. "Maybe it's time to look deeper, instead of lashing out."
Leo was silent, fists clenched at his sides.
"Talk to her. Not for her sake. For yours."
He turned to her. "You talk like you've lived three lives already. How are you this wise when you're only… what, twenty-three?"
"I was born wise," she grinned playfully. "Besides, you're just one year older and way more childish."
Leo smirked despite himself. "Now I see why Stephanie chose you as her best friend."
They shared a light laugh, and the tension finally began to dissolve.
He chuckled, the sound reluctant but real. "You and Steph really are a strange pair."
Anita leaned forward. "So… have you forgiven me?"
He exhaled. "Yes."
"And Steph?"
He paused. "I'm working on it."
She raised a brow. "That's not good enough."
Leo smirked. "Yes, I forgive her.It's just…"
"Shh." She stepped closer. "Don't explain. Just kiss me."
He paused, lips twitching upward. "Bossy."
"I learned from the best."
He leaned in, arms circling her waist, and kissed her—softly at first, then deeper. All the tension melted, the pain dissolving into something gentler. Something real.