Elliot Voss paced his penthouse office, the city skyline a blur of lights beyond the windows, his phone pressed to his ear.
The memory of Lila's kiss—soft, hungry, electric—still burned through him, but it was overshadowed by the cold fury sparked by the latest anonymous email she'd shown him: Say goodbye to your dreams. Cassandra's fingerprints were all over it, and Elliot was done playing defense.
He'd called his lawyer, Rebecca Stein, minutes after Lila left last night, and now he was waiting for answers.
"Elliot," Rebecca's voice crackled through the line, calm but firm.
"I've traced the emails to an IP address linked to a coworking space in Midtown. No direct proof it's Cassandra Leigh yet, but the timing and tone are consistent with her access and motives. I can dig deeper, but it'll take time."
"Do it," Elliot said, his voice clipped.
"And if you find anything solid, I want a restraining order. She's harassing my—"
He stopped, the word girlfriend catching in his throat. Lila wasn't that, not yet, but the kiss had shifted something fundamental. "She's harassing someone I care about."
Rebecca paused, then said,
"Understood. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, keep your distance from Cassandra. She's got connections, and this could get messy."
Elliot hung up, his jaw tight. Messy didn't begin to cover it.
Cassandra's meddling wasn't just personal—it was threatening his company.
The board meeting was tomorrow, the merger vote looming, and her rumors about his "distractions" were gaining traction.
He could handle the board, but the thought of her targeting Lila—her dreams, her job—made his blood boil.
He glanced at his phone, tempted to text Lila.
She'd left last night with a mix of fear and fire in her eyes, the kiss lingering between them like an unspoken promise.
He'd wanted to ask her to stay, to talk it through, but she'd needed space, and he'd respected that.
Now, though, he needed to see her, to know she was okay.
He typed: Any more emails? I'm handling Cassandra. You good for tonight?
Her reply came quickly: No new emails, thank God. Prepping for the scholarship interview. Can we rain check? Need to focus.
He smiled, her determination warming him even as his chest ached at the distance. You got it. Nail that interview. I'm here if you need me.
He set the phone down, but the calm didn't last. The intercom buzzed, and Mrs. Delaney's voice came through:
"Mr. Voss, Ms. Leigh is here. Shall I send her up?"
Elliot's stomach clenched. Cassandra, here, unannounced.
"Send her up," he said, his tone cold. If she wanted a fight, she'd get one.
Minutes later, Cassandra swept into the office, her tailored coat draped over her shoulders, her blonde hair gleaming under the lights.
She looked every inch the polished socialite, but her eyes were sharp, calculating.
"Elliot," she said, her voice smooth as glass. "You've been avoiding me."
"I've been busy," he said, leaning against his desk, arms crossed.
"And you've been sending threatening emails to Lila. Stop it, Cassandra. Now."
Her smile didn't waver, but her eyes narrowed.
"Emails? I have no idea what you're talking about. Though I'm not surprised your little maid is causing drama. She's out of her depth, darling."
"Don't play innocent," he snapped, stepping closer.
"I know it's you. You're trying to scare her off because you can't stand that I've moved on. It's pathetic."
Her composure cracked, a flash of anger in her eyes.
"Moved on? With her? She's a nobody, Elliot. A maid with a sob story and a tray of snacks. You think she's after your heart? She's after your wallet, just like every other gold-digger."
Elliot's fists clenched, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't know her. And you don't know me anymore. You lost that right when you cheated and walked out. So back off, Cassandra. Leave Lila alone, or I'll make sure you regret it."
She laughed, a sharp, brittle sound.
"Regret it? You're the one who'll regret it. The board's losing faith in you, Elliot. They see you chasing a fling while the merger teeters. I'm just trying to save you from yourself."
"Save it," he said, his patience gone.
"You're not saving anyone. You're jealous, and you're scared I'm happy without you. Get out."
Her smile twisted, but she didn't move.
"You think you can just dismiss me? I have friends on that board, Elliot. Friends who listen when I talk. You push me, and I'll make sure they vote against you. And your precious Lila? She'll be out of a job by the end of the week."
Elliot stepped into her space, his voice a low growl.
"Threaten her again, and I'll bury you. Legal action, public exposure, whatever it takes. You're done here."
For a moment, she held his gaze, her bravado faltering. Then she turned, her heels clicking as she strode to the door. "You're making a mistake," she said, pausing with her hand on the knob.
"But I'll be here when you crash. You always do."
The door slammed behind her, and Elliot sank into his chair, his head pounding.
He needed to protect Lila—her job, her dreams, her heart—but Cassandra's threat wasn't empty.
She had influence, and the board was already on edge.
He pulled out his phone, texting Rebecca: Cassandra was here. Threatened Lila's job and the merger. Push harder on the email trace.
Rebecca's reply was swift: On it. Stay calm, don't engage her directly. I'll have something by tomorrow.
Elliot exhaled, rubbing his temples. He wanted to call Lila, to hear her voice, but she was prepping for her scholarship interview, and he wouldn't distract her.
Instead, he opened his laptop, pulling up the Culinary Institute's website.
An idea had been brewing since Lila's exam—a way to support her without crossing lines she wasn't ready for.
He found the admissions contact and drafted an email, careful to keep it anonymous:To Whom It May Concern,
I'd like to establish a scholarship fund for a deserving candidate in your baking and pastry program. I'm particularly impressed by Lila Harper's talent and drive. Please consider her for any financial aid opportunities.
He hit send, a small weight lifting. It wasn't a grand gesture like the mixer, but it was something— a way to help her dreams without making her feel indebted.
He just hoped it was enough.By evening, the penthouse felt too quiet, too empty without Lila's laughter or the scent of her cooking. He ordered takeout—Thai, not pizza, to avoid another interruption—and ate alone, his thoughts on her.
The kiss last night had changed everything. It wasn't just want anymore; it was need. He needed her in his life, not as a maid, but as… more.
But Cassandra's threats and the board's scrutiny were a storm cloud, and he'd have to navigate it carefully to keep Lila safe.
His phone buzzed, and his heart leapt when he saw Lila's name: Interview prep's killing me, but I'm surviving. Thanks for last night. The kiss… it was a lot. In a good way. Talk soon?
He grinned, relief flooding him. Anytime. You're gonna ace that interview. And I'm here—no pressure, just us.
Her reply was a single emoji—a heart—and it hit him harder than any boardroom fight. Cassandra could scheme, the board could doubt, but Lila was worth it. He'd fight for her, for them, no matter the cost.