Adrian's grip on Lena's waist was firm as he guided her past the frozen employees. Fang Mei stood trembling, her face pale as a sheet.
"CEO Li, I—" she began, but Adrian's glare cut her into silence.
"Report to Human Resources," he said, his tone flat and merciless. "Clear your desk before the hour ends."
The words echoed like a death sentence. Fang Mei's lips parted in shock, but no sound came out. She lowered her head, trembling, and hurried away as whispers rippled through the office.
Adrian didn't spare her another glance. He simply turned to Lena.
"Come."
Inside his office, the heavy door shut behind them, silencing the outside world.
Lena's pulse was still racing, but not from fear of the staff. It was from the cold finality in Adrian's voice. "You didn't have to fire her," she blurted, her voice sharper than she expected.
Adrian's brows lifted slightly. "She humiliated you in front of everyone. Do you expect me to reward her?"
"That's not what I mean," Lena said quickly. She gripped her hands together, trying to steady herself. "You're the CEO. You can ruin someone's entire career with one sentence. But… what if next time it happens again? What if every secretary, every employee, tries to test me? You can't fire the entire building."
Adrian's gaze darkened, his jaw tightening. "I told you already. In my world, weakness draws blood. If they dare disrespect you, they answer to me."
His words should have reassured her. They didn't.
"Then let me answer for myself," Lena whispered.
The silence that followed was heavy, almost dangerous. Adrian leaned back slightly in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing on her as though studying a puzzle he hadn't solved yet.
"You," he said slowly, "want to fight your own battles?"
"Yes," Lena said, though her voice trembled. She forced herself to hold his gaze. "If I don't… I'll always be nothing more than a shadow at your side."
For a long moment, neither of them moved.
Then, unexpectedly, Adrian's lips curved—just slightly, dangerously.
"Interesting," he murmured. "I thought you were fragile. But maybe… you're worth testing."
Lena's heart pounded. She didn't know if that was a threat, a promise, or both.
"Very well," Adrian said finally, rising from his chair. His presence loomed over her, cold and commanding. "Prove it. The next time someone dares to humiliate you, I won't intervene. I'll watch. Let's see if you can stand tall without me."
Lena's breath caught. He was serious.
But deep inside, something flickered—a spark of determination she hadn't felt in years.
"Fine," she said, her chin lifting just slightly. "I'll prove it."
Adrian's eyes glinted, sharp as steel. He leaned closer, his voice brushing against her ear like silk and ice.
"Don't disappoint me, Mrs. Li."