The corridors of Vel's Corporation were unusually quiet that evening.
The staff moved carefully, speaking in hushed tones; everyone had witnessed Mr. Vele's sudden visit, and no one wanted to be the next reason their boss exploded.
Andrew remained in his office long after his father left. The sky outside had deepened to a dark violet, the city lights flickering like restless stars below. His father's words replayed in his head again and again.
"You're starting to forget who you are."
"Keep your relationship professional."
He exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. The room felt smaller than usual. Every tick of the clock echoed like a rebuke.
Finally, he pressed the intercom. "Miss Whyte."
Selina looked up from her desk outside. Her heartbeat quickened at the sound of his voice.
"Yes, sir?"
"Come in for a moment."
She entered quietly, the faint click of her heels the only sound breaking the silence. Her face was calm, but her hands trembled slightly as she clutched her notepad.
Andrew looked at her — really looked at her — for the first time that day. The tiredness in her eyes mirrored his own.
"About earlier," he began slowly, "I may have been… short-tempered."
Selina blinked. "You don't need to apologize, sir. You've had a long day."
He shook his head. "That's not an excuse."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The city hummed faintly outside, and the glow from the window cast soft light on her face.
"Was that your father?" she asked cautiously.
Andrew hesitated. "Yes. He thinks he still runs my life."
Selina smiled faintly. "Parents rarely stop thinking that way."
Something in her tone — gentle yet understanding — eased the tightness in his chest. He found himself wanting to talk, to explain the years of pressure, the endless comparisons, the shadow of expectation that came with being a Vele. But vulnerability was a luxury he rarely allowed.
Instead, he straightened and said, "Thank you, Miss Whyte. You can go home for the night."
She nodded, gathering her things. But before she reached the door, he added quietly, "Selina… thank you."
She froze for a second, surprised by the use of her name. Then, with a soft smile, she left the office, the door closing gently behind her.
.......
Scarlett entered not long after, grinning as she tossed her bag on the couch.
"Well, someone looks troubled," she said playfully.
Andrew groaned. "Not now, Scarlett."
"Oh, come on, brother. I heard Father gave you one of his famous lectures." She perched on his desk edge, ignoring his glare. "Something about heirs and responsibility?"
Andrew glared harder. "You were eavesdropping."
"I was passing by," she replied, all innocence. "Besides, Father is right about one thing — you're moody lately. Is it because of her?"
"Her?" he echoed sharply.
Scarlett's grin widened. "You know who I mean. Miss Whyte. The quiet one with the calm eyes and the temper she hides too well."
"Scarlett." His voice dropped. "Don't start."
"Oh, relax. I'm just saying, maybe it's not a bad thing. You've been all stone and silence since Vanessa. Maybe Selina's the crack in the armor."
Andrew turned away, jaw tightening. "Enough."
She sighed, sliding off the desk. "Fine. Pretend you don't care. But your face says otherwise."
He didn't reply. When she left, he sank back in his chair, staring at the reflection of city lights on his window. Maybe Scarlett was right — maybe there was something breaking through that wall he'd built. But it terrified him more than he'd admit.
......
Across town, in a dimly lit lounge decorated with velvet seats and chandeliers that looked older than the city itself, Vanessa Moore sat elegantly, a glass of champagne in her hand.
She was dressed flawlessly — a satin blouse tucked into high-waisted trousers, her makeup subtle but sharp. Every motion was deliberate, every smile calculated.
A man joined her table — tall, smooth-voiced, the kind who blended easily into crowds but always knew too much.
"You came," he said.
"I always do when information is worth it," Vanessa replied coolly.
He slid an envelope across the table. "That's everything on Vel's Corporation's recent moves. Including the new secretary."
Vanessa's fingers paused on the envelope. She didn't open it yet. "So that's the woman," she murmured. "The one everyone keeps whispering about."
"You could say that."
Vanessa leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. "Interesting. I thought Andrew learned his lesson the first time."
The man chuckled softly. "Seems old habits die hard."
Her eyes glinted like ice. "Maybe it's time someone reminded him what happens when he forgets who he's dealing with."
She lifted the glass to her lips, smiling faintly before taking a sip.
Book me a meeting, she thought. It's time Los Angeles remembers my name.
......
That night, while the city slept, two people lay awake for different reasons.
Andrew, haunted by guilt and confusion.
Vanessa, burning with the thrill of return.
And somewhere between them, Selina Whyte — unaware that her quiet presence had already begun to change everything.