Jack sat behind the wheel, Saphina by his side, both watching her through the rearview mirror with concern.
As Jack pulled away from the coffee shop, he asked gently, "So, where should I drop you off, Liana?"
Liana hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap. She didn't want them to know exactly where she lived—or who her brother was. Not yet. Not when she barely understood who they were either. "You can drop me off by the nearest bus stop," she said calmly, masking the emotion behind her voice.
Jack glanced at her briefly in the mirror. "Are you sure? It's getting late."
She nodded quickly. "Yes. I'll be fine. It's not far from here."
A short silence followed, only filled by the soft hum of the engine. When they reached the bus stop, Jack slowed the car and pulled over. Liana reached for the door, but before she got out, she turned back and smiled—a small, genuine smile.
"Thank you... both of you," she said softly. "For earlier. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't stepped in."
Saphina smiled warmly. "It's okay. I'm glad you're alright." Then she reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and asked, "Do you mind if I get your number? I'd love to check up on you."
Liana nodded and recited her number. As Saphina saved it, Liana turned to Jack, her eyes hopeful. She waited for him to ask for her number too—but he didn't say anything. Just gave a small smile and nodded at her.
Disappointed but not wanting to show it, she opened the door.
"Take care," Jack said.
"Yeah," Liana replied. "You too."
Saphina waved. "Call me anytime, okay?"
Liana nodded. "I will."
As the car drove away, Liana stood at the bus stop for a moment. Then, quietly, she whispered under her breath, "what a day..."
***
The ride back to Saphina's place was calm. The night air had cooled down, and the streetlights glowed softly as they passed. Jack broke the silence.
"So… did you enjoy today?" he asked, glancing sideways at her.
Saphina looked out the window, smiling faintly. "I did. I mean, it didn't exactly go as planned," she chuckled, "but it wasn't bad."
Jack smirked. "Yeah. Definitely didn't expect a breakup drama with our coffee."
"At least we made a new friend," she replied, thinking of Liana.
Jack pulled up where he picked her up earlier and stopped the car. He turned slightly to her. "I'd love for us to hang out more… if that's okay."
Saphina hesitated . "Maybe… if I have the time," she said with a soft grin.
Jack smiled. "I'll hold you to that."
They said their goodbyes, and Saphina stepped out, waving before she disappeared to find her way home
***
Back in her apartment, the room was dim and quiet. Saphina dropped her bag on the couch, kicked off her shoes, and stretched with a yawn. As she reached for her phone to check the time, a notification popped up on the screen.
*Unknown Number:*
*Be at work early tomorrow. New plans have come up.*
She stared at the message, her brow furrowing. There was no name. But something about the tone… commanding, distant… cold.
It had to be Tristan.
Saphina sighed, locking her phone. Something told her tomorrow was going to be anything but ordinary.
He turned, finally meeting her eyes. "Did I not just say that?"
She swallowed hard. "Yes, sir. Thank you."
"It's not gratitude I want. It's competence." He moved back to his desk. "Prepare the files, draft a summary of the Veltrix merger updates, and have your passport ready. We fly at six."
She nodded quickly, about to leave, but again, his voice stopped her.
"Wait."
She turned. "Yes?"
He studied her for a moment—his eyes dragging briefly over her appearance.
"You're not walking into a boardroom dressed like that."
Saphina stiffened. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me." His voice didn't rise, didn't soften. "Come. We're getting you something presentable."
"Huh "Saphina was lost for a while
***
The boutique was located in the wealthiest district of the city. Just stepping inside made Saphina feel out of place. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above her, and mannequins wore dresses that probably cost more than her rent.
She was looking around with her mouth open, without realising it
Tristan said "shut it before it drools"
Feeling embarrassed she closed her mouth quickly, as the boutique manager rushed over.
"Mr. Moretti, welcome back! How can we help you today?"
"She needs a new wardrobe," he said simply. "Formal. Business. Casual. No compromise."
"Yes, of course," the manager nodded eagerly and gestured to her staff. "We'll bring several looks."
In minutes, Saphina was ushered into a private fitting room. One after another, outfits were brought in. Elegant suits. Silky blouses. Sharp pencil skirts. Designer casual wear.
Tristan sat silently on a leather couch outside, legs crossed, fingers steepled.
When Saphina stepped out in a deep emerald green suit dress, there was a brief pause. His eyes lifted slowly—cold, unreadable at first. But then… they lingered.
Longer than they should have.
And for just a second, his gaze softened before he quickly looked away and gave a single nod. Approval—wordless and subtle.
Saphina felt her cheeks warm.
By the end of it, he'd chosen nearly *fifteen outfits* for her. All paid for. No hesitation.
"Mr Moretti," she began quietly as they walked toward the car. "Why are you doing all this—"
He opened the car door without looking at her. "Get in."
They drove in silence for a while before she gathered courage again.
"Why are you doing all this for me?" she asked, softly, almost unsure if she should.
He didn't glance at her. His eyes stayed on the road, his jaw tense.
After a pause, he answered with his usual coldness.
"It's business. You represent Velvet Corporation. You reflect me."
That was all.
No warmth. No smile. Just the facts.
Still… something about the way he had looked at her in that boutique said otherwise.
Saphina turned to the window, hiding the small smile that tugged at her lips.