The stranger froze as he met the glare from Leo, but Lia didn't expect to see who it was. It wasn't until shock washed over her like a tide that she recognized who it was.
It was Vanessa.
Yet, there was a quiet confidence and sly smile about her, but a hint of something darker lurking within her eyes—malice tempered with charm.
"So this is Lia Carter, then," Vanessa said, smiling and taking a step nearer. "The young assistant who so naively believes that she can play with big dogs."
Lia's blood turned icy. She had known there would be competition. But not like this. Not with someone like Vanessa.
Leo stepped instinctively in front of her, jaw clenching. "What are you doing here?"
Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "Oh, just making sure things are on track and happening as they should. And it looks like someone is causing an obstacle."
Her eyes slid to Lia, narrowing and analytical.
Lia swallowed hard. "What plan? What do you mean?"
Vanessa's smile grew. "You're truly naïve. You have no idea what game you're playing. But this?" She showed Lia a folder, one of the confidential ones Marcus had warned about. "This belongs to me. And if you don't walk away, Lia, things beyond your pride are about to be put on the line."
"You touch her, and you're finished," Leo's eyes clouding as he loses his cool demeanor.
Vanessa smiled gently, but Lia's stomach began to knot at the sound. "All done? Oh, Leo… You still don't get it. It's not about you or me. It's about power. And this girl"—Vanessa nodded toward Lia—"just stepped into the ring."
Lia felt fear writhe inside her chest, but beneath it, a flame of rebellion flared. She would not flee. Not anymore.
His hand clutched hers. "Stay with me," he whispered. "And trust me. No one will touch you."
"Vanessa's smile turned ice-cold. "Oh, you think this is over?"