Free Web NovelChapter 10: Chapter 10
The soft click of the privacy lock still echoed in my ears when Christian’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Hold on, Miss Turner."
I froze mid-step, my hand inches from the door handle. That wasn’t a request—it was a command, and every fiber of my being responded to it whether I wanted to or not.
The door opened before I could turn around.
"Christian, darling!"
The voice was silk and honey, but it made my wolf’s hackles rise. A woman glided into the office like she owned the place, all platinum blonde hair and designer everything. Her crimson dress probably cost more than my monthly rent.
She didn’t even glance at me as she moved straight to Christian, planting a kiss on his cheek that lasted just a beat too long to be casual.
"Vanessa." Christian’s voice was steady, professional. "What brings you by?"
"Do I need a reason to visit my favorite CEO?" She laughed, the sound like crystal breaking. Her fingers traced his lapel with practiced familiarity. "Though I have to ask—who’s this?" frёewebnoѵēl.com
Finally, those ice-blue eyes landed on me. I felt like a bug under a microscope.
"She’s no one," Christian said without missing a beat. "Just an employee."
The words hit me like a physical blow. Just an employee. After everything that had happened between us, after the mate bond humming beneath my skin, I was nothing.
I kept my face blank, but my scent betrayed me. The sharp spike of hurt and anger filled the room, and I saw Christian’s jaw tighten imperceptibly.
"Report to Victoria Blackwood," he told me, his tone all business. "She’ll give you your assignments."
Translation: get out.
I nodded once, not trusting my voice, and walked out of that office with my dignity intact and my pride in shambles.
The hallway felt endless. Every step echoed off the marble floors, and I could feel curious eyes following my retreat. My hands were clenched into fists at my sides, my wolf snarling at the dismissal.
*Just an employee.*
Right. Got it.
The elevator ride down felt like descending into hell. I caught my reflection in the polished steel doors—professional, composed, completely unremarkable. Just another employee in a company full of them.
The Strategic Operations department was a maze of cubicles and glass offices. I stood there for a moment, completely lost, when a warm voice called out.
"You must be Sophie Turner."
I turned to find a petite woman in her forties with kind brown eyes and graying temples. She was organizing files at a nearby desk, but her attention was completely focused on me.
"I’m Maria Santos, office manager. You look like you could use a friend."
"That obvious, huh?" I managed a weak smile.
"Honey, I’ve been working here for fifteen years. I know the look." She glanced around, then leaned closer. "Coffee? You look like you need it."
Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in the break room with a steaming mug and Maria’s maternal concern washing over me like a warm blanket.
"So," she said, settling into the chair across from me. "How was your meeting with the boss?"
"Enlightening." I took a sip of coffee to avoid elaborating.
Maria studied me with those knowing eyes. "Let me guess. Vanessa Whitmore made an appearance."
I nearly choked on my coffee. "How did you—"
"Like I said, fifteen years. I know the patterns." Maria’s expression grew serious. "Listen, Sophie, I like you already. So I’m going to give you some advice that might save your job."
"I’m listening."
"Stay away from Vanessa Whitmore. That woman has been circling Christian Knight for two years, treating this place like her personal hunting ground. She’s got money, connections, and a mean streak a mile wide."
"I’m not interested in Christian Knight," I said automatically.
Maria’s eyebrow arched. "Honey, my grandmother always said the best lies are the ones we tell ourselves."
Before I could respond, she continued. "Three women have left this company under mysterious circumstances after catching Vanessa’s attention. The marketing director transferred to London overnight. The HR specialist quit without notice. And don’t get me started on what happened to the last Strategic Operations Manager."
My stomach dropped. "What happened to her?"
"Let’s just say she decided a job in Alaska sounded appealing." Maria’s voice was grim. "Vanessa doesn’t share well with others."
"But I’m not—"
"It doesn’t matter what you are or aren’t doing. It matters what she thinks you’re doing." Maria leaned forward. "And trust me, that woman sees threats everywhere."
A shadow fell across our table. I looked up to see Victoria Blackwood standing there with a stack of files, her silver hair pulled back in a severe bun that could cut glass.
"Miss Turner. I trust Maria is making you feel welcome."
"Very welcome, thank you."
Victoria’s pale blue eyes studied me like I was a puzzle she couldn’t quite solve. "Good. These are your first assignments." She dropped the files on the table with a soft thud. "Competitor analysis for the quarterly board meeting. Christian specifically requested you handle this project."
Maria’s eyebrows shot up. I felt heat creep up my neck.
"Specifically requested?"
"His exact words were ’give Turner the Blackstone Industries analysis. She’ll know what to do with it.’" Victoria’s smile was sharp as a blade. "Interesting, considering you just started today."
The weight of her implication settled over me like a heavy blanket. More office gossip. More questions I couldn’t answer.
"I’ll get right on it," I said, gathering the files.
"I’m sure you will." Victoria’s gaze lingered on me for another beat before she glided away.
Maria whistled low. "Girl, you are in for a world of trouble."
"What do you mean?"
