Ariana stepped into the small office building, hoping no one had seen the car outside.
But the moment she walked into the lobby, every head turned.
Conversations stopped.
Keyboards fell silent.
People stared as if they were seeing a ghost.
Ariana clutched her file against her chest and tried to smile.
"G-Good morning."
No one answered.
Instead, a group of coworkers began whispering loud enough for her to hear.
"That car… that was a Steelenex model."
"I swear I saw a masked man—"
"Don't be stupid. Damian Steele doesn't step foot here."
"But she got out of the car!"
"Ariana? Impossible."
"She must have been mistaken for someone else."
Ariana lowered her eyes and hurried to her seat.
The whispers only grew louder.
By lunchtime, the atmosphere was ice cold.
Her colleague, Clara, approached with a fake smile.
"So, Ariana… who dropped you off today?"
Her tone dripped with suspicion.
"A friend," Ariana replied softly.
"A friend with a billionaire's car?" someone snickered behind her.
"I—I don't know anything about cars," Ariana said, cheeks burning.
Clara leaned closer.
"You know, some girls… get desperate and look for rich men."
She smirked.
"No shame in it. Just admit it."
Ariana's eyes widened with hurt.
"I'm not like that—"
"Then who was he?" Clara pressed.
Ariana froze.
What could she say?
Suddenly, the office door opened with a sharp click.
A tall man in a sleek gray suit entered — Damian's assistant. His presence instantly commanded attention.
Every employee straightened up.
He approached the manager's desk, spoke quietly, then turned to scan the room.
His eyes landed on Ariana.
"Miss Ariana Blake?"
Everyone gasped.
The assistant bowed respectfully — a gesture reserved only for high-ranking individuals.
"Mr. Steele requested I deliver this."
He handed her a small, neatly sealed envelope.
Her heart nearly stopped.
The assistant inclined his head again.
"If anyone gives you trouble, Miss Blake, please report it. Mr. Steele does not tolerate hostility toward his family."
Family.
The word hit the room like an earthquake.
Clara nearly choked on air.
Someone dropped a pen.
Another gasped so loudly the entire office heard.
Before Ariana could speak, the assistant added politely:
"Also, you may take the next three days off. Fully paid."
Then he walked out, leaving the whole office stunned.
Ariana's hands shook.
She hadn't asked for this.
She didn't want trouble.
She opened the envelope.
Inside was a simple note in Damian's crisp handwriting:
If you refuse my money, I won't force it.
But I will protect you.
D. Steele
Her throat tightened.
He had protected her without even being there.