RUMORS AND POSSESSION
By morning, the office had a new favorite story.
"Elara was seen getting into the CEO's car last night."
"I heard they were fighting."
"No, I heard she was crying."
Elara ignored them all.
She sat at her desk, typing with forced calm, pretending her heart wasn't still racing from Lucien's words the night before.
I don't share.
She hated how those words stayed with her.
"Ms. Wynn."
She looked up.
Lucien stood there, hands in his pockets, eyes unreadable. The entire floor went silent.
"Come to my office."
Every head turned.
Elara stood slowly, aware of the stares burning into her back as she followed him inside.
The door shut.
Lucien leaned against the desk. "Your ex is already being talked about."
She sighed. "This city doesn't miss anything."
"He came to see you again this morning," Lucien said.
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"He asked security for access."
Anger flared. "I told him to leave me alone."
Lucien's gaze darkened. "Good."
She crossed her arms. "Why do you care?"
"Because he's a distraction."
"Or because you're jealous?" she challenged.
For a moment, silence swallowed the room.
Lucien stepped closer. "Don't confuse interest with ownership."
"You just said you don't share."
His jaw tightened. "You belong in my world now."
"That doesn't make you my owner," she shot back.
Something dangerous flickered in his eyes.
"You walked into my life, Elara," he said quietly. "And now everyone is watching."
"So what?" she asked. "You'll cage me?"
Lucien reached out—then stopped himself.
"I protect what's mine," he said.
Her heart pounded. "Even if it hates being owned?"
He stared at her for a long moment.
"Especially then."
A knock interrupted them.
Serena's voice followed. "Lucien? May I come in?"
Lucien's expression hardened instantly.
"Later," he called.
She forced the door open anyway.
Serena walked in, eyes sharp, smile fake.
"I heard something interesting," she said, glancing at Elara. "Your assistant has an ex-boyfriend stalking her."
Elara stiffened.
Lucien stepped forward. "Watch your tone."
Serena smirked. "I just worry about your reputation."
"My reputation doesn't need your help."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're protecting her again."
Lucien didn't deny it.
Serena laughed bitterly. "Careful, Lucien. You're starting to look… involved."
Elara met Serena's gaze calmly. "Maybe he just respects me."
Serena scoffed. "You don't belong here."
Elara smiled. "Funny. I work here."
Lucien turned to Serena. "Leave."
Humiliated, she stormed out.
Silence returned.
Lucien faced Elara.
"You're becoming a problem," he said.
She raised an eyebrow. "Then fire me."
His eyes softened—just a little.
"I don't fire what I value."
Her breath caught.
She turned away first.
"Remember the contract," she whispered.
Lucien watched her leave.
And for the first time…
He wondered who would break first.