Elena's POV
"What... what's happening?" I managed to ask despite my confusion.
But my question drowned as claps and whistles filled the room.
I blinked, my cheeks burning with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Marcus and Janelle were laughing, clinking glasses with everyone else.
"Okay, this is officially insane," Minnie said, her voice shaking slightly. "What just happened?"
I watched as Cal whispered something in Janelle's ear. They both looked at me and laughed.
The gesture pierced my heart, and controlled by anger and humiliation, I marched toward them. Minnie hurried behind me, whispering some words of caution, but I ignored them.
"What's this game, Cal?" I demanded, my voice shaky.
"Ah, Elena. I didn't see you there," Cal said with a lopsided smile. He took my hand and pulled me closer. "Congratulate your boss."
I yanked my hand away, my mouth twitching. "This is my party." I raised my voice. "I am the editor. I had the big break, not her!"
My words silenced the room. Suddenly, all eyes turned to me.
"What are you doing?" Minnie whispered.
I swallowed, my cheeks burning as I looked around. Shame curled inside me, but it was too late now.
"This is my... party," I repeated, lower this time, my voice breaking. "Janelle... has to leave."
Marcus scoffed, and Janelle laughed.
Cal stepped closer, addressing the crowd. "There has been a misunderstanding. Yesterday, Miss Vane agreed to give up the editorial position to Miss Porter." He pointed to Janelle, who waved proudly.
I froze. I never did that. "I never-"
"Miss Vane knows she wouldn't be able to handle this important duty," Cal interrupted smoothly. "Out of loyalty to this organization, she came to my office to explain this."
I was about to protest when Cal leaned closer, his eyes red with rage, his voice sharp and low so only I could hear. "If you want to grow in this career, you'll behave and do as I say. My investors are here."
Our eyes met, and I flinched at the madness in Cal's.
"Miss Vane has something to say," Cal said, shoving me the microphone.
I took it, swallowing hard as the silence intensified. "Yes..." My voice cracked as all eyes bored into me. I looked at Minnie, whose forehead was creased with worry.
Cal frowned, and my stomach dropped.
I wanted to scream, but with Cal's frown and the crowd's stares, I gave in.
"I... spoke... to Cal... and explained..." My blush deepened as I turned to Janelle. "Congratulations."
"Oh thank you, Elena," Janelle gave a fake smile. "I'm glad you realized you aren't meant for such an important position and handed it to me, who is worthy." She sneered. "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."
Something snapped inside me, and it wasn't just Janelle's speech. It was the way Marcus held Janelle close and kissed her.
The crowd hesitated for a moment, before applause filled the room again.
I wanted to speak, but Cal snatched the microphone. "There you have it. At Imperial media house, we prioritize our employees' mental health. Please give it up for Janelle and... Elena."
The cheers broke the last bit of pride inside me.
Cal said other things, but I didn't hear. Panic rose in my chest, tightening it, seizing my breath.
Someone held me, guiding me out of the room.
Fresh air cooled my face and slowly, I began to breathe again under command.
"You're okay," Minnie whispered, pulling me into a hug.
I let the tears flow, hoping they would fix something in my heart. But the celebration inside made it impossible.
"I'm sorry love," Minnie murmured. "I'm so sorry."
I nodded, wiping my tears. Then my gaze shifted to the bar behind Minnie. "I need a drink."
Minnie blinked. "You-"
"Please, Min. I need to clear my head," I interrupted. "Go in there and have fun."
Minnie frowned. "Of course not. I'm not leaving you, and I'm so not going back there."
"You have to, Min," I said. "I'll be fine. Besides, Cal threatened me. I know how much this job means to you. You have debts to clear, please don't let this affect you."
I watched as Minnie's expression changed. The statement hitting home.
After a long pause, Minnie exhaled. "Okay. Will you be fine?"
"Yes, I'll be right here when you're done." I pointed to the bar, where only one man sat.
Minnie hesitated.
"I promise," I said, plastering a smile.
"Okay then. Wait for me there."
"Yes," I smiled as I watched Minnie return inside.
Sighing, I trudged to the bar. I adjusted my gown, sat on one of the stools, and addressed the waiter behind the counter.
"Something strong, please."
Almost immediately, a glass was placed next to me.
I picked it, gulped it down and winced. It was strong, but extremely bitter.
"I believe you just had my drink." A deep masculine voice resonated from beside me.
I looked at him. "Oh, I'm sorry." I slid the empty glass to him. "It was too bitter."
He chuckled, and a shiver ran down my back. Why did his sound intrigue me?
The waiter pushed another glass, giving me a look.
My cheeks burned as I took my own drink. "Sorry," I muttered again.
"It's fine," the stranger said, amusement in his tone. "Guess I'll drink from yours too."
My eyes widened, and I really looked at him. A scar ran from his forehead to just beneath his left eye. It didn't disfigure him, instead it added to his striking features, and made me want to touch it; to discover the story behind it.
His green eyes pierced me, and I quickly looked away, realizing I had been staring.
"So?" he chuckled. "Shall I?"
His casual, yet confident, tone made my inside unexpectedly stirred, and my blush deepened.
He leaned closer, and I caught the whiff of something expensive; something sweet and dangerous.
Then, I noticed his diamond watch, the shiny shoes, the sharp suit, and reality dawned on me-he was wealthy.
The last thing I needed was to deal with another rich, self-absorbing man.
I stood up abruptly and watched as confusion clouded his expression.
"Excuse me," I smiled flatly, reaching for my glass. But just as I turned, I saw Janelle and Marcus from down the bar.
My heart skipped, and emotions swept through me.
Quickly, and without thinking, I turned back to the stranger. "Help me."
He must have seen the panic in my eyes, because he rose quickly too, glanced in their direction, and took my hand.
The contact momentarily smothered my panic as his big hand covered mine.
"We'll go to the VIP section," he said. "They can't-"
The panic returned in full force. "No, it's in use... for..."
"VVIP then. They can't follow us there."
I nodded, allowing him to lead me upstairs. The guards nodded at him as they opened the doors.
Inside, my nerves settled slowly.
"Are you okay? Should I get you something?" he asked softly, placing a soothing hand on my thighs.
I nodded, unable to speak, goosebumps raising at his touch.
He signaled a waitress, and soon our table was filled with drinks.
He poured me a glass. "Drink." His voice was gentle yet commanding.
My breath hitched as our eyes met. I obeyed, sipping slowly until my heartbeat returned to normal.
"Care to tell me what that was about?" His tone was kind.
I shook my head, then guilt settled. He had saved me from a disaster, the least I could do was talk. So I did.
I told him almost everything. From Marcus, to the affair, to the humiliation. When I finished and realized he had been listening intently, the gesture broke my defenses, and I relaxed even more.
We talked, laughed, and drank. After a moment, he leaned closer, his breath warming my neck.
"So," he said, his voice thick with desire. "You didn't tell me what you do for work?"
My head spun; the intensity in his eyes, the alcohol in my veins, added to my boldness.
Instead of answering, I leaned in and kissed him.
His green eyes widened, but he didn't pull away.
Maybe it was the alcohol, or the fact that he was a stunning man, or maybe I just wanted to forget this day altogether, I grinned at him.
"Do you want to go somewhere else?"