The office was unusually tense that morning. Victor Han had been humiliated twice already by Adrian's effortless competence, and his pride demanded retaliation. This time, he wasn't aiming at Adrian — he was aiming at Elena.
Victor leaned against the meeting room door, his tone dripping with false charm. "Miss Li, I heard you're leading the client proposal this week. Brave of you. But… are you sure you're ready? It's not exactly beginner‑friendly."
Elena stiffened, her fingers tightening around her folder. "I've prepared thoroughly."
Victor smirked. "Preparation is one thing. Execution is another. Don't worry, though. If you stumble, your assistant can always rescue you. He seems to enjoy stealing the spotlight."
The jab landed. A few colleagues chuckled nervously. Elena's cheeks burned, torn between anger and embarrassment.
Adrian, who had been quietly reviewing documents nearby, looked up. His voice carried a sharper edge than usual. "Mr. Han, if you're so concerned about the proposal, perhaps you should focus on your own assignments. I hear your last report needed three revisions."
The room went silent. Victor's smirk faltered.
Elena blinked, startled. Adrian rarely spoke so directly, but his words sliced cleanly.
Victor recovered quickly, sneering. "Defensive, aren't we? Maybe you should let Miss Li answer for herself."
Adrian's gaze softened as he turned to Elena. "She doesn't need to prove anything to you. Her work speaks for itself."
Elena's heart skipped. His words weren't just protective — they carried quiet conviction, as if he believed in her more than she believed in herself.
Marcus Wu, watching from the corner, nearly dropped his pen. Oh no. He's defending her openly now. Not just fixing machines or carrying files — he's practically dueling Victor in public. If anyone connects the dots, I'll be ruined.
He scribbled frantically in his notebook: Emergency plan needed. Maybe fake a fire drill?
Later that afternoon, Elena presented her draft proposal to the team. Victor interrupted halfway through, pointing at a slide. "This figure looks off. Did you double‑check it?"
Elena's stomach tightened. She had checked it twice, but doubt crept in under his glare.
Before she could answer, Adrian spoke smoothly. "The figure is correct. I verified the source myself. If you'd like, I can walk you through the calculations."
Victor's face reddened. "That won't be necessary."
Elena exhaled, relief flooding her. She glanced at Adrian, her lips curving into a faint smile. He always knows when to step in.
After the meeting, Elena caught up with Adrian in the hallway. "You didn't have to defend me like that."
Adrian tilted his head, his tone lighter now. "Didn't I? Watching you doubt yourself over Victor's theatrics seemed unnecessary."
She smirked. "You make it sound like you're my shield."
He chuckled softly. "Maybe I am. But only when you need one."
Her cheeks warmed. She looked away quickly, muttering, "Strange as always."
By evening, Elena walked outside, her thoughts tangled. Victor's jabs had stung, but Adrian's quiet defense lingered more strongly.
A familiar car slowed beside her. The window rolled down, and Adrian's voice carried a hint of humor. "Miss Li. Shall I add 'bodyguard' to my résumé now?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're collecting titles faster than Victor collects grudges."
He smiled faintly. "Then I'll keep collecting, as long as it helps you."
She hesitated, then slid into the car. The ride was calm, the silence comfortable. Elena glanced at him, her voice soft. "You know, you're making it harder and harder to believe you're just an assistant."
Adrian's reply was different this time — playful, but with a weight beneath it. "Then believe I'm whatever makes you feel stronger."
Her lips curved into a small smile. Comfortable, yes. But curious too.
Meanwhile, Marcus sat at his desk long after everyone had gone, muttering to himself. "Now he's defending her in meetings, trading barbs with Victor, and flirting in cars. I'll need a vacation… or a miracle."
He scribbled another note: Step one: fake illness. Step two: disappear until reveal arc ends.