The next day felt strangely different.
Emily noticed Alexander watching her more often.
Not in a cold way.
But in a curious way.
Around lunchtime she finally asked,
"Why are you staring at me?"
Alexander looked up from his laptop.
"I'm not."
Emily pointed.
"You just did it again."
Alexander closed his laptop.
"Fine."
Emily leaned forward.
"What?"
Alexander studied her expression.
Then he said quietly,
"You change the atmosphere."
Emily blinked.
"What does that mean?"
Alexander thought for a moment.
"The office used to feel… empty."
Emily smiled.
"And now?"
Alexander looked directly into her eyes.
"Less empty."
Emily's heart skipped.
For a moment it felt like something important might happen.
But just then—
Alexander's phone rang.
He answered it immediately.
"Yes."
His expression turned serious.
After hanging up he stood up.
"Meeting."
Emily sighed.
"Work ruins everything."
Alexander almost smiled again.
Almost.
But neither of them realized…
Someone had been watching.
Sophia Knight.
And she was already planning her next move.