The air inside Alejandro Group International had shifted.
Subtle.
But undeniable.
Daniel stood across from Michael's desk, his expression composed, but his eyes said everything.
"She came to see you," Daniel said.
Michael didn't look up immediately.
But the silence that followed…
Was dangerous.
"She didn't have an appointment," Daniel continued carefully.
"The receptionist refused her entry."
A pause.
"She called security."
Michael's hand stilled on the document he was holding.
"And?"
Daniel met his gaze.
"They attempted to escort her out."
The room went cold.
Michael stood slowly.
Every movement controlled.
Precise.
"Where is she now?"
"In the waiting area," Daniel replied.
Michael didn't say another word.
He walked out.
Lobby Moments Later
The receptionist stood behind the desk, still unsettled from earlier.
The guards had returned to their positions.
Everything looked… normal.
Until the elevator doors opened.
Michael stepped out.
The entire atmosphere shifted instantly.
Employees straightened.
Conversations died.
His gaze scanned the room
And landed on her.
Alicia.
She stood near the seating area, still holding the lunch she had brought.
Trying to look composed.
Michael walked toward her.
Fast.
"Alicia."
His voice wasn't loud.
But it carried.
She looked up, surprised.
"Michael"
He didn't wait.
His hands were already on her shoulders, then her arms checking, searching.
"Are you alright?"
The concern in his voice made her pause.
"I'm fine," she said softly.
His jaw tightened.
"You shouldn't have been touched," he said.
Alicia blinked.
"It's okay"
"No."
The single word stopped everything.
Michael turned.
Slowly.
His gaze landed on the receptionist.
She froze.
"You," he said calmly.
Her throat went dry.
"Sir, I"
"Did she tell you who she was?"
Silence.
The receptionist hesitated.
"…She claimed"
Michael stepped closer.
"She is my wife."
The words hit the entire lobby like a shockwave.
The guards stiffened.
The receptionist went pale.
"I didn't know" she started.
"You didn't ask," Michael replied.
His voice remained calm.
But it was colder than anger.
"She was disrespected. Stopped. Nearly forced out."
The receptionist's hands trembled slightly.
"Sir, I was only following"
"You were making assumptions."
Silence fell again.
Heavy.
Michael didn't raise his voice.
He didn't need to.
"Effective immediately," he said, "you are removed from this position."
The receptionist's eyes widened.
"Sir please"
"Daniel will handle the rest."
Daniel stepped forward calmly.
"Of course."
The guards stepped back completely now, avoiding eye contact.
Michael turned away.
Just like that.
Because he was done.
Private Office
The door closed behind them.
And the tension… shifted.
Michael turned to Alicia again.
But this time
His expression wasn't cold.
It was something deeper.
"You should have called me," he said softly.
Alicia held up the lunch slightly.
"I wanted to surprise you."
Something in his expression softened instantly.
"You did," he admitted.
A small silence followed.
Then
Without thinking
He pulled her into him.
Alicia gasped slightly, caught off guard.
But she didn't pull away.
Michael held her close.
Firm.
Protective.
"No one speaks to you like that," he murmured against her hair.
Her hands slowly rested against his chest.
"I told you, I'm okay."
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her.
"I'm not."
Her heart skipped.
"You walked into my world," he continued, his voice low, intense.
"And they treated you like you didn't belong."
A pause.
"You do."
Alicia's breath caught.
Before she could respond
He leaned down.
And kissed her.
Not gentle.
Not hesitant.
Possessive.
Certain.
Alicia melted into it, her fingers tightening slightly against his shirt.
When they finally pulled apart, her forehead rested against his.
"You're very intense right now," she whispered.
Michael exhaled softly.
"Only because it's you."
A small smile formed on her lips.
She lifted the lunch bag again.
"You're still eating this."
Michael let out a quiet breath of amusement.
"Yes, I am."
He took her hand, guiding her toward the small table in his office.
"Stay," he said.
Alicia looked at him.
"I wasn't planning to leave," she replied softly.
And this time
When he looked at her
It wasn't just possession.
It was something deeper.
Something real.