WHEN HEART COLLIDE

Chapter 10

When Hearts Collide

Chapter 10 – Jealous Eyes

Monday morning arrived with an unusual sense of excitement at Cole Developments.

Employees hurried through the lobby carrying files and coffee cups, preparing for another busy week. News had spread that an influential international investment group would be visiting the company later that day.

Sophia arrived early as usual, balancing a stack of revised blueprints in her arms.

"Morning, Sophia!" Ryan called as he walked over.

"Good morning."

"I heard Ethan approved your latest design."

She smiled modestly.

"We made a few improvements together."

Ryan laughed.

"I never thought I'd hear Ethan Cole work with someone instead of simply giving orders."

Before Sophia could reply, Ethan stepped out of the elevator.

The conversations around the lobby immediately quieted.

"Good morning," he said.

"Good morning, sir," everyone replied.

His eyes briefly met Sophia's.

"Ms. Daniels, I'd like to review the final presentation before the investors arrive."

"Of course."

They walked toward the executive conference room together, unaware that several employees were watching.

"There they go again."

"They spend so much time together."

"I wonder if they're dating."

Sophia overheard the whispers and looked uncomfortable.

Ethan seemed not to notice—or perhaps he simply chose to ignore them.

Inside the conference room, they reviewed every detail of the presentation.

Sophia pointed to one of the digital models.

"I adjusted the public garden layout."

Ethan studied it carefully.

"You increased the green space."

"It creates a better balance between the buildings and the river."

He nodded.

"Excellent decision."

Sophia smiled.

"I'm starting to recognize when you'll approve something."

"And how's that?"

"If you don't criticize it within thirty seconds, I'm probably safe."

To her surprise, Ethan chuckled.

"You learn quickly."

For a brief moment, the tension between them disappeared.

Just before the investors arrived, the conference room doors opened.

A tall woman wearing an elegant red dress stepped inside without knocking.

Her confident smile immediately caught everyone's attention.

"Ethan."

Sophia looked up.

The woman walked directly to Ethan and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"It's been too long."

Ethan took a small step back.

"Vanessa."

Sophia instantly realized who she was.

Vanessa Blake.

Ethan's former girlfriend.

Vanessa's eyes slowly shifted toward Sophia.

"So... you're the famous architect."

Sophia extended her hand politely.

"It's nice to meet you."

Vanessa looked at her hand for a second before shaking it.

"I've heard quite a lot about you."

Her smile remained perfectly pleasant.

But her eyes held something else.

Something colder.

The investor meeting proceeded successfully, with Sophia presenting the architectural vision and Ethan discussing the financial strategy.

After the guests departed, Vanessa lingered in Ethan's office.

"I didn't realize you'd replaced me so quickly."

Ethan frowned.

"This has nothing to do with you."

"Oh?"

She glanced toward the hallway where Sophia was speaking with Ryan.

"You seem very interested in her."

"She's an excellent architect."

Vanessa crossed her arms.

"Is that all?"

Ethan didn't answer.

His silence spoke louder than words.

Meanwhile, Ryan noticed Sophia watching the conversation through the office window.

"You okay?"

She forced a smile.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Ryan gave her a knowing look.

"Vanessa has a way of making people uncomfortable."

"They used to date."

"They did."

Sophia looked away.

"They're over."

Ryan nodded.

"Completely."

"But Vanessa doesn't like losing."

As evening approached, most employees headed home.

Sophia remained behind to finish updating the project files.

She was so focused that she didn't notice someone approaching.

"Working late again?"

She looked up.

It was Vanessa.

"I wanted to finish a few things."

Vanessa smiled sweetly.

"You're very dedicated."

"Thank you."

She leaned against the desk.

"Just a little advice."

Sophia waited.

"Ethan is married to his work."

Her smile sharpened slightly.

"Anyone who gets close to him eventually gets hurt."

Without waiting for a response, Vanessa walked away.

Sophia watched her disappear down the hallway.

The words lingered in her mind.

"Anyone who gets close to him eventually gets hurt."

A few minutes later, Ethan stepped out of his office.

"You haven't left yet."

"I was just finishing."

He noticed the thoughtful expression on her face.

"Is something wrong?"

Sophia hesitated.

Then she smiled gently.

"No... just thinking."

Ethan looked at her for a moment, sensing there was more she wasn't saying.

"Don't let other people's opinions distract you."

She met his eyes.

"I'll try."

As they left the building together, neither of them noticed Vanessa watching from across the street.

Standing beside her car, she folded her arms and whispered to herself,

"If Sophia Daniels thinks she can take Ethan away from me... she's about to learn just how far I'm willing to go."

The battle for Ethan's heart had officially begun.

End of Chapter 10