No Second Chances

Old Flames, New Conflicts

“This is my branch,” Ethan stated coldly, leaning back in his chair, hands clasped behind his head. “Blake Industries is my family’s company. You’re here for a project, Logan, nothing more. Don’t forget your place.”

Logan’s lips curled into a slight smirk, a hint of amusement crossing his face. He wasn’t the type to back down, and Ethan’s sense of superiority was pushing his buttons.

“Don’t get too comfortable, Ethan,” Logan said, voice low but threatening. “Things change fast in this company. You never know who might be gunning for your position.”

Ethan’s relaxed posture stiffened, his jaw clenched. Logan’s ambition was no secret—he wasn’t just here for the project; he had his eyes on something bigger. Ethan could feel the heat rising in his chest. How dare Logan suggest he could take over?

Before either of them could take the argument any further, Ethan’s secretary, David crane, knocked and walked in.

“Sir, you have an urgent call from the chairman’s office,” Lindsey announced, glancing nervously between the two men.

Logan cast one final glance at Ethan, his smirk still in place. “We’ll finish this later.”

Without another word, he turned and grabbed Samantha’s arm, dragging her out of the office.

Samantha’s pulse quickened the moment Logan’s skin brushed hers. She wasn’t prepared for the rush of emotions that came flooding back. The familiar warmth of his touch triggered memories she had tried so hard to bury. Memories of the nights they’d spent together, of the promises he made—and broke. Her heart ached with anger, hurt, and an unexpected longing that she hated to admit.

As they moved through the hallway, Logan’s grip loosened but remained firm. Samantha’s thoughts were spinning. She felt the warmth of his skin lingering against hers, and she couldn’t help but think about how she had missed him—missed them. She hated herself for feeling that way. This shouldn’t be happening. I should be over this by now.

“Why was he calling you in the middle of the briefing?” Logan’s voice broke through her haze. His tone was sharper now, laced with suspicion. “What kind of relationship do you have with Ethan?”

Samantha blinked, trying to pull herself together. But Logan didn’t give her the chance.

“I know Ethan, Samantha. He’s not someone you can trust. You shouldn’t be so… close to him. You’re not just coworkers, are you?” His tone was firm, almost protective, as if he had the right to question her. As if he hadn’t been the one to leave her behind and shatter her trust in the first place.

But Samantha barely registered his words. She was watching his lips move, but her mind was elsewhere—lost in how it felt to be close to him again, to be the one he cared about. She felt pathetic for even allowing those thoughts to creep in. Stop it, she told herself. He’s not yours anymore.

When Logan finished talking, Samantha carefully took a step back, pulling her arm from his grasp. Her face was unreadable as she said, “Logan, whatever you think you’re worried about, you’re wrong. I am none of your concern.”

Logan’s eyes flickered with something—surprise, maybe hurt—but she didn’t let herself dwell on it.

With a quick, dismissive motion, Samantha turned on her heel and walked away, leaving him standing in the hallway, watching her go.

Logan stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, something tugging at his chest. He wanted to go after her, to say something more. But he knew better. The past was already too tangled, and he had made his choices.