Chapter three:Elisa Laurent
820 Words
Jane knew the moment she stepped inside—
This wasn’t just a house.
It was power.
The Wolfe estate stood in silence, vast and intimidating, its polished floors reflecting the dim golden lights above. Every detail—from the tall glass windows to the carefully arranged artwork—felt deliberate, expensive, untouchable.
Jane walked beside him, aware of every step she took, every breath she drew. The air felt heavier here, like it carried secrets.
“Stay close,” Adrian said without looking at her.
It wasn’t a request.
Jane nodded slightly. “Of course… Mr. Wolfe.”
His jaw tightened—just for a second.
But he said nothing.
They hadn’t gone far when voices echoed from the far end of the hall. Three people stood near the grand staircase. An older woman, elegant and commanding, her posture straight, her gaze piercing.
And beside her,A lady,Beautiful,Perfectly composed and Dangerous. Her dress hugged her figure like it had been designed to make a statement. Her eyes landed on Adrian first, softening instantly—until they shifted to Jane.
“Adrian,” the older woman spoke first, her voice smooth but firm. “You’re late.”
“I wasn’t aware I was expected,” Adrian replied calmly.
“You are always expected.”
Her eyes flicked to Jane briefly before returning to him.
“And yet you arrive… with company.”
Jane felt it press against her chest, but she didn’t step back. Adrian stepped slightly forward.
“This is Jane Blackwood. My new assistant.”
The younger woman’s lips curved into something that looked like a smile—but didn’t feel like one.
“Assistant?” she repeated softly.
Her eyes moved slowly over Jane, taking in every detail—her clothes, her posture, her presence.
“Jane,” he said, turning slightly toward her, “this is Elisa Laurent.“My fiancée.”
“So you’re the one keeping him so busy,” she said, her voice softer now, almost curious. “I was beginning to think he had forgotten his responsibilities.”
Adrian’s expression didn’t change. “My responsibilities are my concern.”
“And soon,” Elisa replied smoothly, “they’ll be mine too.”
Her eyes flicked to Jane again.
“This house… this family… this future.”
The message was clear.
You don’t belong here.
Jane felt it.
But she didn’t step back.
“I’m only here to do my job,” she said calmly.
Elisa tilted her head slightly.
“Of course you are.”
But the way she said it made it sound like a lie.
The older woman stepped forward then, her presence commanding immediate attention.
“Adrian,” she said, “a word.”
Her tone left no room for refusal.
Adrian looked at Jane briefly.
“Stay here.”
And then he walked away with her.
Just like that.
Leaving Jane standing alone
With Elisa.
The silence stretched.
“You’re not what I expected,” Elisa said suddenly.
Jane didn’t respond immediately.
“I’m not here to meet expectations,” she replied.
Elisa let out a soft laugh.
“No… I suppose not.”
She stepped closer.
Not too close.
But enough.
“You should be careful,” she added quietly.
Jane’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Of what?”
“Men like Adrian don’t notice people like you… unless they want something.”
Jane held her gaze.
“And what do you think he wants?”
Elisa’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“That’s the dangerous part.”
Footsteps echoed behind them.
Adrian returned.
His expression was darker now. Harder.
Something had shifted.
“We’re leaving,” he said.
Jane didn’t hesitate.
“Of course.”
The ride back was different.
Quieter.
Heavier.
Jane could feel it in the way Adrian sat beside her—more tense, more distant.
But also—
More aware.
“You didn’t tell me you were engaged,” she said finally.
His gaze remained forward.
“It wasn’t relevant.”
Jane let out a small breath.
“It became relevant the moment I walked into that house.”
A pause.
Then—
“You handled yourself well,” he said.
The words caught her off guard.
“Was that a compliment?”
“Don’t get used to it.”
Jane almost smiled.
Almost.
But then his next words erased it.
“Stay away from Elisa.”
Jane turned to him slowly.
“Why?”
His jaw tightened.
“Because she doesn’t lose.”
The warning was clear.
Sharp.
Real.
Jane looked ahead again, her thoughts racing.
“I don’t plan on playing her game.”
Adrian finally turned to look at her.
And this time—
There was something in his eyes she hadn’t seen before.
Something dangerous.
“You already are.”
The car disappeared into the night.
And somewhere between silence and shadows
Lines had been drawn.
Whether Jane wanted it or not.
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