OWNED BY THE ENEMY

chapter 4: Behind Closed doors

Eliza barely slept that night.

Richard's final words echoed in her mind.

"We have a lot to discuss."

She arrived at Sterling Global earlier than usual, determined not to let her emotions show. The executive floor was quiet, with only a few employees settling into their offices.

As she placed her bag on her desk, Richard's voice came through the intercom.

"My office. Now."

Taking a deep breath, she walked in.

Richard stood by the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city. Without turning around, he said, "Close the door."

Eliza did as instructed.

He placed a file on the desk between them.

"The discrepancies you discovered yesterday weren't accidental."

"I figured as much."

"They've cost the company millions over the years."

She looked up.

"Then why haven't you reported it?"

Richard's expression darkened.

"Because I don't know who I can trust."

The answer caught her off guard.

For the first time, he didn't sound like the cold billionaire everyone feared. He sounded like a man carrying a burden alone.

"I want you to help me investigate," he continued.

Eliza let out a bitter laugh.

"You expect me to help the Sterling family after everything that happened to mine?"

Richard's jaw tightened.

"I know what happened to your father."

Her heartbeat stopped.

"What did you say?"

"I've read every report about his case."

"My father was innocent."

"I know."

The room fell silent.

Tears threatened to fill Eliza's eyes, but she blinked them away.

"If you know he was innocent," she whispered, "why did no one clear his name?"

Richard looked away.

"Because someone made sure the truth stayed buried."

Before Eliza could respond, there was a knock on the door.

A glamorous woman stepped inside without waiting for permission.

She wore a designer dress, expensive jewelry, and a confident smile.

She walked straight to Richard and kissed him on the cheek.

"I've missed you," she said warmly.

Eliza immediately stepped back.

Richard's expression hardened.

"Victoria, this isn't a good time."

Victoria finally noticed Eliza standing nearby.

Her smile disappeared.

"And who is she?"

"My assistant."

Victoria's eyes slowly traveled from Eliza's face to the file in her hands.

"I hope she remembers her place."

Eliza met her gaze without flinching.

"I always do."

The tension between the two women was immediate.

Victoria slipped her arm through Richard's.

"We still have dinner tonight, don't we?"

Richard gently removed her hand.

"I'll call you later."

The rejection was subtle, but Victoria noticed.

So did Eliza.

As Victoria walked out, she paused beside Eliza.

In a voice only she could hear, she whispered, "Stay away from him if you know what's good for you."

Eliza watched her leave, refusing to show fear.

But deep inside, she knew one thing.

Working for Richard Sterling had just become far more dangerous.