BETWEEN US

Chapter 9: The Storm Beneath Still Waters

(Ethan’s POV & Workplace Tension)

Ethan’s POV – After Aurora’s Visit

Ethan Blackwood didn’t believe in surprises.

He built his life around control, precision, and predictability.

So when Aurora strolled into his office like she owned the place, he barely looked up from his laptop.

“If you’re here to waste my time, I suggest you leave,” he said without missing a beat.

Aurora plopped onto the leather chair across from him. “Relax, big brother. I just had a chat with your assistant.”

His fingers paused on the keyboard.

“And?”

“And…” She leaned forward, eyes twinkling with amusement. “I like her.”

Ethan finally looked up, his expression unreadable. “Good for you.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Ethan. You’re not the least bit curious about what I think?”

“Not in the slightest.”

She smirked. “Liar.”

He ignored her, typing again.

Aurora sighed dramatically. “Fine, I’ll just tell you. She’s competent, confident, and—surprise, surprise—she doesn’t care about you.”

He barely reacted, but Aurora knew him well enough to see the flicker of interest he tried to bury.

“She’s different from the others,” Aurora continued, crossing her arms. “I don’t think she’s going anywhere, Ethan. You might want to get used to having her around.”

Ethan’s jaw tensed. “We’ll see about that.”

Back at the Office – HR Issues and Unspoken Tension

Meanwhile, she was too busy to care.

She had spent the entire morning drowning in files, emails, and endless calls. If anyone expected her to sit around waiting for Ethan Blackwood to acknowledge her, they had the wrong girl.

“Ms. James?” A voice snapped her from her thoughts.

She looked up to see HR Director, Mrs Naomi standing by her desk.

“A moment, please?”

With a sigh, she pushed her chair back and followed him into his office.

“Is there a problem?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Mrs Naomi hesitated before speaking. “Not a problem, exactly. Just… an adjustment period.”

She frowned. “Meaning?”

“You’ve made quite an impression,” he admitted. “Most of Mr. Blackwood’s assistants don’t last long. His… siblings usually make things difficult.”

She arched a brow. “And you’re telling me this because?”

“Because you don’t seem like someone who runs away easily,” The HR said. “But I won’t lie to you—things might get messy.”

She smirked. “I can handle messy.”

Sh studied her for a moment before nodding. “Then good luck, Ms. James . You’ll need it.”

As she walked back to her desk, she knew she had just stepped into something deeper than a job.

And for the first time, she wondered if she really was ready for it.