BETWEEN US

Chapter 8: The Unexpected Visitor

(Veronica’s POV)

Veronica was not in the mood for surprises.

After dealing with the IT mess, Ethan’s indifference, and office whispers, all she wanted was a quiet afternoon to get actual work done.

But fate had other plans.

She had just returned from lunch when she noticed a woman standing by her desk.

Tall, effortlessly stylish, and radiating confidence, the stranger looked like she had walked straight out of a fashion magazine.

Definitely not an employee.

The woman turned, and the first thing Veronica noticed was her bright blue eyes—sharp, observant, but filled with something rare in this company. Warmth.

“You must be Veronica St. James,” she said, smiling. “I’ve been dying to meet you.”

Veronica blinked. Who the hell was this?

Before she could ask, the woman extended a perfectly manicured hand.

“I’m Aurora Blackwood.”

Veronica stiffened. Blackwood.

So, Ethan’s sister.

Great.

A Different Blackwood

Veronica kept her expression neutral as she shook Aurora’s hand.

“Pleasure to meet you,” she said carefully.

“Oh, no need to be so formal,” Aurora laughed, waving her off. “I’m not here for anything serious—I just wanted to see the woman who’s managed to last this long.”

Veronica’s fingers tightened around her pen. “It’s only been a week.”

“Exactly. That’s a record.” Aurora smirked, leaning against the desk. “You must be made of steel.”

Veronica wasn’t sure whether to take that as a compliment or a warning.

“If you’re here to check if I’ll quit soon, save yourself the trouble. I plan on keeping my job.”

Aurora tilted her head, studying her.

“I like you,” she said suddenly. “You’re not scared of us, are you?”

Veronica arched a brow. “Should I be?”

Aurora grinned. “Probably. But don’t worry—I’m the nice one.”

Veronica didn’t relax just yet.

She had learned one thing about the Blackwoods in her short time here: They didn’t do casual conversations.

So what did Aurora want?

Ethan’s Sister & Secrets

“Let me guess,” Veronica said slowly. “Your mother sent you.”

Aurora’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Oh, God, no. If she knew I was here, she’d throw a fit. I came on my own.”

That caught Veronica off guard.

“Why?”

Aurora shrugged. “Because I wanted to see for myself. You’re different from the others.”

“How so?”

Aurora hesitated, then said, “You don’t care about impressing Ethan.”

Veronica frowned. “Why would I? He’s my boss.”

“Exactly.” Aurora gave her an approving look. “Most of the assistants before you either tried to win him over or gave up the moment our mother made things difficult. But you? You just… do your job.”

Veronica didn’t know whether to be flattered or irritated.

“Shouldn’t that be normal?” she muttered.

Aurora laughed. “You’d think. But with my family? Nothing is normal.”

No arguments there.

A Final Warning

Aurora straightened, her expression turning serious for the first time.

“Listen, I don’t know how long you’ll last here, but if you do stay… don’t let them get to you.”

Veronica met her gaze. “Them?”

Aurora sighed. “My mother. Adrian. The people who think they can control Ethan. They’ll try to control you too.”

Veronica exhaled slowly. “Noted.”

Aurora smiled again, but this time, there was something knowing behind her eyes.

“And one more thing—” she glanced toward Ethan’s office door—“Don’t let my brother fool you. He pretends not to care, but he notices everything.”

Veronica didn’t respond.

Because Ethan Blackwood didn’t notice her at all.

And she intended to keep it that way.