Tempted by Her

Chapter 11

The moment Ava and Tessa stepped inside the house, the air filled with excitement. Tessa immediately began unboxing everything, her eyes sparkling with delight at the beautiful outfits, shoes, and jewelry Ava had carefully picked.

“This is amazing!” Tessa squealed, holding up a sparkling bracelet. She turned to Ava, throwing her arms around her in a tight hug before planting a quick peck on her cheek and lips. “I love you, Ava! You’re the best girl in the whole world!”

Ava laughed, shaking her head at her best friend’s childish enthusiasm. “You’re ridiculous,” she said, grinning. “But I love you too.”

Tessa barely let go, bouncing on her heels in excitement as she continued sorting through the shopping bags, holding up each piece with exaggerated awe. Ava couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Amid the chaos of her life, this moment with Tessa reminded her that she wasn’t alone.

Meanwhile, back at LuxeCorp, the office was winding down. The clock ticked closer to the end of the workday, and employees began packing their things. Monica, her face still clouded with anger and jealousy, gathered her belongings with meticulous care, refusing to make eye contact with anyone as she moved down the corridor toward the elevator. Other staff members greeted her politely, but she ignored them entirely. They had grown used to her icy demeanor, and it no longer fazed them.

Just as she was about to step into the elevator, she caught sight of Damian exiting the building, his figure tall and commanding, flanked by Ethan. Monica’s eyes narrowed, and she hurried over, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

“Good evening, boss,” she began, her voice laced with venom. “I heard you’re going out with that low-life. Don’t you think your business clients will mock you for bringing such a classless girl with you?”

Damian stopped in his tracks, turning sharply to face her. His blue eyes were sharp, filled with a controlled intensity that made Monica falter. “And how is that business of yours?” he asked, his tone low but dangerous. “Since when did you start speaking to me this freely?”

Monica froze, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find a response. Damian’s sudden outburst shocked her to her core. Her carefully constructed confidence began to crumble, and she could feel a threatening tremor in her voice as it threatened to betray her.

“Will you quickly leave her?” Damian added, stepping closer. “And next time you address her that way, consider yourself fired.”

Monica’s face paled as she took a step back, realizing that today she had overstepped in a way she hadn’t anticipated. Damian’s glare didn’t just convey authority—it was a warning she could not ignore.