Chapter 5 – Rumors in the Hallway
666 Words
The next morning, Amelia knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the lobby.
Conversations stopped.
People glanced at her before quickly looking away.
Even the receptionist, usually cheerful, hesitated before saying, "Morning."
Amelia frowned.
"Did I spill coffee on myself?"
The receptionist shook her head.
"No... but you might want to stay off social media today."
A knot formed in Amelia's stomach.
She pulled out her phone.
There, on a popular business gossip website, was a blurry photograph of her and Adrian sitting together in his office, sharing burgers.
The headline read:
BLACKWOOD'S ICE-COLD CEO SPOTTED ON SECRET DINNER DATE WITH MYSTERY WOMAN.
Her eyes widened.
"A date?" she whispered.
"They're creative," the receptionist muttered.
───
Amelia marched toward Adrian's office, barely knocking before she entered.
He was already reading the article.
"They think we're dating," she said.
"So it seems."
"You're unusually calm."
"I've been in worse headlines."
She folded her arms.
"They're calling me a gold digger."
His expression hardened.
"They shouldn't."
"They don't know me."
"I know you."
The words hung in the air.
Simple.
Sincere.
Unexpected.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Adrian closed his laptop.
"Our legal team will request the article be removed."
"You'd do that?"
"They're attacking one of my employees."
"I thought you were only protecting the company."
"I am."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You're part of this company."
Before Amelia could reply, someone knocked on the door.
"Come in."
A tall man in a navy suit strolled into the office with the confidence of someone who had never met a stranger.
He grinned the moment he saw Amelia.
"So you're Amelia."
She blinked.
"I'm sorry... have we met?"
"No."
He turned dramatically toward Adrian.
"You didn't tell me she was pretty."
Adrian sighed.
"I was hoping you'd behave."
"I never behave."
The newcomer extended his hand.
"Daniel Brooks. Chief Financial Officer. Adrian's oldest friend."
Amelia shook his hand, smiling despite herself.
"It's nice to meet you."
Daniel leaned closer and whispered loudly enough for Adrian to hear.
"You've already got him eating burgers. That's impressive."
"I heard that," Adrian said dryly.
"I know."
───
By lunchtime, Daniel had made himself comfortable at Amelia's desk.
"So," he said, stealing one of her chocolate biscuits, "how long before Adrian smiles around you?"
"He smiles."
Daniel nearly choked.
"He what?"
"Not often."
"But he does."
Daniel stared at her in disbelief.
"I've known him since we were twelve."
"He smiles."
"I've seen him smile maybe... six times."
Amelia laughed.
"Maybe you're not as funny as you think."
Daniel clutched his chest dramatically.
"That was cruel."
From inside his office, Adrian called out without looking up from his paperwork.
"She has a point."
Daniel gasped.
"You took her side!"
"I took the correct side."
Amelia couldn't help smiling.
For the first time since she had started working here, the office felt... alive.
───
That evening, as Amelia packed her bag, Adrian walked out of his office.
"I'll drive you home."
She looked surprised.
"You don't have to."
"I know."
"It's out of your way."
"So?"
She studied him for a moment.
"Is this because of the article?"
"In part."
"And the other part?"
"I'd rather know you arrived home safely."
The words were quiet.
Matter-of-fact.
But they warmed Amelia's heart all the same.
Outside, rain began to fall again as Adrian opened the passenger door of his car.
Neither of them noticed the black sedan parked across the street.
Inside, the same man from the hallway lowered a camera with a satisfied smile.
"They're getting closer," he murmured into his phone.
A voice answered from the other end.
"Good."
"Should I continue watching them?"
The reply came without hesitation.
"No."
There was a brief pause.
"It's time for the next phase."
The call ended.
The man started the engine and drove away into the night.
Somewhere in the city, a plan was unfolding.
And neither Adrian nor Amelia had any idea they were walking straight into it.
- Writer
