Beneath the Surface

CHAPTER NINETEENA SHIFT IN THE AIR

Arielle had just stepped into the glass-walled lobby of Ashe and Locke, coffee in one hand and her phone in the other, when the tall, broad-shouldered figure of Ezra Delacroix stepped through the revolving doors. The morning sun cut across the polished floors, casting light on his sleek navy suit and crisp white button-down. The open collar framed him with just the right amount of studied elegance—effortless, magnetic.

He carried the calm composure of someone entirely at ease in his own skin, and it lit up the space like he belonged in every room he entered.

“Arielle,” he greeted smoothly, walking straight toward her with a warm smile that made more than a few heads turn.

She blinked in surprise, instinctively straightening. “Mr. Delacroix. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Ezra,” he corrected gently, his tone like velvet. “I had to stop by to finalize a few signatures. I was hoping to run into you.” He paused, then added with quiet sincerity, “I never got the chance to walk you out the other night. That was...a miss on my part.”

Arielle felt her face warm despite the chill of the air-conditioned lobby. “It’s okay. Really.”

He chuckled lowly, and the sound sent a ripple of awareness through her. “Still. I’d like to make it up to you. Maybe over coffee sometime?”

She hesitated. Ezra had always exuded confidence, the kind that could easily border on arrogance. But now, his voice held no pressure—only a simple invitation. His posture was open, his gaze thoughtful.

Slowly, she nodded. “Alright...coffee sounds fine.”

“Perfect,” he said, already pulling out his phone. He offered it to her, screen unlocked and ready. “Your number?”

As she keyed it in, a shiver moved across the back of her neck—subtle, but unmistakable. A weight, a presence. She didn’t need to look to know Damien was watching.

Above her, on the mezzanine landing that overlooked the lobby, Damien stood like a sculpture carved from shadow. His suit was as sharp as ever, but his expression was stormy, his green eyes locked on her with unreadable intensity. Their gazes clashed for half a second before he turned away, the tension in his shoulders hardening with each step.

By the time Arielle walked into the boardroom not ten minutes later, she could already feel the chill in the air.

Damien sat at the head of the table like a silent glacier—composed, unreadable, but dangerously close to fracturing. His voice, when he spoke, was clipped, every word efficient and cold. He barely looked at Ezra, who now occupied a seat directly across from him, still exuding that unnerving calm.

The contrast between the two men was stark—fire and ice, calm seas and hurricanes. And Arielle sat right between them, trying to ignore the friction that sparked with every glance Damien shot across the polished table.

Then, Cole—ever the burst of energy in an otherwise calculated room—clapped his hands together. “Alright, now for the good news. Everyone ready?”

A ripple of interest moved through the team. Even the tension seemed to pause.

“Our annual company retreat is happening next week!” he announced, eyes gleaming. “We’re heading to Edenbrook Hills—yes, the private resort—and we’re booked for four days.”

Chatter erupted, chairs squeaking as people leaned in with excitement. Even Damien’s jaw seemed to loosen slightly, though he didn’t smile.

Arielle glanced at Nina, who had lit up like someone had handed her a diamond-studded martini. She mouthed, Edenbrook? with barely concealed glee.

Later that afternoon, Arielle was back at her desk, flipping through campaign documents and trying not to overthink the interaction with Ezra—or Damien. The residue of both lingered like static.

Nina dropped into the chair beside her, balancing her ever-present iced coffee and wearing a smirk that meant nothing good for Arielle’s sanity.

“You knew about the retreat?” Nina asked, all wide eyes and faux innocence.

“Nope,” Arielle said, not looking up. “Heard it same time you did.”

“Well, Ezra might’ve dropped it when you two were getting cozy in the lobby earlier,” Nina teased with a wicked gleam in her eye.

Arielle gave her a dry look. “It wasn’t cozy.”

“It looked cozy. And Damien noticed. He looked like someone poured vinegar in his espresso.” Nina leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Also...I saw you get into Damien’s car after the masquerade party.”

Arielle nearly inhaled her tea. “You what?”

Nina grinned, wholly unrepentant. “You heard me. So...did something electric happen in the ride?”

“Nothing happened,” Arielle said quickly, cheeks flaming as she looked around to make sure no one was listening.

Nina leaned back, swirling her straw in victory. “Hmm. I don’t believe you. But I’ll let it slide... for now.”

That evening, the kitchen smelled like garlic and herbs as Arielle stirred pasta sauce, her movements methodical. She told her siblings about the retreat while Airyana scrolled through her phone at the counter.

“You’re going to Edenbrook Hills? That’s like, fancy-fancy,” the teen said, flipping her braids over her shoulder. “You guys get to do cool things all the time.”

Arielle chuckled softly. “It’s still work.”

“Sure, work in designer clothes, under chandeliers and with CEOs,” Airyana replied, smirking. “You’re living the life, Ari.”

Jace, leaning on his crutches near the couch, chimed in with a grin. “Bring us back souvenirs.”

Arielle smiled, heart warmed by the lightness in his voice. “Aunt Desmonda is coming to stay while I’m away.”

Cheers erupted like a chorus of relief.

“She’s the best,” Olivia added, clapping.

“She’s the only adult who doesn’t act like an overgrown toddler,” Airyana muttered, cutting a glance toward the hallway where their mother’s door remained closed.

Arielle didn’t respond. There was nothing left to argue.

Airyana passed her a glass of juice. “Do you have a date for the retreat?”

“No.”

“Boring,” Airyana said with a sigh.

“I’ll send you pictures,” Arielle promised, ruffling her hair affectionately.

When retreat day arrived, the bus ride wound through miles of pine forest and fog-swept cliffs until Edenbrook Hills came into view like a dream rising from the earth. The resort was a polished pearl tucked into the mountain’s embrace—white villas, endless green terraces, and the glint of a lake so still it looked like glass.

Luggage thumped on polished stone as the Ashe and Locke team checked in, voices lifted in awe.

Arielle stepped onto the balcony of her suite, the lake spreading out like a painting below. She exhaled slowly, letting the quiet soak into her bones. The air smelled of cedar and freedom. This place—this moment—felt like more than just a break. It felt like a turning point.

Across the courtyard, Damien stepped out onto his own balcony. He wore no jacket, just a crisp shirt rolled at the sleeves. His eyes scanned the horizon, then found her.

Their gazes met.

And though neither of them said a word, the air between them pulsed like a current beneath still water—deep, quiet, and impossible to ignore.

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