After Hours Penetration

Chapter 6

The rejection's aftershocks ripple through Vosstech like an earthquake. There were hurried conference calls which bleed into the corridors and executives darting between offices with tablets clutched like shields.

Rhys sips his coffee in the quiet space of his corner. His eyes monitoring the chaos that unfolds. Julian's fury has lit a fire.

Despite all the chaos, his attention seems to be on Eleanor who draws his focus. Rhys has all the information about her and Julian. Ranging from there marriage to their personal life of not having a single child. He even had reports of how she started working in Vosstech before meeting Julian.

Her eyes hints at fractures beneath her smile. Julian's entitlement extends to the bedroom and it seems her exhaustion is a silent testament. Rhys's revenge sharpens with this knowledge of not just stripping Julian of his empire but of the woman who props it up, unwittingly drawing her into the web.

An email pings: *J. Voss – Urgent Audit coordination in my office, Now,3:30.* From Julian, commanding as ever.

Rhys waits five minutes, before going to Julian's office.

The oak door is ajar, voices spilling out which were Julian's low rumble and Eleanor's measured responses. Rhys knocks once and enters at Julian's orders "In!"

The office is like a battlefield with Julian sitting behind the desk, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms corded with tension. Eleanor stands at the window with her arms crossed, her cream blouse from yesterday swapped for a tailored navy one that hugs her frame.

Up close, the wedding band glints on her finger, it was a thin gold circle which was unadorned, like the marriage itself. Her hazel eyes flick to Rhys, showing a brief acknowledgment but with that lingering spark from their coffee exchange.

"Calder," Julian snaps. "Eleanor's team's stalled on the fast-tracks. Explain the data glitches because yesterday you said audits were prelim-ready. Now it's a black hole."

Rhys steps forward, notebook in hand, positioning himself like a subordinate to him. "Sir. The Tokyo project contains lot of risks but I have isolated three solutions. Ma'am is doing what she can but without a full IT sweep..." He trails off, glancing at her. "Mrs. Voss, your regional contacts can't help to solve the problems?".

She meets his gaze, the title of Mrs. Voss, landing like a quiet anchor."I have reached out to Hanoi liaisons twice today but They are making up assumptions about the project".

Julian slams a fist on the desk, the sound echoing like a gavel. "John's on it, but this reeks of sabotage Or incompetence. Calder, you handle the reports and deliver everything by tonight. Eleanor, push those contacts harder. We are not losing another quarter to this mess." His eyes bore into her, possessive and demanding. "And after? We discuss strategy over dinner. Private."

Eleanor's jaw tightens, but she nods, voice even. "Understood. I will have updates by 5:00."

Rhys interjects smoothly, diffusing the charge. "I will address the IT pull with John directly".

She holds his eyes a beat longer, gratitude flickering beneath the fatigue. "Appreciated, Mr. Calder. Efficiency is key. And yes, don't forget to prepare for the party for tomorrow evening". Julian reminds them making Rhys roll his eyes. Despite losing millions, he still wants to hold a party. How unreasonable.

Julian waves them out, already turning to his screen. the storm retreating into brooding silence.

In the corridor, Eleanor pauses with hand on the wall as if steadying herself. Rhys slows down matching her pace as they walked towards the elevator.

"Rough day," he murmurs low enough for her alone to hear. "Julian's pressure... it weighs heavy."

She exhales, a small fracture in the mask she wears. "It's the job. And the marri...." The truth was about to slip but she stops herself. "Any problem, if you have you can always share with me", Rhys says making her look at him.

"Ah it's nothing. It's just that you have only been here for a few week, but you always seem to care about what I do." Her fingers toy with the wedding band, twisting it absently.

"Yes because you are my superior and I have to make sure you are up and fine so that company can move forward", he says making her smile a bit.

"There are others who can do the work", Eleanor sighs as she looks at her ring. "But there is no one like you", Rhys answer, making her look at him with her hazel eyes.

Rhys's pulse stirs as they made eye contact. "what did you say?",she asks softly. Rhys took a step closer as he leans in close making Eleanor move back. "I said that there is no one like you. I mean you always ensure that we are okay and always saves us from the boss's anger. You are the best", Rhys praise her, his voice is warm and calm making her feel the sincerity in his words.

Eleanor feels her heart race at his words. That was the first time someone had actually praised her and it was forced or filled with lies. Her gaze moves from his eyes to his lips and back up. "Thanks for the compliment",she says as she hurried away from his sight.

Rhys smiles as he watch her Walk into the elevator, avoiding eyes contact until the elevator closes. He placed his hand on his chest as he felt like his heart was gonna burst. "Eleanor, what have you done to my heart?",he asks the empty space.

His phone buzzed with a message from John. "Got the file, Boss. Ready when you need".

Rhys smiles. "Well done. Now it's to think about tomorrow's party".