CHAPTER 5
1154 Words
Liora’s breath caught as Vivienne Gage closed the door to the private wing behind her. The corridor light cast Vivienne’s angular silhouette in sharp relief—too crisp, too controlled for a simple assistant.
Vivienne held up Liora’s leaked photograph and the file stamped CONFIDENTIAL: QUINN. “You look surprised,” she said, voice silk over steel. “I came to ask a favor… and offer one in return.”
Liora’s pulse rattled. “What kind of favor?”
Vivienne tucked the photo into her blazer pocket. “First, know this: I didn’t leak your secret. But someone powerful did, and my position demands I know who.” She stepped closer. “Help me unmask the rat in our ranks, and I’ll protect you from Sebastian’s… family politics.”
Liora pressed her back against the frosted glass. “Why would you help me? I have no leverage.”
Vivienne’s lips curved. “Leverage comes in many forms. You’re inside Sebastian’s inner circle now—close enough to see what the board can’t. I need eyes and ears.” She lowered her voice. “And if you play your cards right, you might even win Sebastian’s respect.”
Heat flared through Liora’s chest. “And if I refuse?”
Vivienne’s smile sharpened. “Then your next scandal will be far worse.” She tapped the photo against her palm. “Consider it an offer you can’t afford to refuse.”
Before Liora could reply, a soft knock echoed at the wing’s outer door. Marcus Cole’s broad frame appeared in the gap. He glanced at Vivienne, then at Liora.
“Can I—?” His tone was cautious.
Vivienne held up a hand. “Just a moment.” She turned back to Liora. “Think about it. I’ll be waiting.” Without another word, Vivienne swept past Marcus and disappeared down the hallway.
Marcus closed the door. His face was grave. “Are you okay?”
Liora folded her arms, trying to steady her voice. “She wants me to spy on the board, or they’ll sink me.”
He nodded. “She’s right about one thing—someone’s out to get you.” His gaze flicked to the file Vivienne left behind on Liora’s desk. “And it’s not just Sebastian’s siblings.”
Liora swallowed. “Who else?”
He hesitated. “HR, PR—someone high up.” He dug a card from his pocket. “Sabrina Holt. Corporate PR head. She’s handling damage control. She’ll be in here in minutes, wanting your statement.”
Liora’s stomach clenched. “I can’t—”
“Do it.” Marcus’s voice was gentle but firm. “For now. Buy time.”
Two minutes later, the door chimed. Sabrina Holt entered, clipboard in hand, her tailored suit immaculate. Around her neck, a press pass glinted.
“Ms. Quinn,” Sabrina began with rehearsed warmth. “The headquarters needs a quick quote for the morning press release. ‘Liora Quinn stands by Crowne Innovations during this… unfortunate leak.’” She slid the copy across Liora’s desk.
Liora stared, “It isn’t just unfortunate—it’s personal.”
Sabrina’s smile wavered, “I understand—”
“But you’ll spin it as corporate resilience,” Liora finished, snatching the paper. “I won’t lie.”
Sabrina’s brows knit, “All I need is your name—”
Liora slammed the draft into her palm. “Tell them I have no comment.”
Sabrina’s eyes flicked to Marcus. He gave a curt nod. Sabrina swallowed. “Very well. I’ll draft with that.” She turned to leave, then paused. “Be careful in here—Vivian Crowne doesn’t like surprises.”
Sabrina’s warning still echoing, Liora sank into her chair. Marcus hovered by the door.
“Sebastian’s pacing,” Marcus said quietly. “He wants to see you—now.”
Liora’s heart leapt. “Why?”
He shook his head. “No clue. But he’s summoned you to the boardroom—along with Jonathan Bryce and Vivian Crowne.”
She rose, panic mixing with determination. “I’m ready.”
They walked down the corridor. At the boardroom door, Liora paused. Through the narrow window, she saw Sebastian standing at the head of a long table, his back to her. Vivian Crowne to his right, arms folded. Jonathan Bryce to his left, file open.
Marcus stood behind Liora. “Remember: stand your ground.”
She nodded, then tapped lightly. Sebastian’s head snapped up. His eyes were cold—nothing like the man who had kissed her passionately days before.
“Enter,” he said, voice clipped.
Liora stepped inside. Vivian’s lips curled into a thin smile. Jonathan closed his file with a thud.
Sebastian gestured to the chair opposite him. “Sit.”
Liora complied, chest tight.
Vivian began: “We’ve reviewed the events of the past twenty-four hours. Your presence here—your relationship with Sebastian—has become a liability.”
Jonathan’s voice added gravitas: “We must consider stepping you down. There’s talk of bringing in an external secretary to preserve the company image.”
Liora’s stomach churned. “You can’t do that. I—”
Sebastian cut her off with a single word: “Quiet.”
She clenched her fists. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
He leaned forward, eyes locked on hers. “The s*x meant nothing, Quinn. Don’t think for a second that your body grants you power here.”
Her breath stuttered. His words hit like stones. “That’s… cruel.”
He reached into his jacket and slammed a check on the table. “Here. Take it and leave. You’re worth exactly that amount to me.”
Liora’s fingers itched to pick it up. “I don’t want your money.”
His lip curled. “Suit yourself.” He rose. “Vivian, make arrangements. Jonathan, draft her separation agreement.” He walked out, leaving the door ajar behind him.
Vivian’s eyes bored into Liora. “I’m sorry you found out this way.” She paused, then spoke more quietly. “If you need an ally… find me.”
Jonathan clicked his pen. “We’ll be in touch.”
They filed out, leaving Liora alone. Silence pressed in until she heard footsteps: Marcus entering.
He knelt beside her. “Don’t let them break you.”
Liora stared at the abandonment letter-turned-separation-check. Fury churned. She crushed the check in her fist. “I’ll show them exactly how wrong they are.”
Liora’s phone vibrated. A text from Unknown:
“Your father’s jet has diverted. ETA: 45 minutes.”
Her blood ran cold as the door behind her clicked open—and a familiar figure stepped in: Sebastian’s father, Victor Crowne, flanked by two silent aides. His gaze locked onto Liora with the weight of an emperor.
“Ms. Quinn,” h
e said, voice low and imperious, “welcome to the real game.”
- Writer
