Mandy woke up early the next morning to prepare for
work. As usual, when she got downstairs, Nathan was already waiting for her.
"Good morning, Nathan," she said with a soft smile.
"Good morning to you too, Miss Morgan. I hope you
had a wonderful night," he replied, his gaze fixed on her with an unreadable
expression.
"I did," she answered simply.
"That's good to know. Shall we?" he said, turning
toward the door and opening it.
A sleek black coupe pulled up, and they both slid
into the back seat.
Throughout the ride to De Globes, Nathan's eyes
never left Mandy. The tension in the car was palpable, making her mind wander
uneasily.
When they arrived, the car halted in front of the grand
office building. They stepped out and made their way inside. As they entered
the anteroom, employees and other staff greeted them.
"Welcome, Mr. Hydes. Welcome, Miss Morgan."
Nathan gave a small nod, while Mandy responded with
a polite smile. "Thank you. Good morning to you too."
Just as Mandy was walking toward her office,
Nathan's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Not so fast, Miss Morgan. I need to see you in my
office. Now." His tone was clear and commanding before walking to his office.
Mandy's heart raced slightly. She cleared her
throat before turning toward Nathan's office. After reaching the door, she
knocked lightly.
"Come in," he called.
She opened the door gently and stepped inside.
"Mr. Hydes, you requested to see me?" she asked,
her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
Nathan stood and walked toward her, stopping just
inches away. For a moment, silence filled the room. Mandy felt the intensity of
his gaze, and her body tensed at his closeness.
His cologne—an intoxicating mix of fresh lavender,
cinnamon, and honey—wrapped around her senses. She found herself frozen in
place, unable to step back.
Nathan studied her for a moment, then pulled away
slightly, folding his arms over his chest and leaning on his desk.
Finally, he spoke. "What's my schedule for today?"
His voice was softer this time.
Mandy cleared her throat. "Uhmm… You have an
appointment with Mr. Johnson Tope at 11 AM. I've made a reservation for the two
of you at Luxe Larder restaurant," she said, avoiding his gaze. "And by 2 PM,
you have a meeting with the financial executives, including Sophia." She kept
her focus on her iPad, scrolling through the details.
Nathan stepped closer. His voice was barely above a
whisper. "Mandy… I think you're avoiding me."
"I'm not," she replied, forcing out a nervous
smile. "I'm just being professional. If you need anything else, I'll be in my
office, Mr. Hydes."
Before he could say another word, she turned on her
heels and walked away quickly.
Nathan smirked as he watched her flee. Running away
from me, huh? Let's see how long you can keep this up.
A FEW MOMENTS LATER…
Back in her office, Mandy exhaled deeply, finally
allowing herself to process Nathan's closeness. She quickly picked up her
tablet to review his remaining appointments, trying to distract herself.
As she refocused on her laptop, her desk phone rang
suddenly, making her jolt. She composed herself before answering.
Nathan's voice came through the receiver. "Mandy,
come to my office. Now."
The line went dead.
She let out a sharp exhale. "Oh Lord, save me
today," she muttered under her breath as if pleading to the heavens.
Straightening her posture, she walked to Nathan's
office and knocked.
"Come in, Mandy," he called.
She stepped inside, her nerves slightly on edge.
Nathan leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze
locked on her. "Just wanted to let you know that you'll be coming with me to
meet Mr. Johnson Tope.
Get ready—we're leaving in a few minutes." His
voice was deep and husky.
"Okay, Mr. Hydes. I'm quite ready," she replied.
HOURS LATER…
The ride to Luxe Larder restaurant was quiet, but
fortunately, they arrived quickly.
LUXE LARDER RESTAURANT…
As they walked inside, the restaurant exuded
elegance. High ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow
over the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed sunlight to flood in,
highlighting plush velvet chairs in deep jewel tones surrounding polished
mahogany tables.
A soft melody drifted through the air—Billie
Eilish's haunting vocals blending seamlessly with the clinking of fine china
and murmured conversations. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm
pastries lingered, mixing with the delicate notes of classical music.
Waiters in crisp uniforms glided effortlessly
between tables, refilling delicate porcelain cups and serving exquisitely
plated breakfasts—truffle-infused scrambled eggs, buttery croissants, and fresh
fruit parfaits in crystal glasses.
It was a haven of quiet luxury.
Nathan glanced at Mandy, impressed. "Well chosen,
Miss Morgan."
She smiled softly. "Thank you. I hope you like it.
Mr. Johnson is already waiting inside."
At a corner table, Mr. Johnson Tope, a well-known
business mogul, sat with an air of quiet confidence. His tailored navy suit
complemented his silver hair, and his leather-bound notebook lay open beside a
steaming cup of espresso.
Upon seeing them, he smiled. "Mr. Hydes… It's good
to finally see you again after so many years." His voice carried authority and sophistication.
Nathan took a seat. "It has been a long time."
Mr. Johnson snapped his fingers, summoning a
hostess. "What would you like, Mr. Hydes?"
"A cup of coffee will do," Nathan replied.
The hostess returned moments later, placing a
silver tray with his steaming drink on the table. "Here's your order, sir."
"Thank you," Nathan responded.
Mr. Johnson's gaze shifted to Mandy who was
standing close to Nathan. "And who is this beautiful young woman beside you? I
don't recall you bringing women to meetings."
Nathan's voice was low and firm. "This is Mandy—my
close friend and executive assistant."
Mr. Johnson raised a brow. "Oh? I see… Young lady,
make yourself comfortable."
Nathan leaned down toward Mandy, his breath warm
against her ear. "Order anything you like. I'll pay."
His words sent an involuntary shiver down her
spine. She nodded, though she wasn't sure she could eat much.
As Nathan and Mr. Johnson delved into their
business discussion, Mandy remained quiet. Eventually, Nathan noticed she
hadn't ordered yet. His gaze darkened slightly.
Summoning a hostess, he asked, "Miss Morgan, what
will you have?"
"Anything is fine," she answered politely.
Nathan smirked. "Get her a plate of burrito and
apple cider."
A few moments later, the hostess returned, placing
the order in front of Mandy.
"Here's your meal, ma'am."
"Thank you," Mandy replied.
Nathan's gaze lingered on her. "I hope you enjoy
it."
Turning back to Mr. Johnson, they continued
discussing business.
SOME HOURS LATER…
When they had finished their meeting, Mr. Johnson
signaled for the waitress to bring the bill.
"Your total is 15,000 naira, sir," she said.
Nathan reached for his wallet, but Mr. Johnson
stopped him. "Mr. Hydes, please—allow me to pay."
Nathan didn't argue. He simply nodded.
He handed the waitress the cash, which exceeded the
bill.
The waitress hesitated. "Sir, this is more than—"
"Keep the change," Mr. Johnson said with a small
smile.
Nathan leaned back, glancing at Mandy once more, an
unreadable expression on his face. "Shall we?" He asked.
Mandy nodded in approval as they exited the
restaurant.
The day was far from over.
BACK AT DE GLOBES
Upon arriving at De Globes, Nathan's attention
shifted to his phone. "What's my next appointment?" he asked absently.
Mandy glanced at her tablet. "You have a meeting
with the financial executives. Sophia will be there."
Nathan sighed. "You're joining me for this one."
Mandy raised a brow but didn't argue. "Alright."
As they entered the boardroom, Sophia's expression
turned sour. "Nathan, what is she doing here?" she spat.
"She's not supposed to be here," she added, glaring
at Mandy.
Mandy shifted uncomfortably. "Mr. Hydes, I should
go—"
"Sophia," Nathan interrupted sharply. "She stays.
And behave."
Sophia scowled but remained silent.
The meeting commenced, with Luke Ade presenting key
financial strategies. When Sophia mockingly asked Mandy to contribute, Nathan
snapped, "Sophia, don't—"
But Mandy stood tall, delivering a well-thought-out
plan that left the room in stunned applause. Nathan's proud smile lingered on
her as he concluded the meeting.
As Mandy left the boardroom, Sophia sneered. "No
matter what you do, you'll never fit in."
Mandy clenched her tablet but refused to engage,
walking away with her head held high.
That evening, as she prepared to leave, Nathan's
voice stopped her. "Leaving so soon, Mandy?"
She gasped, startled. "Jeez, Nathan! You nearly
gave me a heart attack."
Nathan smirked. "Let's go home together."
Mandy smiled.
As they stepped into his car, his hands
unintentionally brushed her waist. Heat surged through her, but she remained
composed.
Later, as they parted ways at the mansion, his
voice was low and warm. "Good night, Mandy."
She hesitated before replying softly, "Good night,
Nathan."
The unspoken words between them lingered in the
air.
WEEKS LATER…
Time blurred. Weeks turned into months, and before
Mandy realized it, she had become woven into Nathan's world as if it had always
been waiting for her. As his executive assistant, she wasn't just the
gatekeeper to his empire—she was its pulse, anticipating his needs before he
even voiced them.
Nathan's pace was relentless, his work a finely
tuned machine of precision and power. And she was caught in its gravity, drawn
deeper with every passing day.
Mornings faded seamlessly into late nights,
schedules packed with high-stakes meetings and whispered negotiations. She
moved effortlessly at his side—efficient, composed, always keeping up. His
world demanded more than just skill; it required presence, an unshakable
sharpness that she had learned to cultivate.
She understood the weight of the power he wielded,
the pressure of billion-dollar decisions resting on his shoulders. And it was
her job to ensure that nothing—absolutely nothing—slipped through the cracks.
Yet, there was something intoxicating about it.
The way he commanded a room with a single look. The
quiet confidence in his decisions. The raw intensity of a man who never
wavered. She had seen men hesitate, falter under pressure—but never him.
And somewhere along the way, her own world shifted
and was being reshaped by him.
She began to think in the language of strategy and
power plays, her mind consumed by deadlines, deals, and negotiations. She had
become part of his orbit, absorbed into the relentless rhythm of his ambition.
And at some point, she stopped wondering where his world ended and hers began.
Two months had passed in a blur, and Mandy barely
had time to breathe—let alone keep in touch with Hazel or her parents. Her life
had shrunk to the walls of boardrooms, luxury hotels, and the steady hum of
private jets flying from states to states.
Nathan had entrusted her with more than she ever
imagined—sending her to meet investors, handle foreign clients, speak on his
behalf. The weight of that responsibility both thrilled and consumed her.
She was no longer just his assistant. She was his
voice in negotiations, the presence he commanded when he wasn't in the room.
Every introduction, every handshake, every carefully chosen word—she delivered
with the sharp precision he demanded of himself.
And with each passing day, she felt herself slipping
further into his world.
Losing sight of the one she left behind.
THE NIGHT TENSION AWAKENS...
Nathan had called Mandy into his office late that
night, needing her help with a project. She walked toward the door and knocked
softly.
"Nathan… I'm here," she said,
her voice gentle, almost hesitant.
"Come in," he replied. His
tone was steady, but there was something else beneath it—something uncertain.
The clock on the wall ticked softly, but neither of
them heard it. The only sound in the room was the faint rustle of papers, the
quiet inhale Mandy took as she tried—desperately—to focus on the task in front
of her.
But when she finally glanced up, she found his eyes
already on her.
Watchful. Unreadable. Holding something just beneath
the surface.
She swallowed, shifting her gaze back to the
document, willing herself to concentrate. But the moment she reached for
another file, Nathan's voice cut through the quiet.
"Mandy… you realize how close to me you are, right?"
The air in the room shifted.
Mandy froze for a split second, his words hanging
between them, thickening the silence. She hadn't even noticed how close she had
gotten—her focus entirely on the project—until now.
His voice wasn't just teasing; it was something
else. Something quieter. Smoother. Threaded with an intensity that made her
pulse quicken.
She blinked, suddenly hyperaware of the small space
between them, the subtle warmth of his presence, the way the room felt smaller.
Her breath faltered for just a second.
"I—" She hesitated, forcing
herself to stay composed. "I was just—"
Nathan leaned back slightly, a smirk playing at the
corner of his lips as he watched her with quiet amusement.
"Relax," he murmured, his
voice low, unhurried. But his gaze didn't waver. He didn't move away.
Her breath hitched.
It wasn't just the distance between them that had
disappeared—it was the careful boundary she had spent months maintaining.
Shaken, she took a small step back, but the tension
didn't break.
It only deepened.
It stretched between them like a taut string,
waiting—daring—for one of them to pull too hard.
And in that moment, Mandy wasn't sure what terrified
her more—the idea of escaping it…
Or the thought of surrendering to it completely.
Despite every logical thought telling her to step
back, to break the moment, Mandy remained frozen in place—caught in the
unspoken charge between them.
Nathan chuckled, the sound low, knowing. "You know, I don't bite," he said, his smirk
never fading.
Mandy exhaled softly, forcing herself to focus on
the document in her hands rather than the man watching her so intently. The
tension in the room was thick, pressing in around her like an invisible force.
She knew better than to acknowledge it—to give it power—but that was easier
said than done.
Clearing her throat, she finally spoke, keeping her
tone steady. "Here are the key points I outlined to
ensure a successful outcome." She pointed to a
highlighted section in the document, hoping to shift the conversation back to
business.
Nathan leaned in slightly—just enough for her to
catch the faintest trace of his cologne. Her grip on the papers tightened.
"Impressive," he murmured, his
gaze flicking from the page to her. "But tell me, Mandy…
are you always this tense, or is it just me?"
Her breath hitched, but she refused to look up,
refused to give him the reaction he was so clearly waiting for. Instead, she
simply turned the page, feigning indifference—pretending not to notice the
smirk still playing on his lips. Or the way her pulse betrayed her.
Nathan leaned back in his chair, watching her
carefully as he spoke. "And with that, you'll be the one
to give the presentation during the auction."
Mandy's head snapped up, eyes widening. "Auction?" she echoed, surprise lacing her
voice. She had expected to assist, maybe prepare the details behind the
scenes—but to lead the presentation? That was an entirely different level of
responsibility.
Nathan's gaze never wavered. "Mandy…
my world requires experience, confidence, and the ability to command a room." His voice was calm but firm, as if he had already made up his mind. "And I see you as the perfect person for it."
He let the weight of his words settle between them
before adding, with unmistakable finality—
"Not Sophia. You."
Mandy's breath caught. Why
her?
Sophia had been with the company longer. She had
more experience; in fashion and all. So why was Nathan choosing her?
The certainty in his tone sent a shiver through her.
This wasn't just a promotion—it was a test. A challenge.
Her fingers curled slightly around the document. She
had been swept into Nathan's world, pushed beyond her limits more than once—but
this? This was something else entirely. A new dawn. And the way he was looking at her—expectant, knowing—told her there
was no backing out.
Nathan let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head as
he grabbed his suit jacket. "Let's go," he said, his voice calm but firm. "It's getting
late, and you have an auction to prepare for… in two days."
Mandy's stomach twisted. Two
days.
"But I don't even know what it looks like—only from
TV," she blurted, panic creeping into her voice. "And I don't have anything to wear."
Nathan paused, his gaze settling on her with quiet
amusement. "Mandy," he said
smoothly, stepping closer. "Do you really think I'd put
you in this position without making sure you had everything you need?"
Her breath hitched slightly as his smirk deepened.
"Don't worry about the dress—I'll handle that." His voice
was low, assured, like he'd already anticipated her every concern. "And as for the auction…" He tilted his head,
watching her reaction. "You'll learn. Fast."
Mandy swallowed hard, uncertainty flickering in her
chest. The walls of the office suddenly felt smaller, the weight of what lay
ahead pressing in.
Two days. A high-stakes event. A world she still
wasn't sure she belonged in.
And Nathan—always so composed, always so in
control—was throwing her straight into the deep end.
TWO DAYS LATER: THE DAY OF THE AUCTION
The auction hall thrummed with quiet power.
Conversations were spoken in hushed, knowing tones, laced with wealth and
influence. Men and women draped in designer labels moved through the space with
effortless confidence, their laughter as polished as the crystal chandeliers
above. The golden glow of the lights reflected off champagne glasses, the air
thick with exclusivity.
Mandy stood near the entrance, fingers tightening
around the clutch in her hand. The dress Nathan had arranged for her fit like a
second skin—elegant, sophisticated, a far cry from the structured office wear
she was used to. She barely recognized the woman in the mirror tonight. The
floor-length silk shimmered subtly under the lights, every movement accentuated
with quiet grace.
"Nervous?"
Nathan's voice came from beside her, smooth as ever,
laced with a quiet amusement.
Mandy exhaled sharply, stealing a glance at him. He
was a picture of effortless composure, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, his
presence commanding without even trying.
"More like… trying not to panic," she admitted, keeping her voice low.
Nathan smirked. "Good. That
means you care."
He stepped in slightly, his voice lowering just
enough to make the moment feel intimate. "Just
remember—this world isn't as intimidating as it seems. It's all about who
commands the room."
Her throat felt dry. Command
the room? These people lived and breathed power. They
didn't hesitate, didn't falter. What was she doing here?
Her gaze flickered to the grand stage where the
auction would take place. In a few moments, she'd be up there, standing under
the lights, addressing some of the most influential people in the industry.
The weight of it pressed against her chest. But
then—
The lightest touch.
Nathan's hand, just barely grazing the small of her
back. Not possessive. Not demanding. Just… there. A steadying presence. A quiet
reassurance.
Her breath hitched.
"Show them why I chose you,"
he murmured.
And just like that, the fear didn't disappear—but
something else took its place. A spark. A challenge.
She lifted her chin.
Time to prove him right.
Mandy straightened her shoulders, inhaled deeply,
and stepped forward to the stage, the weight of countless eyes settling on her.
She cleared her throat, her voice steady despite the
nervous energy cooling in her stomach. Then she started, "Given the current price of stocks in De
Globes," she began, we are all aware that De Globes specializes in fashion and
beauty products.
With the market fluctuating as it is, we have
carefully analyzed the trends and decided to implement a strategic approach to
maximize growth while ensuring a percentage return for our customers."
A quiet murmur spread through the audience, a mix of
intrigue and assessment. Mandy took a steady breath, her pulse settling into a determined
rhythm.
She met the eyes of a few key investors, gauging
their reactions before continuing. "De Globes isn't just adapting to market
shifts—we're positioning ourselves ahead of them. Our upcoming initiatives will
not only reinforce our presence in established markets but also tap into
emerging opportunities with calculated precision."
The flicker of interest in the room grew. Some
leaned forward, others exchanged thoughtful glances.
Mandy capitalized on the momentum. "With a
reinforced digital strategy, a renewed focus on sustainable luxury, and
strategic partnerships that expand our global footprint, De Globes is set to
redefine industry standards."
A slow nod from one of the senior investors caught
her eye—a silent acknowledgment. A surge of confidence coursed through her.
From his position near the edge of the room, Nathan
remained still, his expression unreadable. But there was something in his
gaze—a quiet satisfaction, a challenge met.
Mandy swallowed, standing a little taller. She
wasn't just presenting a strategy. She was proving herself. And judging by the
energy in the room, she was succeeding.
A ripple of murmurs spread through the audience,
investors exchanging glances, their expressions shifting from guarded
skepticism to quiet intrigue. Some nodded in approval, others whispered among
themselves, weighing the weight of her words.
Mandy's pulse pounded, but she kept her posture
poised, refusing to let the moment overwhelm her. Then, after what felt like an
eternity, one of the senior investors leaned forward, tapping his fingers
against the polished surface of the table.
"Well," he mused, his voice carrying through the
hall, "that was quite the statement. Confidence is one thing, but execution is
another. What assurance do we have that De Globes has the operational capacity
to bring this vision to life?"
Mandy didn't hesitate. "Our partnerships aren't just
strategic in name—they're built on a foundation of proven success. We've
aligned with manufacturers and distributors that have a track record of scaling
luxury brands without compromising exclusivity. Additionally, our in-house
development team is already working on streamlining logistics and digital
expansion to maximize market penetration."
A slow nod. Then another. The tension in the room
shifted, the balance tilting in her favor.
Nathan tapped his fingers against the armrest, his
gaze never leaving her. She had exceeded his expectations—shattered them, even.
And from the way his smirk deepened, it was clear he wasn't sure whether to be
impressed… or captivated.
Nathan finally moved from his spot, stepping forward
with the casual authority that always seemed to command attention. "I trust
that answers your concerns," he said smoothly, his voice calm but edged with
finality. "And let's not forget—hesitation has cost many investors their place
at the top. De Globes is moving forward, with or without you."
A beat of silence. Then, the investor chuckled,
shaking his head. "Mr. Hydes you've always had a way of making people rethink
their hesitations." He turned back to Mandy, his gaze assessing. "And it seems
you've found someone who shares your conviction."
Mandy kept her expression composed, but inside,
something flickered—something dangerously close to pride.
Nathan's gaze flickered toward her, something
unreadable in his eyes. "I don't keep people around who don't belong."
And just like that, the decision was made.
One by one, the investors signaled their approval.
The murmurs shifted from doubt to agreement, and within minutes, the room had
settled on what was now inevitable—De Globes was no longer just a contender. It
was a force.
Mandy exhaled slowly, feeling the adrenaline still
buzzing beneath her skin.
She had done it.
And from the way Nathan looked at her—like he had
known she would all along—she realized something else.
This was only the beginning.
As the last word left her lips, the room erupted in
applause. Media cameras flashed wildly, investors exchanged hurried whispers,
and in that moment, Mandy Morgan knew—she had changed everything.
Mandy stepped down from the stage, the applause
still reverberating through the grand hall. Camera flashes burst like
fireworks, the media closing in to capture every second of her triumph. She
inhaled slowly, steadying herself against the rush of it all. This was her
moment—one she had fought for.
As Mandy moved toward the podium, seeking a moment
to steady herself, a voice cut through the noise—sharp, unmistakable.
Sophia.
"Hmmmm.… Mandy Morgan," Sophia drawled, arms crossed
as she leaned in ever so slightly, her smirk both knowing and cruel. "You
really cleaned up well. And that speech—impressive, truly. Nathan does have a
talent for picking his playthings."
Sophia leaned in just slightly, her smirk widening.
"What's the matter?" she mused. "Cat got your tongue? Or are you just not used
to being in the spotlight without Nathan pulling the strings?"
Mandy's fingers curled into her palm, but she willed
herself to stay composed. She met Sophia's gaze, unwavering. "Strange," she mused,
tilting her head slightly. "I was just about to say the same to you."
Sophia's smirk faltered for half a second—so brief
it could have been imagined—before she let out a low, amused hum. "Oh, Mandy,"
she murmured, stepping back with effortless grace. "We'll see how long that
confidence lasts."
With that, she turned and disappeared into the
crowd, leaving behind the faint scent of expensive perfume and the unmistakable
chill of a warning.
SOPHIA'S GAMES
As guests settled into their seats, a low hum of
conversation filled the auction hall. But Mandy barely registered it. Her pulse
was still racing, the remnants of adrenaline from her speech thrumming through
her veins. The applause had faded, yet the weight of her words lingered in the
air.
Then, she saw him—Nathan.
He moved with effortless confidence, each step
measured, every glance deliberate. Even in a room full of power players, he
commanded attention without trying.
Mandy braced herself as he approached, his expression
unreadable, sharp with something she couldn't quite place.
"Miss Morgan," he murmured, stopping just before
her. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?" His voice was smooth, threaded
with quiet amusement.
Before she could respond, his fingers brushed
lightly against her chin, tilting her face upward. A deliberate touch—light,
firm, ignoring the crowd that still lingered.
A test. A game.
And Mandy had no intention of losing.
Mandy's breath hitched as her gaze flickered across
the crowd. Curious eyes lingered, whispers weaving through the air. People were
watching.
"Mr. Hydes, we're outside," she murmured, her voice
tight with unease. "People might see."
Nathan, however, seemed utterly unbothered. His
thumb skimmed along her chin, a slow, deliberate touch. Then, with a smirk, he
murmured, "Let them."
Mandy's stomach tightened. Every stolen glance
pressed against her skin, heavy with unspoken judgment. But more than that, she
felt Nathan—dangerously close, utterly unfazed by the world around them.
From a short distance away, Sophia watched in
silence.
Her lips curled into a knowing smirk as she swirled
the champagne in her glass. Sophia's gaze now sharpened. The game had only
begun.
With measured elegance, she strode forward, the rhythmic
click of her heels slicing through the ambient chatter. Stopping beside them,
she rested a hand on Nathan's arm, her fingers light but unmistakably
possessive.
"Nathan," she said smoothly, a hint of steel beneath
her composed tone. "You're needed elsewhere."
Nathan's gaze flickered with a mix of amusement and
reluctance, but he allowed the interruption, his hand lingering in Sophia's
grasp even as it brushed against Mandy's arm. The air tightened with unspoken
tension as he inclined his head in acknowledgment.
Sophia turned to Mandy, her voice dipping into a
quiet, mocking whisper. "Mandy, you should know your place." Each word was
deliberate, laced with cool disdain.
With that, she guided Nathan away, leaving Mandy
standing in their wake—her heart pounding, her mind racing, and the shifting
power dynamics impossible to ignore.