“Mr. Jenkins, what exactly do you mean by that?” Gabrielle asked, her voice tight with suppressed indignation.

Corbin Jenkins, the CEO’s chief assistant, ignored her tone. He walked straight toward Eliana and offered a professional, albeit subtle, nod. Eliana looked at him in bewilderment. Does he recognize me from last night? Or is this part of a larger game?

Instead of addressing Eliana directly, Corbin turned back to Gabrielle. His expression was one of cool, detached disappointment. “Miss Aston, it seems my previous statement was clear. Let me reiterate: Eliana Pierce is a permanent member of the Moran Group.”

Gabrielle’s face flushed with humiliation, but she didn't dare challenge the man who spoke for Maurice Moran himself.

“The CEO has taken a personal interest in ensuring the design department retains its top talent,” Corbin continued, his voice echoing through the silent hallway. “Eliana is not leaving. In fact, her status is to be protected.”

The surrounding staff exchanged stunned glances. Why would the reclusive and formidable CEO step in for a newcomer? Eliana felt a chill of unease. This "protection" felt less like a favor and more like a tether.

Gabrielle forced a strained, brittle smile. “Of course, if that’s Mr. Moran’s wish. It must have been a… misunderstanding. Eliana, I apologize. I was just stressed about the project.”

Eliana watched as Gabrielle’s demeanor shifted from predatory to sycophantic in a heartbeat. What a fickle woman, she thought, shaking off the hand Gabrielle tried to place on her arm.

“I’ve realized that the incident with Mr. Blake was just a clash of personalities,” Gabrielle rushed to explain, her eyes darting toward Corbin. “I’ll arrange a formal dinner to smooth things over. If we secure this contract, Eliana, you’ll receive a significant lead-designer commission.”

Eliana’s eyes narrowed. Money was a necessity, especially with two children to support, but she knew Gabrielle wouldn't offer a "commission" unless she was backed into a corner. “I expect that in writing, Miss Aston.”

The following evening, the promised dinner seemed to hit a snag. Gabrielle claimed Mr. Blake was too "offended" to meet officially and insisted Eliana head to the Aldbourne Hotel lobby to wait for him.

“I’ll be there as soon as my board meeting ends,” Gabrielle barked over the phone. “Don't let him leave until I arrive!”

Eliana arrived at the Aldbourne Hotel, a bastion of old-world luxury. As she scanned the lobby for Mr. Blake, her attention was caught by a group of three brawny men standing near the hotel’s discreet café. They were heavily tattooed, their presence a stark, violent contrast to the elegant surroundings. Their leader, a man with a heavy gold chain, stared into the café with a gaze of pure, murderous intent.

Eliana instinctively tried to steer clear, but then she saw the target of their focus.

Inside the café, seated at a secluded corner table, was the man from the club—the arrogant stranger with the hauntingly familiar eyes. He was dressed in a sharp, dark suit, looking every bit the high-powered executive, yet his unbuttoned collar gave him a rakish, dangerous edge. Opposite him sat an elegant woman who was leaning forward, her hand covering his as she handed him a small, silver thumb drive.

Is he meeting a contact? Or is this another one of his ‘assignments’? Eliana wondered, a flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck as she remembered their encounter.

But her curiosity quickly turned to alarm. She noticed the three men outside the café were moving in. The leader’s hand went to the small of his back, his fingers curling around something metallic and heavy tucked into his waistband.

Eliana’s phone rang—it was Gabrielle again. “I’m on my way. Is Blake there yet?”

“Not yet, I…” Eliana’s voice trailed off. She watched as the leader of the tattooed group stepped through the café entrance, his eyes locked on the man in the dark suit. The light caught the dull sheen of a weapon.

This wasn't a business meeting or a simple confrontation. It was an ambush.