CHAPTER 5

The morning sun put a glow through the glass walls of SL Enterprises, showing off polished steel desks and perfectly aligned monitors.

Isla Hart adjusted her blazer for the third time and took a deep breath. Today was another day of going through schedules, emails, and office politics and she was determined to survive it with composure.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Maya, "How is my superstar today? Don't let them eat you alive ."

Isla smiled, typing back quickly, "Surviving,barely. But I'm trying not to fall into Sophia's traps today."

Almost on cue, Sophia walked past her desk in a wave of designer perfume and confidence, her heels clicking so loud.

"Well, well, Ms. Hart," Sophia's voice sounded across the office. "Still here, still breathing. Impressive."

Isla forced a polite smile, straightening her posture. "I always manage," she replied smoothly, though her heart skipped a bit at the audacity in Sophia's tone.

Victoria, passing just behind, shot Sophia a sharp glare that could have turned ice into fire. "One day, Sophia," she hissed, "your confidence will outrun your judgment."

Sophia laughed lightly, ignoring the warning, and rested against a glass wall. "Victoria, darling, it's just a bit of fun. We all need it."

Isla watched the two of them in silence, a little bit amused.

It was like watching two storm fronts collide ,one hard, one fiery and she was caught in between it.

"Careful," Charles whispered as he leaned near her desk, a smirk forming at his lips. "Observation is key in this office. Learn to read them, or you will be swept up before you even notice."

"I think I'm learning," Isla murmured, drinking her coffee. "Slowly, but surely."

Ethan, appearing behind her with a mischievous smile, touched her shoulder. "You handled Sophia like a pro this morning. Smooth and composed. I'm impressed."

Isla's cheeks reddened. "Thanks. I just want to do my job well."

"Of course," he said, leaning freely on her desk. "But admit it,you are enjoying the quarrels a little, aren't you?"

She laughed quietly, shaking her head. "Maybe just a little."

By late afternoon, Adrian appeared again, stopping just short of Isla's desk. "Are the files ready for the afternoon meeting?" he asked, his voice calm, but carrying authority that made her breath quicken.

"Yes, sir. Everything is well organized," Isla said, placing the neatly stacked folders on his desk.

"Good," he replied, watching her with that unreadable gaze. "I expect nothing less than good works. You understand?"

"Yes, sir," she whispered.

Sophia's heels clicked sharply across the polished floors as she approached Adrian's desk once again.

"Darling, are you sure you don't need me in that meeting? I promise I won't distract you so much."

Adrian didn't respond immediately, his eyes looking at her before returning to Isla.

There was something in the way he looked at her that made her heart skip a beat . A quiet acknowledgment, maybe even admiration, but it was just tiny.

As the office packed down for the day, Isla's phone buzzed. Maya's name lit up the screen.

"Isla, You won't believe the drama I just heard about," Maya said excitedly as soon as Isla answered.

"Drama?" Isla raised an eyebrow, settling into the chair.

"Yes,Sophia again. She apparently told everyone she could manage Adrian better than anyone else," Maya said, laughing. "Girl, you have to tell me how you survived that."

"I managed to stay polite," Isla said with a soft laugh. "Barely."

"You are amazing, Isla. And don't forget to call your mum tonight, okay? I know you have been busy with work, but she misses you."

"I will, Maya. I promise," Isla said, feeling a longing for home and family. She made a mental note to call her mother once she returned to her apartment.

Later that evening, back in her small city apartment, Isla dialed her mother's number. The familiar voice filled her ears with warmth.

"Hello, my daughter! How is the city treating you?" her mother asked cheerfully.

"It's busy," Isla replied, smiling softly. "But I'm managing. And I'm learning a lot."

"That's my girl," her mother said proudly. "And the job? Is it everything you dreamed of?"

"It's more than I expected," Isla admitted. "I like it and the people are interesting."

Her mother laughed. "Just don't let any trouble catch you, okay?"

"I won't," Isla promised, putting her phone under her chin.

After the call ended, Isla sat quietly, thinking about the office, Adrian, Sophia, Victoria, Marcus, Ethan, Charles and her necklace she still couldn't find.

She had no idea that everything she had yet to experience would be tied to that very necklace , and that in a few weeks, the discovery of it would change everything.

But for now, she let herself smile, drink her coffee, and feel the air of a day she survived, friendships bonding, rivalries simmering, and hearts quietly moving in ways she didn't yet understand.

Hours later, just as Isla was about to settle under her blanket and rest, a faint vibration buzzed on her phone.

A message.

From an unknown number.

Her brows raised as she reached for her phone, her heart beating once.

Unknown Number:Did you check your desk drawer today?

Isla sat up instantly.

Her drawer?

She opened it in the morning but not again after lunch.

Her fingers moved above the screen before she typed,

Isla: Who is this?

No reply.

She stared at her screen for a few seconds, waiting but nothing else came in.

"Probably a prank," she muttered under her breath, trying to remove the uneasy feeling moving up her spine.

But she couldn't shake it off.

Not the message.

Not the timing.

She forced herself to lie down, but sleep refused to come easily.

The next morning, Isla arrived earlier than usual. The office was still quiet, the lights dimmed, the air cold. She walked to her desk with very fast steps, pulled her chair out, and hesitated before opening the drawer.

Inside,nothing unusual.

Pens, sticky notes, her notepad,everything in neat order.

But something seemed off.

Her notepad had been moved.

Her pens weren't positioned the way she left them.

And the faint scent ,someone else's perfume was in the air.

She closed the drawer slowly.

Then, quietly she said to herself,"Someone was at my desk."

The realization tightened her stomach.

Sophia walked in moments later, singing dramatically loud.

"Oh, wow, Ms. Hart. Early today? What's the special occasion?" she asked, putting her bag on isla desk.

"Just wanted to get things done early," Isla replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Sophia smirked as if she knew something.

"I hope your drawer is in order," she whispered, walking past going to Adrain office.

Isla froze.

Sophia looked over her shoulder, smiling sweetly , too sweetly ,before turning the corner.

Was that a coincidence?

Or had Sophia said that on purpose?

Isla's pulse pounded against her chest..

Adrian arrived much later, his entrance shifting the entire atmosphere like a silent force. He didn't greet anyone immediately. His eyes scanned the room with precision before landing briefly on Isla.

"You are quite early,Ms. Hart" he said as he approached.

"Yes, sir. I had a few things to catch up on."

Adrian studied her for a moment. Not her outfit. Not her desk.

Her eyes.

"You seem not yourself," he said, voice lower than usual.

"I'm fine," Isla lied.

Adrian's gaze dropped for a moment, then returned, sharper this time.

He didn't push further.

But he knew.

She could feel that he knew.

"See me in my office before the meeting," he said finally.

"Yes, sir."

Minutes later, Isla walked into Adrian's office, her hands slightly sweaty. Adrian was already seated, flipping through documents, but his attention shifted the moment she stepped inside.

"You look bothered," he said, eyes narrowing slightly. "Is someone giving you trouble?"

Isla's breath caught.

"No, sir. Everything is fine."

Adrian leaned back, observing her with unsettling calmness.

"You can tell me if something is wrong," he said smoothly. "I don't like surprises in my office. Or with my staff."

Before Isla could respond, the door burst open.

Victoria.

She held her tablet but her expression was tight, almost breathless.

"Sir, we have a problem," she announced.

Adrian didn't react outwardly. "Speak."

Victoria's eyes flickered briefly at Isla before she said:

"It's the security team. They found something in the overnight footage."

Isla felt a chill.

Adrian's brows lowered. "What exactly?"

Victoria took a breath.

"Someone tried hacking the computer and deleting the Corporate deal."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "Which computer and who?"

Victoria hesitated.

Then her eyes moved toward Isla, not accusing but uncertain.

"They couldn't identify the person. But" she paused, swallowing, "the person was around Isla's wing of the office, and it was her computer"

Isla's blood ran cold.

"My,my wing, my computer?" she whispered.

Victoria nodded. "Yes."

Adrian turned his gaze toward Isla slowly. His expression unreadable. But his voice?

Calm. Controlled. Dangerous.

"Isla," he said, "did you notice anything unusual at your desk today?"

Isla's heart slammed painfully.

Should she mention the message?

Should she talk about her drawer?

Her lips parted,but no words came.

Adrian stood. "Victoria, clear my schedule. Isla, stay after the meeting."

Isla nodded shakily.

Sophia watched from outside the glass office, her smirk growing sharper.

She loved chaos.

But this was more than chaos.

Someone was playing a game.

And Isla was right in the center of it.

CHAPTER 6

The office had finally settled after the abrupt meeting called by Adrian. Everyone had returned to their desks, whispering quietly, trying to hide their curiosity and unease.

Isla Hart remained standing near the conference table, her hands lightly holding the folder of documents she had prepared. Adrian's sharp gaze followed her movements.

"Stay behind for a moment, Ms. Hart," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Isla nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She had expected this, of course, but being singled out by Adrian still sent a shiver down her spine.

As the office doors closed and the others left, Adrian rested against the edge of the table in the conference room, his eyes fixed on her. "I want to understand exactly what happened this morning. Go through everything with me. The reports, the schedules, the files."

"Yes, sir," Isla said, taking a deep breath. She opened her laptop and began detailing the discrepancies, showing which files had been moved, tampered with, or deleted, and explaining the steps she had taken to verify the mistakes.

Adrian listened quietly, occasionally frowning, occasionally tapping a finger against his desk. His eyes were sharp, calculating, and filled with the kind of intensity that could unsettle anyone.

"I see," he said finally. "And you are certain these are not mistakes?"

"Yes, sir," Isla replied firmly. "I checked and double checked everything. Whoever did this, they planned it carefully. They wanted these changes to go unnoticed ,at least for a while."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "Good work noticing it. It could have turned into something worse if it had gone undetected."

He paused, studying her. "We will call a meeting. I want everyone in the office to know that tampering with work is unacceptable. If anyone admits to this, we will handle it directly. If not," His voice trailed, leaving the threat unspoken but understood.

By late morning, the team gathered again, tension hanging heavy in the air. Adrian stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"Earlier this morning, some files and schedules were deliberately tampered with," he began, voice steady but sharp. "I want whoever is responsible to come forward."

No one moved. No one spoke. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint sound of computers in the distance.

Adrian let the pause stretch for a moment longer before continuing. "Since no one claims responsibility, consider this a warning. Be careful with your work. Any oversight, deliberate or accidental, will have consequences. That is all."

The meeting was dismissed. As the team moved out, Isla's eyes caught a small expression she couldn't ignore. Victoria, standing near the door, had given her a brief, cunning smile. It lasted only a second before it was replaced with a polite, straight face. Victoria left quietly, and Isla was left unsure what to think.

Someone had been testing her. Someone had been watching. And Isla knew she had to remain alert.

Once the office had settled again, Isla returned to her desk. She carefully re-examined all the documents from that morning, her instincts telling her that something important had been missed. It was unsettling to know that someone inside the office could manipulate things so quietly.

Charles, leaning casually against her desk, noticed her nervousness. "You are still on edge," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"Too much happened," Isla admitted quietly. "Someone tampered with files. Security footage shows nothing. It's like whoever did it planned it perfectly."

"Then you are right to be cautious," Charles said. "Offices like these aren't just about deadlines,they are about watching who is watching you. Be smart."

Ethan appeared beside her, holding a cup of coffee. "I heard about the morning drama. You handled it well, Isla. Calm and professional, like you always do."

Isla smiled faintly. "Thanks, Ethan. But it's unsettling. Someone is clearly trying to test me."

"Then keep your eyes open," he said with a grin. "That's all you can do."

Adrian returned to his office. Isla approached cautiously, still processing the morning events.

"Everything accounted for?" he asked, his voice low but commanding.

"Yes, sir," she replied. "I have reviewed all the files again, just to be certain. No discrepancies remain for now."

Adrian's gaze softened slightly, though the intensity never left his eyes. "Good. Today's incident is a reminder. Even when things seem calm, there are always things and actions you cannot predict. Stay alert. That's your best defense."

"Yes, sir," Isla said, nodding firmly.

As the afternoon approached, the usual office dynamics began to resume. Victoria, though outwardly calm, seemed to move near Isla's desk occasionally, her gaze sharp, assessing. Ethan and Charles watched the interactions with quiet amusement, occasionally whispering advice or joking lightly to keep Isla distracted.

Then the elevator opened, and a beautiful ,well elite figure entered the office. Her presence seemed to smooth the tension in the room, almost like a breeze on a hard day.

"Leona," Adrian greeted, moving to greet his sister.

"Adrian," she replied softly, checking the office before her gaze settled on Isla. A rare, warm smile appeared. "You must be Isla Hart. I have heard excellent things about you."

"Thank you, ma'am. It's an honor," Isla said, feeling a small surge of pride.

Leona leaned lightly against Isla's desk. "I hope Adrian isn't giving you too much trouble. If he misbehaves, you have my permission to put him in line."

Isla laughed quietly.

Victoria's narrowed eyes followed the exchange, her jealousy clear but hidden beneath a professional outlook.

"You seem capable," Leona added. "Adrian is lucky to have someone like you."

"Thank you, ma'am," Isla replied, her chest warming from the praise.

Leona spent a few minutes walking through the office, asking about projects, deadlines, and legacy work Adrian managed. Her calm, commanding presence seemed to ease the usual tension in the room. Adrian's shoulders relaxed slightly around her, and Isla found herself stealing glances at the rare softness in his expression.

Later, Victoria approached Isla's desk, voice low but pointed.

"Quite the favorite today," she said, eyes narrowed. "Leona's attention isn't given lightly."

"Just a smile, nothing more," Isla replied carefully.

Victoria pressed her lips together and walked away, her eyes lingering briefly, sharp and calculating.

Charles leaned over, whispering, "Be careful. She doesn't take being overlooked lightly."

Ethan smirked. "See? I told you. Don't make it obvious."

Isla chuckled softly. "I'm just doing my job."

Later on ,Adrian handed Isla a folder.

"Review these documents before tomorrow's board meeting. Precision, as always," he said, his tone calm but firm.

"Yes, sir," Isla replied, brushing her fingers over the folder, her mind still replaying the morning's events.

Leona moved near her desk. "Take care of him," she said with a teasing of her head. "And if he misbehaves, remember my permission."

Isla laughed quietly, feeling the rare warmth of Leona's attention.

Victoria's eyes followed, jealousy clear, though she made no move.

Ethan nudged Isla gently. "See? Survived the day. Enjoy it while it lasts."

Isla smiled quietly, reflecting on the morning.

The sabotage, Adrian's authority and anger, Leona's warmth, Victoria's cunning smile, and the support of Ethan and Charles.

Somewhere, someone had tried to unsettle her. The perpetrator remained unknown. But one thing was certain,she had to stay vigilant. The calm of the office was only temporary. Someone was watching. Someone was waiting. And Isla would need all her instincts to move the challenges ahead.