Chapter 4 4

CHAPTER 4

The office moved with a quiet speed that morning, noticeably calmer than usual.

The soft sounds of printers, the gentle tapping of keyboards, and the tiny conversations created a smooth rhythm that almost felt comforting.

Isla walked through the glass corridors with a strange sense of ease, though her mind clouded with anticipation.

Something about today felt different,she couldn't place her finger on it, but her instincts said that the day wouldn't be ordinary.

Her eyes moved toward Adrian's office. Even from a distance, his presence was impossible to ignore.

His sharp gaze swept over the entire floor with the silent authority of a man who was born to command. Yet today, he seemed somewhat subdued, more composed, less intense than the fiery, intimidating version she had first encountered.

"Morning, Ms. Hart," Adrian said, his voice steady and calm.

"Good morning, sir," Isla replied as she adjusted her blouse. Her heartbeat quickened at the sound of his voice. She hated that he had this effect on her . She hated it, yet couldn't stop it.

"Coffee?" he asked casually, moving toward the break area. "I trust you have handled the morning work?"

"Yes, sir," she replied, her tone professional but warm. "Everything is running smoothly."

An approval crossed Adrian's expression. "Good."

His gaze stayed a few seconds longer than necessary before he turned and walked away. Isla breathed deeply, trying to steady the feelings of nerves he always started up inside her.

Moments later, the office door opened, and a tall, confident man stepped inside. He carried himself with an elegant calm, his presence commanding attention without force. His tailored suit was flawlessly cut, his expression warm but sharp.

"Good morning, everyone," he said, his deep voice instantly shifting the room's energy.

His eyes moved around the office before they landed on Adrian.

"Adrian," he said with a smooth smile. "There you are."

Adrian looked up, that faint but rare smile forming at the corner of his lips. "Uncle Marcus. Good to see you."

"Likewise," Marcus replied, stepping forward with a steady smile. His gaze soon found Isla,curious, assessing.

"And you must be Ms. Hart. Adrian's told me a lot about you."

Isla blinked. Adrian talked about her?

"Oh nice to meet you, sir."

Marcus chuckled lightly. "Call me Marcus. I hear you are handling the office with great energy."

Isla tried not to blush. "I'm doing my best."

Marcus nodded approvingly. "Good. That's all anyone can ask."

Adrian watched the exchange silently, something unreadable moving across his eyes,almost as if he were studying both of them carefully.

There was a softness to Marcus' presence, a comforting ease, but something in his gaze was something Isla couldn't fully interpret. Curiosity? Concern? Recognition? She wasn't sure.

The calm of the room was cut short by the sharp click of heels.

Victoria.

She approached with a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Morning, Ms. Hart," she said, her tone tight but civil.

"Good morning," Isla replied, covering the discomfort forming in her stomach.

Victoria looked between Marcus and Isla, her eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly.

"Oh, we have a visitor today."

"Yes," Adrian said as he walked over. "Uncle Marcus is visiting to review some legacy projects."

Victoria's smile tightened. "Of course. Welcome, sir."

Marcus nodded politely but his eyes momentarily returned to Isla,long enough for Victoria to notice. That alone sent a small wave of tension moving through the office.

Victoria stepped toward Adrian, lowering her voice. "I need to speak with you privately."

Adrian nodded, excused himself, and followed her to a corner of the office.

Isla didn't mean to look, but she couldn't help seeing the way Victoria leaned closer, her expression serious and jealous. The kind of look she shot Isla's way confirmed it.

Isla swallowed. What exactly was that about?

Later in the day, Isla was called into Adrian's office to deliver a report. Marcus sat comfortably, legs crossed, reviewing a set of documents.

"Ah, Ms. Hart," Marcus said warmly. "I have been impressed with your composure today. Adrian tells me you handled the morning tasks excellently."

"Thank you, sir," Isla said with a small bow of her head. "I strive to do my best."

"You will go far with that attitude," Marcus replied. "Don't lose it."

Isla couldn't help the blush in her cheeks.

Adrian's gaze shifted from Marcus to Isla. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held something softer. Maybe curiosity. Maybe something more.

Just then, the door opened again,Victoria.

"Adrian, about the meeting schedule, could we.."

Adrian raised a hand lightly,cutting her short "Later, Victoria."

Victoria froze for half a second. Her eyes moved toward Isla, filled with anger she didn't bother hiding.

She left quietly, but tension followed her out like a lingering shadow.

Marcus looked at Isla with a small, almost knowing smile.

"This environment can be challenging," he murmured. "Keep your head low but your confidence high. You never know who is watching, or what might be at risk."

Isla frowned slightly. At risk? What did that mean?

Before she could ask, Marcus shifted back to business.

By mid-afternoon, Adrian's office became a quiet but intense workspace.

Adrian was reviewing files.

Marcus offering seasoned corrections.

Isla carefully takes notes, typing responses, organizing documents.

Though everything looked professional on the surface, the air carried tension that pulsed beneath every interaction.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting toward Isla again.

"I appreciate your diligence, Ms. Hart," he said, voice low and calm. "You're learning quickly."

"Thank you, sir," Isla replied, her heart beating harder than she liked. "I'm doing my best."

Marcus stood, straightening his suit. "I will leave you two to finalize these reports. But remember,attention to detail is everything."

His gaze stayed on Isla for a second before he walked out of the office.

Isla looked up to find Adrian still watching her.

Not rudely.

Not intensely.

Just thoughtfully.

The kind of look that made her stomach turn.

By the end of the day, Isla gathered her belongings, feeling the weight of everything that had happened.

Marcus' unexpected visit.

Victoria's jealousy.

Adrian's strange, silent attention.

And the feeling that Marcus' words held a deeper meaning she couldn't yet understand.

As she walked toward the elevator, she whispered softly to herself:

"This place is more complicated than I thought."

But she didn't know just how complicated it would become.