Chapter 5 5

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.