ELLA.

I scoffed the moment the door closed behind Bella, the faint echo of her heels still ringing in the air.

Did she really just say she would get rid of me? 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

My brows furrowed as I leaned back slightly in the chair, staring blankly at the file in front of me without actually seeing a single word on the page. Her voice replayed in my head, sharp and venomous, laced with nothing but pure intent.

She wasn’t joking.

That much was clear.

I raised my brows slowly, trying to process the weight behind her threat. And strangely, instead of fear, what I felt most was irritation...mixed with something deeper.

At this point, I honestly wished that the so-called unique power she claimed I had—the one I had seen glimpses of in my dreams—would just surge out already.

At least then, I wouldn’t have to sit here feeling like prey.

I exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through my hair.

That’s right...I had already started looking into my past, quietly and carefully without letting anyone know.

I had gone back to that exact place I saw in my dream, the one that felt too real to be just imagination. Every step I took there felt familiar, like my body remembered what my mind couldn’t.

But the CCTV footage...had nothing. Everything from six years ago was gone, wiped out deliberately and that only made things worse.

A frown settled on my face as unease crept in again.

What exactly did I find out back then?

What could have been so dangerous...that someone would go to that extent just to silence me?

My fingers curled slightly on the table.

And more importantly...Who was that person?

Although I was lucky enough to get some videos, just like my dreams, the images were blurry. I needed to find some expert to fix the clip.

I was still lost in that spiral of thoughts when the door suddenly opened again.

I looked up instinctively and froze.

Leonard walked in but he wasn’t alone.

Bella was right beside him, her arms wrapped comfortably around his, leaning into him like she belonged there.

Something twisted in my chest, a dull, unfamiliar ache and I hated it.

I straightened immediately, masking whatever flicker of emotion had crossed my face, but I couldn’t ignore the way my grip tightened slightly on the file.

"Aren’t you supposed to be at Lawrence’s office?" Leonard asked coldly, his voice cutting through the silence.

He didn’t even look at me.

My irritation spiked instantly.

"From what I remember," I replied, my tone sharp as I lifted my chin slightly, "I am also your assistant. So I’m here to work."

Bella smirked faintly at my response, tightening her hold on him as if to emphasize something I refused to acknowledge.

Leonard remained still for a moment, then slowly he looked at me.

Our eyes met briefly, and for a split second, something unreadable flickered in his gaze.

But just as quickly, he looked away again.

"That wasn’t what I asked you," he said, his tone just as cold, just as distant.

My jaw tightened.

"Well then," I said, leaning back slightly in the chair, crossing one leg over the other, "maybe you should ask better questions."

The air in the room shifted instantly.

Bella’s grip on his arm tightened, and I could see the way her eyes flickered between us, like she was enjoying every second of it.

But I didn’t care.

Right now, all I could feel was that same dull ache in my chest...and the growing irritation that refused to settle.

I had told myself, repeated it over and over in my head like a rule I couldn’t afford to break, that I wouldn’t be affected by Leonard’s sudden coldness toward me.

But standing there now, watching him avoid my gaze like I was nothing...I could feel that resolve cracking.

Bit by bit.

"Relax, brother," Bella’s voice cut in smoothly, laced with fake calmness that only made my irritation spike. "Theresa has always been spoiled and likes having things her own way."

I clenched my jaw slightly, but I said nothing.

She turned to me then, her lips curving into that same irritating smile I had begun to hate.

"Apologize to my brother, Theresa," she continued, her tone shifting just enough to sound authoritative. "Your attitude is getting worse by the day. Only if you apologize can I plead for you."

For a second, I just stared at her and then I rolled my eyes, looking away completely.

What a joke.

Wasn’t this the same person who had just stood here minutes ago, threatening to get rid of me?

And now suddenly, she wanted to "plead" on my behalf?

The irony was almost laughable.

I let out a quiet scoff under my breath, refusing to even entertain her nonsense.

"If I am not wanted in your space," I finally said, my voice calm but edged with irritation as I directed my words straight at Leonard, "you could just let me know."

He didn’t respond, nor did he even move.

"I didn’t ask to work here in the first place," I added, my tone firmer now, sharper.

But Leonard still didn’t say anything, he just stood there...letting Bella cling to him like she belonged there, her arms wrapped around his as she leaned into him possessively.

And for some reason, that sight alone kept making something twist painfully in my chest.

I hated it.

I hated the way it made me feel.

I exhaled sharply, breaking my gaze away from them before I could linger any longer.

Fine.

If that was how he wanted it, then so be it.

Without wasting another second, I reached for my bag, grabbing it from the desk with more force than necessary. I picked up the file I had been working on earlier, clutching it tightly in my hand as if it was the only thing grounding me at the moment.

Neither of them stopped me.

Of course they didn’t.

And that only made it worse.

I turned on my heel and walked straight out of the office, my steps quick, controlled, but heavy with everything I refused to show.

The moment I stepped into the hallway, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

What exactly was wrong with him?

I slowed down slightly, my brows furrowing as the question repeated itself in my mind.

This wasn’t how Leonard usually acted.

Cold, yes.

Distant at times, maybe.

But this?

This deliberate avoidance...this silent treatment...It didn’t make sense or maybe it did—and I just didn’t like the answer.

My grip on the file tightened unconsciously.

Who exactly was he putting on this act for?

I clicked my tongue softly, shaking my head as if to push the thought away.

Whatever it was...I wasn’t going to stand there and let it get to me.

At least...that’s what I kept telling myself.