Chapter 7 Fires of Doubt

Elise Harper's desk outside Alexander Kane's office felt like a crucible, every task forging her resolve under the weight of scrutiny and desire. The sleek expanse of Kane Enterprises buzzed with its relentless energy, but the whispers among colleagues had grown sharper, their eyes tracking her every move. Victoria Langston's latest text-He's mine-burned in Elise's memory, a taunt that fueled the doubt now smoldering in her chest. The encrypted email she'd glimpsed on the server, hinting at Alexander's lingering connection to Victoria, was a wound she couldn't ignore.

She focused on her work, her fingers steady as she updated Alexander's schedule for a high-stakes merger meeting with Langston Corp. But her thoughts kept circling back to his words yesterday: Trust is a risk, Elise. Are you willing to take it? The question had felt like a dare, one she'd met with defiance, but now uncertainty gnawed at her. Was she a pawn in a game between Alexander and Victoria, or something more?

Mid-morning, Alexander emerged from his office, his tailored gray suit accentuating his commanding presence. His dark hair was slightly mussed, as if he'd been wrestling with a problem, and his gray eyes found hers with a weight that made her breath catch. "Miss Harper," he said, his voice low, carrying a trace of warmth. "I need the merger analytics by noon. And... clear your evening. We're working late."

The invitation, cloaked in professionalism, sent a shiver through her. "I'll have the analytics ready," she said, holding his gaze. "And I'll stay as long as you need."

His lips twitched, a fleeting hint of that rare smile. "Good. I'm counting on you."

As he retreated, Carla, the lead assistant, leaned over Elise's desk, her voice a hiss. "You're getting cozy with the boss, aren't you? Don't think we haven't noticed. Victoria's got her claws in him, and you're just collateral damage."

Elise's jaw tightened, but she kept her tone cool. "I'm here to work, Carla. Nothing more."

Carla's smirk was venomous. "Keep telling yourself that."

The analytics report consumed her morning, her mind dissecting numbers while her heart wrestled with doubt. The email from Victoria to Alexander-We can rebuild what we had-played on a loop, each word a spark to her jealousy. She wanted to trust Alexander, but the evidence was damning, and Victoria's relentless campaign was wearing her down.

At noon, Elise delivered the report to Alexander's office. He was on a call, his voice sharp as he negotiated with a supplier, but he motioned for her to stay. She set the folder on his desk, their eyes meeting briefly, a silent current passing between them. As she turned to leave, a notification pinged on his computer-a new email from Victoria, the subject line bold: Tonight's Terms.

Elise's stomach twisted, but she forced herself to exit, her composure a fragile mask. Back at her desk, her phone buzzed with another text from Victoria: He's meeting me tonight. You're not invited. – V. The words were a blade, cutting through her resolve. Was Alexander playing her, or was Victoria orchestrating a lie?

The day dragged, each hour heavy with anticipation. As the office emptied, Elise prepared for the late-night work session, her nerves fraying. She swapped her blazer for a fitted sweater, the soft fabric a small comfort against the storm brewing inside. At 8 p.m., Alexander's door opened, and he beckoned her inside.

The office was dim, the city lights casting a glow through the windows. Alexander stood by his desk, his tie loosened, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. "The merger's at a tipping point," he said, his voice rough with fatigue. "I need your eyes on the latest terms."

She nodded, joining him at the desk, their shoulders brushing as they reviewed the documents. The proximity was intoxicating, each accidental touch a spark that threatened to ignite. "These clauses favor Langston Corp too heavily," she said, pointing to a section. "We need to push back."

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "You're right. You always are." His tone was softer now, almost intimate, and his gaze dropped to her lips.

Her heart pounded, the air thick with temptation. "Alexander," she said, her voice trembling, using his name for the first time. "What's happening here? With us... with Victoria?"

His eyes darkened, a storm of emotion breaking through. "Victoria's past," he said, his voice low, fervent. "She wants control, not me. But you..." He reached for her hand, his touch a lifeline. "You're real. And I'm trying not to cross a line I can't uncross."

The confession hung between them, raw and unguarded. But before she could respond, her phone buzzed, Victoria's name flashing. Elise silenced it, her choice clear. The fire of doubt still burned, but in this moment, she was willing to risk it all for the truth in his eyes.