Chapter 4 THE STORM BEGINS

CHAPTER 4– The Storm Begins

The next day, Sofia couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between her and Leonardo. It was subtle maybe even imperceptible to anyone else. But the way his eyes lingered on her just a moment too long, or the way his voice softened when he spoke to her... it was different.

It shouldn't matter.

But it did.

She was halfway through her lunch in the staff kitchen when she heard the sound of footsteps behind her.

"Alvarez."

She didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

Jessica.

The head of Leonardo's executive team, a sharp, polished woman with a reputation for knowing how to navigate the corporate ladder. She wore heels that clicked with every step, and her red dress was the perfect combination of expensive and authoritative.

"Is there something I can help you with, Jessica?" Sofia asked, keeping her tone neutral.

Jessica didn't bother with pleasantries. "I heard you're still working with Leonardo."

Sofia stiffened. "I'm his temporary secretary."

"Mm," Jessica murmured, stepping closer, her eyes scanning Sofia's attire like she was a mere obstacle to be dealt with. "Temporary, huh? Interesting. I'm sure you're very useful... but don't get too comfortable."

Sofia's breath caught. The words were laced with something darker, something that made her skin prickle.

"Why would I get comfortable?" Sofia asked, forcing a smile.

Jessica leaned against the counter, her gaze sharp and calculating. "Because men like Leonardo... well, they don't keep temporary secretaries for long. Especially not ones who aren't as qualified as some of the others in the office."

Sofia clenched her fists at her sides. She's jealous.

"I'm just doing my job," Sofia said, trying to keep the edge out of her voice.

"Good," Jessica said, stepping closer, lowering her voice. "Because if you think you can get any closer to him than you already have, you're mistaken. Men like Leonardo don't look at women like you."

Sofia's stomach twisted, but she kept her eyes steady. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Jessica's lips curled into a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course you don't. But don't say I didn't warn you."

And with that, she turned on her heel, leaving Sofia standing there, a storm of emotions rising in her chest.

Later that afternoon, when Sofia returned to her desk, the office felt charged. The air was thick with something unspoken, and the energy had shifted.

She knew that Jessica's words were meant to get under her skin. And yet, it wasn't Jessica that Sofia found herself thinking about as she sat down.

It was Leonardo.

When he walked into the room later that day, all business as usual, Sofia's heart skipped a beat. He glanced her way, but this time, his gaze lingered a little longer, just as it had the night before.

She caught herself holding her breath.

"Alvarez," he said, his tone casual, but there was something almost too careful in it. "I need you to prepare the contract for the Henderson deal. It's critical we get that signed by tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Mr. Castellano," she replied, her voice betraying none of the tumult inside.

His gaze flickered to her for just a moment before he turned to leave. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but there seemed to be a faint hesitation in his step, a subtle tug toward her.

Just as Sofia began organizing the documents on her desk, she felt the eyes on her.

A figure stood in the doorway of her office.

It was Jessica.

But today, there was something different in her eyes. A sharper glint.

"You know," Jessica said, her voice light but with a dangerous edge, "Leonardo can be... unpredictable."

Sofia raised an eyebrow, unwilling to give her any ground. "I don't understand."

"Oh, I think you do." Jessica's smile was tight now, the air between them crackling with something heavy. "He doesn't tolerate weakness. And you'll find that out soon enough. You wouldn't want to be caught in his crossfire when things go sideways."

Sofia stood from her desk, feeling the subtle shift in her stance as she met Jessica's gaze. "I'm not the one you should be worried about."

With a flick of her hair, Jessica turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, but Sofia's eyes followed her retreating form.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of deadlines and meetings, but Sofia couldn't shake the feeling of Jessica's words echoing in her mind.

Don't get too comfortable.

Men like Leonardo don't look at women like you.

And yet, when Leonardo finally walked into the office late in the evening, his eyes scanning the room for her, Sofia's heart raced. She swallowed her doubts.

"Alvarez," he said, his voice low, "Are you ready?"

"Yes, Mr. Castellano," she answered, keeping her voice steady. But inside, a war raged one that had nothing to do with business.

As he walked closer, the distance between them shortening with every step, she couldn't help but wonder if Jessica's warning was more than just an idle threat.

But even if it was, Sofia wasn't sure she could walk away, not now.