Chapter 4 Remember Where You Stand

Rhea POV

I didn't plan to stop by Ethan's office today.

But when your boyfriend has been canceling dinners for "late meetings" three nights in a row, you start to wonder what's keeping him so damn busy.

So here I am. In a fitted black dress, heels clicking across the marble lobby, trying to look calm while my stomach twists.

The receptionist greets me with that fake bright smile. "Good morning, Ms. Bennett."

"Morning," I say, smiling back. "Is Ethan in?"

"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Holt's in his office."

Of course he is.

I head straight for the elevator, checking my reflection in the glass doors. My makeup's perfect, lipstick still fresh, hair curled just right. No reason to look like the jealous girlfriend. Not yet.

The elevator dings open, and I walk out onto his floor. I know this place by heart, the glass walls, the quiet hum of printers, the smell of coffee and too much cologne.

But when I reach his office, I stop.

Because sitting at the little desk outside his door is someone I've never seen before.

She's young. Early twenties, maybe. Pretty in that clean, soft way that doesn't even try. Light makeup, glossy lips, and that nervous focus new employees have when they're trying too hard to be perfect.

I glance at the nameplate. Lina Hayes.

Cute name.

"Hi," I say, smiling. "You must be new."

She looks up, startled, and her eyes widen just a little. "Oh! Hi. Yes, I am."

Her voice is sweet. A little unsure.

I lean against the edge of her desk. "What's your position here?"

"I'm Mr. Holt's new Secretary," she says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Of course she is.

I keep my smile steady. "Secretary. That's nice. How's your first week going?"

"It's... good," she says, nodding quickly. "He's very professional. Keeps things organized."

I almost laugh. Professional, huh?

Ethan can be professional when he wants to be, but I know the man behind the title, the one who gets possessive, controlling, sharp. The one who doesn't like surprises, except when he's the one making them.

And right now, the idea of him spending all day with this new assistant? Yeah, that's a surprise I don't like.

"Well, I'm glad it's going smoothly," I say. "I'm Rhea, by the way."

Her face lights up like she recognizes the name. "Oh, you're... his girlfriend?"

I smile, but it feels tight. "That's me."

"Oh," she says softly. "It's nice to meet you, Rhea."

"Nice to meet you too, Lina."

We stare at each other for a second. She seems genuine. Sweet. Probably too sweet for this kind of office. The kind of girl who thinks hard work and good manners get you far. The kind who doesn't realize men like Ethan notice everything, especially the things you don't mean to show.

"So," I say lightly, "how are you liking working for Ethan?"

She straightens in her seat. "It's... challenging. But I'm learning a lot."

"Challenging," I repeat with a small laugh. "Yeah, that's one word for it."

Her brow furrows a little, like she's not sure what I mean. "He's a good boss."

I nod, leaning a little closer. "He can be. Just don't take it personally if he gets... intense. That's his thing."

"I've noticed," she says quietly, smiling nervously.

I study her for a second. There's something about her tone. Not just nerves. Something else. A flicker in her eyes, like she knows more about him than she should.

I file it away.

"Well," I say, straightening, "you'll do fine. Just remember...Ethan likes people who follow instructions."

She nods. "I'll keep that in mind."

I give her one last smile, then knock on his door without waiting for her to announce me.

"Come in," he calls out.

I open the door and walk in, and his face actually softens when he sees me. "Rhea."

"Hi, baby," I say, walking over. "Surprise."

He stands and kisses me on the cheek, polite, a little distant. "Didn't expect you."

"Yeah, I figured," I say, glancing over my shoulder toward the door. "Didn't know you hired someone new."

"Lina?" he says, like it's nothing. "Started this week."

"She's pretty," I say, still smiling.

He looks at me for a second, expression unreadable. "She's good at her job."

"Of course," I say, brushing a bit of lint off his jacket. "I just didn't expect you to hire someone so... young."

"She was the most qualified," he says, sitting back down like that ends the conversation.

I don't push it. Not yet.

I just sit on the edge of his desk, crossing my legs slowly. "So, are you free for lunch today? Or should I assume another 'meeting'?"

He gives me a small smile. "Lunch sounds good."

"Good," I say, letting my hand slide over his tie. "You can tell me all about your new hire."

He gives me that warning look. The one that says don't start.

I pull back, still smiling sweetly. "Relax, Ethan. I'm kidding."

But I'm not.

Because when I walk out of his office a few minutes later, Lina looks up from her desk again.

And I see it. That same flicker. The one that says she's trying too hard not to look at the door I just came from.

I pause. "You'll do fine here," I tell her softly. "Just remember where you stand."

She blinks. "Sorry?"

I smile again, that same practiced warmth. "I mean, it's easy to get lost in this place. Everyone's trying to make an impression."

"Oh," she says, confused but polite. "Right."

I start walking away, heels clicking down the hall.

But inside, I'm seething.

Because I know what I saw in her eyes, that mix of fear and something else. Something dangerous.

And I know Ethan.

If he hasn't crossed that line yet, he's already thinking about it.