Nyra hadn't expected to like Elias' mom this much.
Mara moved through the house like calm authority graceful, observant, never intrusive. She didn't interrogate Nyra. Didn't pity her. Didn't try to fix her. She just… included her.
They sat in the kitchen that afternoon, Nyra perched on a stool while Mara worked effortlessly through a recipe Nyra couldn't pronounce.
"You know," Mara said casually, "Elias doesn't bring many people home."
Nyra smirked. "Lucky me."
Mara laughed. "He's comfortable with you. That says a lot."
Nyra shrugged, uncomfortable with compliments. "He's easy. Doesn't ask questions that feel like traps."
Mara glanced at her knowingly but said nothing.
That evening, the house changed.
Cars arrived. Expensive ones. Voices sharpened. Laughter turned polished. The kind of gathering where everyone smiled too hard and watched each other closely.
Nyra leaned toward Elias. "You didn't say your house was hosting a corporate summit."
Elias sighed. "It wasn't supposed to be like this."
That's when she saw him.
Adrian Vale stepped inside like he owned the space tailored suit, posture rigid, eyes scanning automatically. Control incarnate. His parents followed, equally composed, equally dangerous in their quiet judgment.
Nyra stiffened.
You've got to be kidding me.
Their eyes met.
Adrian froze just for a fraction of a second. Enough.
His gaze dropped to her shoulder, then back to her face. Sharp. Assessing. Not relief. Not concern.
Possession.
Nyra felt irritation spark instantly. She turned away first.
Dinner was civil. Too civil.
Talk of partnerships. Of legacy. Of a future built on clean deals and strategic marriages. Adrian's sister sat politely across the table while words like alliance and commitment floated casually into the air.
Nyra caught Elias' eye. His jaw was tight.
She excused herself.
The bathroom was quiet, cool marble and muted light. Nyra leaned against the sink, breathing out slowly.
Then the door locked.
She turned.
Adrian stood there.
"What are you doing here?" she snapped.
He stepped closer. "You disappeared."
"Not your business."
"Everything you do becomes my business when you cause disruptions."
She laughed, sharp and fearless. "God, you really think the world bends around your ego."
"That mouth," he said coldly, "is going to get you into trouble."
"Threatening me in a bathroom now?" she shot back. "Real impressive, CEO."
That's when he crossed the line.
He grabbed her wrist, pulled her forward, and kissed her hard, brief, punishing.
Nyra reacted instantly.
She shoved him back with all her strength.
"Don't ever touch me again," she hissed, eyes blazing.
Silence fell heavy between them.
Adrian straightened slowly, his face unreadable but something had cracked. "You provoke," he said tightly. "Then act surprised by consequences."
"No," Nyra said, steady and furious. "You lose control and call it discipline."
She opened the door.
Before leaving, she turned once more. "And for the record? You don't scare me. You disgust me."
She walked out.
Behind her, Adrian stayed still.
For the first time that night, he wasn't in control.