Bernice's eyes rimmed red, her voice catching on a sob.
"Thomas Delgado, don't think everyone's scared of you! I'm not afraid—I'll quit if I have to!"
Thomas's lips curved slightly. He found her little tantrum rather endearing.
"Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing you."
He turned to the other man. "Mr. Simmons, I was out of line today. Let me make it up to you—I'll give you both a ride home."
Eustace Simmons pressed a hand to his bruised cheek, a flicker of fear still in his eyes.
"No, no, it was all a misunderstanding." He forced a laugh. "Really, Mr. Delgado, there's no need."
A friend had sent him a video—Bernice entering a restaurant with some unknown man. Eustace had been so furious he'd stormed over and thrown the first punch before even getting a proper look.
It wasn't until he was flat on the ground that he realized the "unknown man" was the CEO of Delgado Corp. Bernice's direct superior.
And his company's biggest client.
Eustace was terrified now, his mind racing through every way this could derail his career.
So when Thomas offered the olive branch, half the weight lifted from his chest.
I watched Thomas lead them toward me. He reached for the door handle, ever the gentleman, ready to open it for Bernice.
It wouldn't budge.
"Marilyn. Unlock the door."
His brow furrowed, a note of warning threading through his voice.
I started the engine and lowered the window, letting my gaze slide over him—cold, unhurried.
"My car. I choose who rides in it."
A beat.
"And I don't care for the dirt."
Bernice's face flushed deeper than before. Her fists clenched at her sides, her whole body trembling.
"There's nothing between me and Thomas! Who are you to say that about me?"
Her round eyes blazed wide—a furious little rabbit, all wounded innocence.
No wonder Thomas was so captivated.
I let out a soft, derisive laugh, spun the wheel, and hit the gas.
In the rearview mirror, Bernice lunged at Thomas in anger—but lost her footing and tumbled straight into his arms.
Thomas, I think you've really found your true love again.
Bernice had graduated from a second-tier college with a degree in e-commerce.
Not a single qualification that matched the job posting for executive assistant to the CEO.
And yet Thomas had singled her out. Bent the rules. Personally interviewed her—alone—for three hours.
The moment I heard, I knew he was falling back into old patterns.
I assumed it was just another fling. So when people whispered and snickered, I barely reacted.
"Men like young, pretty things. It's understandable."
"He's just playing around. It doesn't mean anything."
Everyone marveled at how calm I'd become, and the gossip moved on.
But something felt different this time. Thomas had been pursuing this woman—Bernice—for over two weeks now.
The first time I saw her, Thomas was standing beside her at a bus stop.
A billionaire CEO, keeping his assistant company in the bitter cold, waiting for public transit.
His Maybach idled nearby, hazard lights blinking. Thomas was bent slightly at the waist, coaxing a smile out of her, playing the fool.
Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a necklace—six figures, easy.
Her eyes lit up like stars. She pointed at it, disbelief written across her face. "For me?"
"Of course. You like it? I flew to Italy just to get it for you."
That necklace was supposed to be mine.
Instead, I watched him fasten it around another woman's neck.
Even from a distance, I could see the way he looked at her. Tender. Indulgent.
My heart stopped.
With other women, Thomas's eyes had always held something calculating—desire, maybe, but nothing more.
But the way he looked at Bernice?
It was exactly how he used to look at me.
