CHAPTER 6
The office had finally settled after the abrupt meeting called by Adrian. Everyone had returned to their desks, whispering quietly, trying to hide their curiosity and unease.
Isla Hart remained standing near the conference table, her hands lightly holding the folder of documents she had prepared. Adrian's sharp gaze followed her movements.
"Stay behind for a moment, Ms. Hart," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Isla nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She had expected this, of course, but being singled out by Adrian still sent a shiver down her spine.
As the office doors closed and the others left, Adrian rested against the edge of the table in the conference room, his eyes fixed on her. "I want to understand exactly what happened this morning. Go through everything with me. The reports, the schedules, the files."
"Yes, sir," Isla said, taking a deep breath. She opened her laptop and began detailing the discrepancies, showing which files had been moved, tampered with, or deleted, and explaining the steps she had taken to verify the mistakes.
Adrian listened quietly, occasionally frowning, occasionally tapping a finger against his desk. His eyes were sharp, calculating, and filled with the kind of intensity that could unsettle anyone.
"I see," he said finally. "And you are certain these are not mistakes?"
"Yes, sir," Isla replied firmly. "I checked and double checked everything. Whoever did this, they planned it carefully. They wanted these changes to go unnoticed ,at least for a while."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "Good work noticing it. It could have turned into something worse if it had gone undetected."
He paused, studying her. "We will call a meeting. I want everyone in the office to know that tampering with work is unacceptable. If anyone admits to this, we will handle it directly. If not," His voice trailed, leaving the threat unspoken but understood.
By late morning, the team gathered again, tension hanging heavy in the air. Adrian stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"Earlier this morning, some files and schedules were deliberately tampered with," he began, voice steady but sharp. "I want whoever is responsible to come forward."
No one moved. No one spoke. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint sound of computers in the distance.
Adrian let the pause stretch for a moment longer before continuing. "Since no one claims responsibility, consider this a warning. Be careful with your work. Any oversight, deliberate or accidental, will have consequences. That is all."
The meeting was dismissed. As the team moved out, Isla's eyes caught a small expression she couldn't ignore. Victoria, standing near the door, had given her a brief, cunning smile. It lasted only a second before it was replaced with a polite, straight face. Victoria left quietly, and Isla was left unsure what to think.
Someone had been testing her. Someone had been watching. And Isla knew she had to remain alert.
Once the office had settled again, Isla returned to her desk. She carefully re-examined all the documents from that morning, her instincts telling her that something important had been missed. It was unsettling to know that someone inside the office could manipulate things so quietly.
Charles, leaning casually against her desk, noticed her nervousness. "You are still on edge," he said, raising an eyebrow.
"Too much happened," Isla admitted quietly. "Someone tampered with files. Security footage shows nothing. It's like whoever did it planned it perfectly."
"Then you are right to be cautious," Charles said. "Offices like these aren't just about deadlines,they are about watching who is watching you. Be smart."
Ethan appeared beside her, holding a cup of coffee. "I heard about the morning drama. You handled it well, Isla. Calm and professional, like you always do."
Isla smiled faintly. "Thanks, Ethan. But it's unsettling. Someone is clearly trying to test me."
"Then keep your eyes open," he said with a grin. "That's all you can do."
Adrian returned to his office. Isla approached cautiously, still processing the morning events.
"Everything accounted for?" he asked, his voice low but commanding.
"Yes, sir," she replied. "I have reviewed all the files again, just to be certain. No discrepancies remain for now."
Adrian's gaze softened slightly, though the intensity never left his eyes. "Good. Today's incident is a reminder. Even when things seem calm, there are always things and actions you cannot predict. Stay alert. That's your best defense."
"Yes, sir," Isla said, nodding firmly.
As the afternoon approached, the usual office dynamics began to resume. Victoria, though outwardly calm, seemed to move near Isla's desk occasionally, her gaze sharp, assessing. Ethan and Charles watched the interactions with quiet amusement, occasionally whispering advice or joking lightly to keep Isla distracted.
Then the elevator opened, and a beautiful ,well elite figure entered the office. Her presence seemed to smooth the tension in the room, almost like a breeze on a hard day.
"Leona," Adrian greeted, moving to greet his sister.
"Adrian," she replied softly, checking the office before her gaze settled on Isla. A rare, warm smile appeared. "You must be Isla Hart. I have heard excellent things about you."
"Thank you, ma'am. It's an honor," Isla said, feeling a small surge of pride.
Leona leaned lightly against Isla's desk. "I hope Adrian isn't giving you too much trouble. If he misbehaves, you have my permission to put him in line."
Isla laughed quietly.
Victoria's narrowed eyes followed the exchange, her jealousy clear but hidden beneath a professional outlook.
"You seem capable," Leona added. "Adrian is lucky to have someone like you."
"Thank you, ma'am," Isla replied, her chest warming from the praise.
Leona spent a few minutes walking through the office, asking about projects, deadlines, and legacy work Adrian managed. Her calm, commanding presence seemed to ease the usual tension in the room. Adrian's shoulders relaxed slightly around her, and Isla found herself stealing glances at the rare softness in his expression.
Later, Victoria approached Isla's desk, voice low but pointed.
"Quite the favorite today," she said, eyes narrowed. "Leona's attention isn't given lightly."
"Just a smile, nothing more," Isla replied carefully.
Victoria pressed her lips together and walked away, her eyes lingering briefly, sharp and calculating.
Charles leaned over, whispering, "Be careful. She doesn't take being overlooked lightly."
Ethan smirked. "See? I told you. Don't make it obvious."
Isla chuckled softly. "I'm just doing my job."
Later on ,Adrian handed Isla a folder.
"Review these documents before tomorrow's board meeting. Precision, as always," he said, his tone calm but firm.
"Yes, sir," Isla replied, brushing her fingers over the folder, her mind still replaying the morning's events.
Leona moved near her desk. "Take care of him," she said with a teasing of her head. "And if he misbehaves, remember my permission."
Isla laughed quietly, feeling the rare warmth of Leona's attention.
Victoria's eyes followed, jealousy clear, though she made no move.
Ethan nudged Isla gently. "See? Survived the day. Enjoy it while it lasts."
Isla smiled quietly, reflecting on the morning.
The sabotage, Adrian's authority and anger, Leona's warmth, Victoria's cunning smile, and the support of Ethan and Charles.
Somewhere, someone had tried to unsettle her. The perpetrator remained unknown. But one thing was certain,she had to stay vigilant. The calm of the office was only temporary. Someone was watching. Someone was waiting. And Isla would need all her instincts to move the challenges ahead.
