Shadows in the office

CHAPTER 6

The office felt colder than usual that morning.

Not physically. The air conditioner was set to normal.

No, it was Reign.

He moved around like he was a storm trapped in a suit. Sharp angles. Controlled steps. Every motion precise, but the energy around him… heavy.

I kept my distance. Tried not to spill anything this time. Tried to act invisible.

It didn’t work.

He noticed anyway.

“You’re early,” he said, voice flat.

“I wanted to make sure everything was ready for the morning briefing,” I replied, clutching the files a little too tight.

He didn’t answer. Just stared at me.

The silence was thick.

I chewed on my lip. “Do you want coffee?”

He shook his head. “No. Sit.”

I sat. Carefully. Like the chair might judge me.

“You handled yesterday well,” he said suddenly.

I blinked. “Yesterday? With Ivy?”

“Yes.”

“I wasn’t sure if I… did the right thing.”

He studied me, eyes sharp. “You did.”

I felt my cheeks heat. Praise from him wasn’t common. Not casual. Not like this.

“Thanks,” I murmured.

He nodded but didn’t smile.

The door opened before I could get lost in thought.

Evan stepped in. Casual as ever, though his eyes were serious. He didn’t glance at me. Just Reign.

“Morning,” he said. “The board wants a quick update before the late meeting.”

Reign straightened. “Already? Good.”

Evan shot me a small smile. “Don’t get lost in the paperwork, Maya.”

I laughed nervously. “I’ll try.”

Once they started discussing numbers, I retreated to my desk. Tried to focus.

But Reign’s presence made it impossible.

He leaned over, reviewing reports. His sleeve brushed my arm once. Just once. But it sent heat through my entire body.

I cursed softly under my breath. Not allowed to feel this.

“Anything unusual?” he asked.

I swallowed. “Not that I see. Everything matches last week’s figures.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Check the engagement metrics again. I want a double confirmation.”

“Yes, sir.”

I grabbed the tablet, fingers flying. Graphs, charts, numbers—I scanned them faster than I should have.

“Found something,” I said.

He moved closer, eyes over my shoulder. “Show me.”

I pointed to a dip in the engagement graph. “Here. It’s small, but it’s consistent over three days.”

He leaned back, crossing his arms. “Why didn’t Logan notice?”

“I think he was focusing on the bigger trends,” I said.

He didn’t reply. He just stared.

I held my breath.

Finally, he said, “Good. You’re… improving.”

My heart did that stupid flip again.

“Improving?” I repeated, trying to sound casual.

“Yes. Paying attention. Not just filing papers like a robot.”

I smiled faintly. “Thanks, sir.”

He turned toward the window. “Ivy complicates things.”

I blinked. “She… does?”

“Always.” He didn’t elaborate. Didn’t need to.

“She seems determined to—” I stopped myself. I shouldn’t talk about her. Not directly. Not yet.

“You were going to say?” he asked, voice low.

I shook my head. “Nothing. I just… want to make sure she doesn’t—”

He raised a hand. “I’ve got it covered. Focus on your tasks. Don’t get tangled in… past mistakes.”

I nodded. Tried to act calm. Tried to focus.

Then the phone rang.

Reign answered. His voice shifted instantly. Business mode. Controlled. Unreadable.

I didn’t recognise the name he mentioned.

“Evan, prepare the team,” he said, hanging up.

Evan nodded. “Got it.”

I stayed quiet. Didn’t move. Just watched.

Reign turned to me. “Maya, come with me. Now.”

I grabbed my tablet and followed him. The boardroom felt larger this time. The lights are harsher. The air… thicker.

He motioned for me to stand beside him as the board filtered in.

Their questions were quick. Sharp. Some subtle digs. Some direct challenges.

Reign answered every one. Controlled. Precise. But I could see it in his eyes—he was tired. Frustrated.

I wanted to say something. Anything. But the moment passed.

Then Ivy’s name came up.

“She’s involved in the partnership review?” one board member asked.

Reign’s jaw tightened. “Yes. But not in a way that affects us.”

I held my breath.

“Is she coming back into the picture?” another asked.

Reign didn’t answer immediately. His fingers drummed on the table. A small, controlled rhythm.

“No,” he said finally. “Not unless necessary.”

The board nodded. Some faces relieved. Others are wary.

When the meeting ended, everyone left except us.

I exhaled, relief flooding me.

He turned to me. “Good work today. You kept your composure.”

“I… tried,” I said.

“You did more than that.” His voice softened. “You’re paying attention. That matters more than you know.”

I smiled faintly, unsure how to respond.

He walked past me toward his office. Then stopped.

“Stay here,” he said. “I’ll be back in five minutes.”

I watched him go, every step precise. My mind is racing.

Then my phone buzzed.

A message. From an unknown number.

You don’t know me. But I think you should be careful around him.

My heart skipped.

I didn’t reply.

I couldn’t.

Not yet.

And somewhere deep inside, I knew—whatever Ivy started, whatever Reign was holding back, I was about to be dragged into something bigger than spreadsheets, charts, or daily tasks.

Something personal. Dangerous.

And there was no way to run.