Chapter 30 - The Edge

The wind outside rustled gently against the curtains as Lily leaned against her kitchen counter, a mug of lukewarm tea in her hand. She hadn’t slept well. Not because of nightmares—those had become routine—but because of the weight of the week ahead.

Today was the company’s grand annual event. The one Lily used to attend with pride as a regular employee. Now, she would be attending not just as an employee, not even as William’s secretary—but as a woman surrounded by whispers, half-truths, and layers of corporate deception.

She hadn’t told anyone what she had found in the confidential emails, not even Justin. She had printed copies and tucked them under a floorboard in her apartment, far from the reach of anyone who might come looking.

The dress code was formal. Lily had chosen a sleek, wine-colored dress that didn’t scream for attention, but gave her just enough of it. It wasn’t for William or anyone else—it was for her. A reminder that she hadn’t broken yet.

By 5 PM, the event hall was glowing with golden chandeliers and crisp white linen. Employees in tuxedos and gowns filled the space, laughter and glasses clinking echoing in the background. It was a celebration of another successful fiscal year—but for Lily, it was just another step in a minefield.

She spotted Samantha near the champagne fountain, surrounded by a group of junior associates. As usual, she was talking animatedly, loud enough for Lily to catch a snippet.

“Can you believe they gave her that post? Secretary to the CEO? After all the mess she caused? I wouldn’t be surprised if she used... other methods to get it.”

Lily didn’t even blink. She picked up a flute of juice and moved to a quieter corner. She had long since learned not to react—not immediately, at least.

From across the room, she felt the weight of William’s gaze. He stood by the stage, speaking with a few board members, dressed in a sharply tailored black suit. The coldness in his demeanor hadn’t thawed, but something in his eyes kept flickering whenever they landed on her. She didn’t know what it was—regret, anger, curiosity, or simply a game.

A voice pulled her attention.

“You look stunning,” Justin said, handing her a napkin. “Trying to outshine the CEO’s fiancée?”

Lily smirked. “Just trying to look like I still belong here.”

Justin’s expression shifted slightly, as if he was about to say something important. But before he could, the lights dimmed and William stepped onto the stage.

“Good evening,” he began, his voice composed. “I won’t bore you with numbers and projections tonight. We all know the year has been profitable. Tonight, I want to thank everyone who stuck by this company through its highs and lows. Especially those who were wrongfully blamed... and yet stood up again.”

Lily’s chest tightened.

“For those who are new here, I hope this evening reminds you—this company is built not just on strategy, but on persistence.”

Was that aimed at her?

Applause filled the room, and Lily clapped along, careful to keep her face neutral. After the speech, people returned to their mingling. William left the stage, surrounded by directors, but Lily didn’t miss the way he briefly looked at her once more before disappearing into the hallway.

“Wanna get some air?” Justin asked, already moving toward the balcony.

They stepped outside into the cool night air. From here, the city looked almost peaceful.

“You should be proud of yourself,” he said.

“For surviving sabotage and public humiliation? Sure.”

“I’m serious,” Justin said. “Not everyone would’ve stayed. Or come to an event like this, smiling.”

Lily gave him a tired smile. “I’m not smiling. I’m enduring.”

Just then, her phone vibrated. An unknown number. She declined the call and put it away.

“You sure you’re safe?” Justin asked, half-joking.

Lily hesitated. “I’ve got things... buried. Stuff I found on William’s system. Someone paid to sabotage my old project. It wasn’t William. I’m still figuring out who.”

Justin blinked. “You haven’t told William?”

She shook her head. “Why would I? I don’t even know if he’s entirely innocent.”

Justin opened his mouth but stopped.

Just then, the glass doors opened behind them. Samantha walked out, her lips twisted in a smirk.

“Oh, sorry. Didn’t know the lovers were hiding here,” she mocked.

“Go away, Samantha,” Lily said flatly.

“I just wanted to say you look... ambitious tonight. You even caught the CEO’s eye.”

Lily’s patience snapped. “You mean the same CEO who fired me? Who replaced me with you for three months before realizing you couldn’t manage a stapler?”

Justin tried to stifle a laugh.

Samantha’s eyes narrowed. “You think you’re special because you’re playing both men?”

Lily stepped forward. “I earned my place. You think gossip will bring me down? Try harder.”

Samantha’s nostrils flared. “Enjoy the night, Lily. Let’s see how long you last.”

She stormed back inside.

Justin whistled low. “You really pissed her off.”

“She deserves worse.”

They returned inside a few minutes later. The rest of the evening was uneventful—until Lily checked her email.

One new message. No sender.

Subject: He’s Watching. Be Careful.

No body text. No signature.

Her stomach twisted.

Was it a threat? A warning?

Was William watching her?

Or someone else?