10

Elena's POV

I parked my car and made my way to the office, hoping for a smooth day. But as soon as I opened the door, there was Samantha, already sitting at my desk with a knowing grin. She was the only one who ever managed to get here before me, and she seemed particularly amused this morning.

“Morning, sunshine,” Samantha greeted, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Good morning to you too,” I replied, smiling as I noticed a familiar coffee cup on my desk. A little note was stuck to the side: *“Have an amazing day, from Jason.”* I felt warmth rise in my cheeks. Samantha, of course, noticed.

“Oh? Jason again? He leaves you coffee every single morning. Think it’s time to call him your ‘little boyfriend,’ don’t you?” She chuckled, folding her arms with a smug look.

“Oh, stop. It’s not like that. He leaves you coffee sometimes, too!” I said, brushing it off, even though a small smile crept onto my face.

“Maybe, but where’s my *sweet little note?*” Samantha teased, tapping the cup. “The man is obviously head over heels, Elena.”

“Fine, if you’re so desperate, you can have my note,” I joked, peeling it off and plopping it on her coffee cup.

She laughed. “No thanks! I’ll find my own guy.”

I laughed along, but I could feel the warmth from the gesture linger as I sipped my coffee. Just then, I remembered I had a file to collect from HR. “Okay, I’ll be right back. I just need to grab a file from HR.”

As I headed down the hallway, I spotted Jason, who was just about to hand me the file. But suddenly, I heard someone clear their throat. Turning, I froze. Lucas. Again.

He strode toward us with an intense look, his presence impossible to ignore. His eyes flicked from me to Jason, a cold glare brewing in their depths.

“What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?” I asked, crossing my arms as I met his gaze.

“No. I’m here to see a client. But are *you* working here, Elena?” His voice was laced with a mixture of surprise and suspicion.

I kept my voice steady. “That’s none of your business, Lucas.” I brushed past him, leaving him staring after me.

His eyes drifted to Jason and he storm up to him and shove him back slightly.

Jason looked startled but kept his cool. “Uh, can I help you?”

“Yeah, you can help yourself by staying away from Elena.” Lucas’s tone was sharp and possessive.

“Really?” Jason raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his coffee calmly. “I thought you two were divorced. Or was that just another one of your lies?”

Lucas’s face hardened. “That’s not the point, and you know it. Elena deserves better than someone like you.”

Jason chuckled, clearly unbothered. “And you think that someone is you? Man, this isn’t a game you can win with money.”

“You have no idea what you’re getting into,” Lucas threatened.

Before things could get out of control, I stepped in. “Enough! Both of you, just… stop. I am not a prize to be fought over. Jason, thank you for the coffee, but please, go back to work.”

Jason shrugged and offered a small smile before walking off, while Lucas glared after him.

“Lucas, don’t ever pull something like that again. You don’t get to control who I see or where I work,” I said firmly, looking him dead in the eye. “You wanted the divorce, remember?”

Without waiting for an answer, I turned and walked away. The audacity!

As I reached my office, I knew I couldn’t let Lucas keep interfering. I had come too far to let him drag me back. It's never going to work this time.

---

Later that evening, I returned home to the Brooks mansion. My grandpa was in the living room, his laptop was on his knees as he signed off some papers. He looked up as I entered, he flashed his warm smile.

“Sweetheart! How was work today?”

“It went well,” I said, settling into the chair next to him. “Samantha’s been helping me a lot. She’s such a great friend.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that. You’ve done an incredible job, Elena. You ready to take on the real challenge?”

I laughed, off course I know what he's insinuating. “I don’t know if I’ll ever feel ready, Grandpa, but I think it’s time. Time to step up and move forward.”

He patted my shoulder, pride shining in his eyes. “That’s my girl! And speaking of moving forward… have you thought any more about the engagement?”

I let out a sigh, not quite able to mask my nerves. “Yes, I’m willing to meet him.”

“Wonderful!” Grandpa’s face broke into a delighted smile. “Then let’s do it right. We’ll host a ball, something grand, where you can meet your fiancé properly for the first time.”

I nodded, feeling the anticipation rising. “Okay, sounds good.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, sweetheart,” he reassured me, patting my shoulder again. “You’re going to be a huge success in business, and in life. And if this fiancé doesn’t live up to your standards, we’ll just cancel the wedding. Simple as that!”

I laughed, feeling my spirits lift even higher. “Thanks, Grandpa.”

He nodded, giving me a gentle smile. With him by my side, maybe moving forward wouldn’t be so hard after all. But the thought of meeting my new finance send cold shivers down my spine!