Chapter 5 – Proximity and Secrets

Anna arrived at the office early the next morning.

The air was crisp, and the morning sunlight filtered through the enormous windows, spilling across the spacious room. A few early employees were already working in the corridors, but most of Orlov Group was still quiet.

Anna walked to her office, holding the document she had discovered last night. Every thought was consumed by her father and the secrets she had uncovered.

“I can’t stop now,” she whispered to herself. “I have to know the truth.”

As she sat at her desk, she heard footsteps approaching. David was walking toward her office. Anna’s heart began to race.

“Good morning,” David said softly, his voice carrying weight in every word.

Anna looked up, trying to maintain a calm, professional expression.

“Good morning,” she replied. “I hope you slept well.”

David stepped closer. There was an invisible tension and magnetism filling the space between them, making it difficult for Anna to focus.

“I noticed you stayed late yesterday,” David said. “Most people don’t usually start this early.”

Anna shook her head.

“I just wanted to make sure everything was in order.”

David stepped even closer, his voice now low and private.

“You know… the past sometimes comes back. And not always the way we want it to.”

Anna’s heart pounded at the subtle meaning behind his words.

“I understand,” she replied softly, trying to keep her composure.

David’s gaze lingered on her face, as if searching for something deep inside.

“Are you always this… curious?” he asked.

Anna narrowed her eyes.

“Perhaps… I’m just interested in my work.”

David tilted his head slightly closer. Anna could feel his presence, the weight of him near her.

“Are you sure?” David whispered. “Maybe it’s more than that?”

Anna’s faint smile faltered. She couldn’t reveal her desire for revenge, but her heart raced uncontrollably.

“Just work,” she said, though her voice trembled slightly.

David leaned closer for a brief moment, then pulled back. The intensity of the moment stayed with Anna.

“Very well,” he said. “But be careful. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

Anna nodded, silent. David slowly left the office, leaving the memory of his presence lingering.

Returning to the document, Anna noticed a small detail she had overlooked the night before. According to the records, someone inside the building was still monitoring past events—and perhaps even now was aware of her discoveries.

Her hands shook as she began to take notes in her notebook. Every piece of information, every name, every date mattered.

At that moment, her phone buzzed. A message from David appeared:

"Come to my office this afternoon. We need to talk."

Anna’s heart leapt. The message brought both excitement and fear. She knew David knew something—something she was only just beginning to uncover.

In the afternoon, when she entered David’s office, the city lights shone through the massive window behind him. David stood by his desk, facing her.

“Sit down,” he said calmly. “I know the new job isn’t easy, but I also see something… special in you.”

Anna sat, her eyes locked on him.

“Special?” she asked softly.

“Yes,” David replied. “Curiosity, courage… and the way you pursue the truth.”

Anna froze. She didn’t know whether to smile or remain guarded, caught between fear and fascination.

David stepped closer, speaking quietly:

“But you must be careful. Everyone in this building is watching. And sometimes the past comes back… in unexpected ways.”

Anna’s heart pounded. She didn’t know if David’s attention was a warning—or something else entirely.

“I understand,” she said.

David paused for a moment, then slowly stepped back behind his desk.

“Good,” he said. “Now go back, and stay cautious.”

Anna stood, heading toward the door, when David added softly:

“And one piece of advice: sometimes proximity… reveals more than words ever can.”

Anna froze. The door closed behind her. Her heart was a mix of fear, excitement, and curiosity.

As she walked away from the office, she knew one thing: the game was only beginning. And David Orlov… might be far more than she had first imagined.