Chapter 38
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Solenn
The moment I stepped into the building, I knew something was wrong.
It wasn’t the usual hum of productivity, the rhythm of ringing phones, or hurried footsteps echoing across the marble floors.
No, this was something else. The kind of stillness that wasn’t silent, the kind where whispers lingered just beneath the surface, where the tension hung thick in the air.
It was in the way the receptionist’s smile faltered for half a second when she saw me, the way the security guard straightened like he was waiting for something to happen.
I forced my shoulders back, chin high, ignoring the tightness creeping into my chest. If there was one thing I had learned working for Maverick Spencer, it was that confidence could get you through almost anything. Even when you didn’t feel it.
I walked toward the elevators, heels clicking against the floor, my fingers wrapped tightly around the strap of my bag. I was almost there—almost safe in the familiar routine of my job—when a figure stepped into my path.
Victoria Spencer.
I didn’t need an introduction. I didn’t need anyone to whisper, That’s her.
I just knew. Maybe it was the way she held herself, perfectly poised, radiating the kind of effortless power that made people shrink in her presence.
Maybe it was the way the air shifted around her like she controlled the very space she stood in.
Or maybe it was just the look in her eyes. Sharp. Calculated. Unreadable.
She smiled. Not warm. Not inviting. Knowing.
"Ah," she mused, her tone smooth, practiced, her gaze sweeping over me like I was something to be evaluated. "Interesting choice, my son has made."
I forced myself to hold her stare, ignoring the unease curling in my stomach. "Mrs. Spencer," I greeted, keeping my voice polite but detached. "What a surprise."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting. "Is it?"
Before I could answer, the elevator doors slid open, and she stepped inside without another word. Then she turned, waiting. Expecting me to follow.
I hesitated for only a second. Then I lifted my chin and stepped in beside her. I wouldn’t cower. Not to her. Not to anyone.
The doors closed, sealing us inside. The air thickened.
Victoria sighed lightly, pressing the button for the executive floor with an elegance that seemed almost lazy.
Then she folded her hands in front of her, her gaze flicking to the descending numbers before landing back on me.
"It’s fascinating, really," she murmured, almost to herself. "The way history repeats itself."
I arched a brow, keeping my expression neutral. "Is that so?"
She hummed. "Women like you never last, my dear. You think you’re different, but you aren’t. You’re simply… passing time."
I clenched my jaw, but I didn’t flinch. Didn’t react.
I let her words settle in the air, let them roll off me like water against stone. And then, I smiled.
"You should’ve tried harder, Mrs. Spencer," I said lightly. "I don’t scare easily."
Her lips twitched, just the slightest movement, amusement flickering in her gaze.
"No," she said, her voice almost thoughtful.
"I don’t imagine you do." She exhaled, her eyes gliding over me one last time before she turned back to the elevator doors.
"A shame. It would’ve made things much easier for you. "
The warning settled between us, unspoken but deafening.
I didn’t respond.
Didn’t give her the satisfaction.
The elevator slowed. The tension thickened. Then, with a soft chime, the doors slid open.
Victoria stepped out first, moving with the kind of grace that didn’t need confirmation. She didn’t turn back. Didn’t spare me another glance. She didn’t need to.
Because in her mind, she had already won.
I exhaled slowly, forcing my pulse to steady, shoving down the way my heart was hammering against my ribs. I refused to let her words sink in. Refused to let her rattle me. She wanted me to doubt myself. To doubt him. But I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction.
I squared my shoulders, pushed forward, and walked straight to Maverick’s office.
And then—I opened the door.
And froze.
Because inside, standing too close, her lips pressed against his—was Nadia.
For a split second, my brain couldn’t process it. Couldn’t compute what I was seeing. Couldn’t make sense of the angle, the movement, the way his hands were at his sides but not pushing her away fast enough.
A wave of something sharp and suffocating crashed over me, something that tasted bitter, something I hated, something I never wanted to feel.
Betrayal.
Nadia pulled back first, turning slightly, her expression smug as her gaze locked onto mine. Maverick’s eyes widened, shock flickering across his face, his hands immediately coming up as if to explain.
"Solenn—"
I laughed.
Sharp. Hollow.
"Wow," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. I barely recognized it—barely recognized myself.
Maverick took a step forward. "It’s not?—"
I lifted a hand, stopping him. My throat burned, but I wouldn’t let it show. Wouldn’t let him see how much this was wrecking me.
"You always have the best way to make your assistants resign," I said, my voice steadier than I expected.
Maverick flinched, his jaw tightening.
I gave him one last look, then turned on my heel and walked away.
I didn’t run. Didn’t let myself break. But my heart was shattering with every step.
And I knew—I couldn’t do this anymore.