Chapter 2 - The Viper
I stood paralyzed in the executive lobby, clutching my cardboard box of office supplies like a fragile shield.
Victoria Sterling slowly walked circled me, examining my cheap clothing with a look of absolute, unapologetic disgust.
"Nathan has developed a rather pathetic, distracting infatuation with you," Victoria said smoothly, her heels clicking loudly against the marble floor.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," I lied, my voice shaking despite my desperate attempt to sound brave.
"Oh, please, I know all about your little cafeteria confession regarding your precious virginity," she mocked ruthlessly.
My face flushed with intense heat, completely horrified that my deepest secret had become corporate gossip.
"I am quitting right now," I declared, turning back toward the elevator and pressing the call button frantically.
Victoria laughed, a sharp, metallic sound that echoed terrifyingly through the empty hallway.
"If you quit, I will personally ensure you are blacklisted from every major financial firm in the entire country."
The silver elevator doors finally slid open, revealing Nathan standing inside with a look of pure, unadulterated rage.
He stepped out and immediately positioned himself between me and the woman he was supposed to marry.
"Leave her alone, Victoria, this was not part of our arrangement," Nathan growled, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.
"She works directly for me now, darling, and she is going to help me plan our perfect wedding," Victoria sneered triumphantly.
She turned on her heel and strutted into the corner office, slamming the heavy mahogany door behind her.
Nathan gently grabbed my elbow and pulled me into an empty, soundproof conference room down the hall.
"I am so sorry, Maya, I never wanted her to drag you into this nightmare," he pleaded, locking the door securely.
"Why are you letting her do this to you?" I demanded, tears of frustration finally spilling down my cheeks.
Nathan sighed heavily, running a stressed hand through his perfectly styled dark hair.
"Because Victoria has undeniable proof that my company’s core technology was actually stolen from another inventor."
May you like
He looked directly into my eyes, a shadow of immense guilt completely darkening his handsome face.
"And that original inventor was your late father, Maya."
