Elara was still fuming. Bianca's condescending glare lingered in her mind like an annoying song stuck on repeat. The nerve of that woman—acting like Damien belonged to her, like she was a threat just by existing.
She exhaled sharply, shaking off the encounter. If she let every rich, entitled woman get to her, she wouldn't last a week in this place.
Just as she was about to slip away to gather her thoughts, a voice called out.
"Bianca's a nightmare, isn't she?"
Elara turned to see a woman lounging casually against the bar, a glass of dark liquor in hand. She was effortlessly stunning—high cheekbones, piercing green eyes, and an aura of mischief wrapped in designer elegance.
"Lucy Moretti," the woman introduced herself before Elara could even ask. "And you, my dear, must be the infamous new assistant."
Elara arched a brow. "Infamous?"
Lucy smirked, taking a slow sip. "You work for Damien DeLuca now. That alone makes you a walking headline."
Elara sighed. "Well, I didn't exactly sign up for the drama."
"Oh, sweetheart." Lucy leaned in slightly, her tone both amused and knowing. "You work at Oasis of Joy. Drama is the business model."
Elara couldn't help but huff out a laugh. At least someone around here wasn't trying to rip her apart.
The Power Game
As they settled into easy conversation, Elara realized Lucy wasn't just another rich girl. She was sharp—observant in a way that made Elara feel like she was being studied.
"Look," Lucy continued, swirling her drink. "Bianca hates you because you exist in Damien's orbit. And she doesn't like things she can't control."
Elara crossed her arms. "And you? Why are you talking to me?"
Lucy's smirk widened. "Because I like things I can't control."
Something about that answer sent a shiver down Elara's spine. But before she could respond, Lucy's gaze flicked over her shoulder.
"And speaking of control…"
Elara turned just as her phone buzzed.
Damien: "Having fun making new friends?"
She blinked at the screen, then looked up at Lucy, who was grinning like she had just won a bet.
"And so it begins."
His Teasing Claim
Later that evening, Elara found herself in Damien's office, dropping off paperwork. He sat at his desk, sleeves rolled up, looking unfairly good as he scrolled through his phone.
Without looking up, he casually remarked, "So, you and Lucy are best friends now?"
Elara froze for half a second before rolling her eyes. "Are you seriously monitoring who I talk to?"
Damien finally glanced up, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "You work for me, Elara. I like knowing who you spend your time with."
Her heart stuttered at the way he said it—calm, teasing, but threaded with something deeper.
"Relax," he continued, leaning back. "I'm just curious. Lucy doesn't usually take an interest in new faces."
Elara swallowed. "Maybe I'm just likable."
Damien smirked. "Or maybe you're unpredictable."
Her pulse quickened, and she hated that he had that effect on her.
"Either way," he said, flipping through a file as if the conversation was over. "Be careful who you trust."
She didn't know if he meant Lucy.
Or himself.