Chapter 2

A voice dropped to a mysterious whisper. "This person has to be someone from our company. I mean, who else could swap out the ring box Mr. Reed always keeps on him without anyone realizing? It's gotta be someone who can get close to his office or to him."

Mia stopped in her tracks.

"Makes sense! The two most suspicious are..."

"Mr. Reed's secretary, Amy Swindale. She's been with him for years, basically his right hand. She knows everything about his work and personal life, super attentive."

"Her? Not likely. Amy's got a family and kids. I'm more inclined to think it's that intern. Well, she's full-time now. Gabriella Burke."

"Exactly! The way she looks at Mr. Reed, her eyes practically melt..."

Gabriella Burke. Mia echoed the name silently in her mind.

She was the girl who joined three months ago, strikingly beautiful and a total knockout.

Liam had once told Mia that Gabriella was gifted, with a future so bright it was hard to imagine her limits.

Her suspicions cracked open just a little, letting in a hint of clarity.

Mia turned and walked toward Liam's office at the end of the hallway.

Amy spotted her and immediately stood up. "Ms. Steele! You're here. Mr. Reed isn't in yet. Do you want me to give him a call?"

"No need," Mia replied.

Amy reached out to stop her. "Wait, Ms. Steele."

Mia pushed the door open and caught sight of Gabriella sprawled out on the leather sofa right in the middle of the room.

Anyone could see that was not the way a newbie should behave in the boss's office.

Mia's heart sank. Chances were, it had to be her.

Gabriella didn't even bat an eye when she saw Mia. She got up at her own pace, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Hello, Ms. Steele."

Amy rushed in, quick to explain. "Ms. Steele, Gabriella's just here to give you an update on last week's project."

Just then, Liam hurried in, came straight over to Mia.

"Hey Mia, didn't expect to see you here! Next time, give me a heads up so I can send someone to meet you," he said.

Before he could finish, Gabriella stood up, her voice sweet and a little pouty. "Mr. Reed, I have something important I need to..."

Liam's face darkened in an instant. He turned to Amy and snapped, "Amy, does anyone just get to stroll into my office now?"

Amy quickly lowered her head. "Sorry, Mr. Reed."

Then Liam turned to Gabriella, his voice cold as ice. "Gabriella, you're a full-time employee now. Haven't you learned the rules? If you've got something to report, go through your team leader. Skipping the chain of command is a big taboo here. Don't get ahead of yourself!"

His words were cutting, but Gabriella didn't even flinch. There was no trace of hurt or anger on her face.

"But Mr. Reed, there are some things my team leader just isn't qualified to decide," Gabriella said.

Liam grew even more displeased. "Are you trying to get yourself fired?"

Gabriella just shrugged, then strolled out of the office with a spring in her step.

Liam draped an arm around Mia's shoulders, pulling her a little closer. "Mia, don't take it to heart. She's just new here and doesn't really get how things work yet."

"I'm good," Mia said, her voice calm.

Liam pulled a plane ticket out of his drawer. "You've been working way too hard lately. Now that you've won the big prize, it's time to take a break. I booked you a flight to Nedrein. Varkon Mountain is at its most beautiful this time of year. You should go relax."

Mia thought he was trying to get rid of her.

She looked up at him, her gaze steady. "Are you coming with me?"

Liam looked away, dodging her gaze. "I've got a few big projects at a critical stage, so I can't leave right now. But if you need me, I'll drop those multi-million dollar deals and go with you!"

He made a show of reaching for his phone.

Mia smirked inwardly. He was really putting on a show.

She pulled off a sweet, understanding smile. "No need. Work comes first."

Liam let out a relieved sigh and kissed her forehead affectionately. "You're so thoughtful, honey."

As Mia left Liam's office and headed for the elevator, she spotted Gabriella leaning against the hallway corner, coffee in hand.

"Ms. Steele, how did you like the engagement present I picked out for you?" Gabriella called out, her tone playful.

Mia stopped in her tracks and looked at her.

"Didn't think you'd just own up to it yourself," Mia said.

Gabriella cocked her head, radiating that bold, fearless swagger only a young girl could pull off.

"Gotta own what you do." She took a casual sip of her coffee. "Enjoy your trip, Ms. Steele."

With that, she turned away from Mia, strutting off like a victorious peacock.

Mia watched Gabriella's retreating figure, her eyes slowly turning to ice, every trace of warmth vanishing as suspicion hardened inside her.

In the airport lobby, Liam gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Mia's ear.

"Message me as soon as you get to the hotel, and FaceTime me every day, alright? I just want to make sure you're safe," he said.

As Mia smiled and nodded, she happened to spot Gabriella flashing by behind a pillar in the distance.

Gabriella was rocking a bold red coat with matching red heels that were just as fiery.

Liam's face changed for a moment, and he urged, "It's almost time. Hurry up and get through security, or you'll miss your flight."

"Okay," Mia replied.

She lowered her head, searching through her bag.

"Looks like my passport ended up in the suitcase's side pocket. Your meeting's about to start, right? Go ahead, don't let me hold you up," Mia said.

Liam's expression flickered with hesitation. "Alright, but make sure you text me the moment you land."

He gave her a quick hug, then turned and hurried off.

Mia watched him jog around the corner, then slipped after him, silent as a shadow.