Chapter 46 We are not home
The soft hum of computers filled the Finance Department of Voss Holdings, where Zara sat quietly at her new desk, trying to blend in with the endless rows of focused faces.
Introducing herself simply as Zara Alaric, she had asked for the most ordinary position available , something small, unnoticeable. She wasn’t here to impress anyone, not this time. She only wanted peace, a steady job, and no attention.
She’d decided she wouldn’t make friends, either. People have a way of changing when you let them get too close. So, she would work quietly, keep her head down, and stay out of trouble.
At least, that was the plan.
Her plan began to crack the moment she had to ask where the restrooms were.
Voss Holdings was enormous all glass and silver, with long halls that looked identical. It was easy to get lost in the maze of offices. Finally, she peeked up from her desk and spoke to the young woman seated a few steps away.
“Hello,” Zara said softly, her voice polite. “Could you please show me where the restrooms are?”
The young woman startled like a nervous bird. “O-oh, yes! Down that hallway and to the right,” she said quickly, pointing without making much eye contact.
Zara smiled kindly. “Thank you. I’m Zara, by the way new here.”
The girl hesitated, then took her hand gently. “I’m Claire… I’m an intern.”
Her voice was timid, almost apologetic. Zara smiled again but couldn’t help noticing the girl’s unease. Why is she so tense?
When Zara returned to her seat, the reason became painfully clear.
The people in the department treated Claire like she was invisible or worse, disposable. They sent her on errands, called her from across the room, tossed files onto her desk without even looking at her. And every time, Claire hurried to do what they asked, her small hands shaking slightly as she worked.
Zara frowned. “Why are they treating you like that?” she asked quietly when Claire came back from another errand.
The girl forced a nervous smile. “Because I’m the youngest… and an intern. It’s normal.”
“Normal?” Zara muttered under her breath. “That’s just wrong.”
Before Claire could answer, the sharp click of heels echoed across the department. A woman appeared tall, confident, the kind of presence that drew attention without a word. Her fitted suit, glossy hair, and no-nonsense glare screamed authority.
“Meeting with the CEO in five minutes,” she announced, her tone clipped and professional.
Her gaze swept across the room and then stopped briefly on Zara. The look she gave her wasn’t one of welcome. It was cold, sharp, like she was evaluating something she didn’t like.
Zara blinked, her stomach tightening. What was that for? she thought. Maybe because I’m new.
Claire leaned in, whispering so softly Zara barely caught it. “That’s Mr. Adrian’s secretary. She’s… not nice at all.”
“Of course she isn’t,” Zara muttered under her breath, glancing down to hide her reaction.
The secretary didn’t move far she was still standing just a few feet away from Zara’s desk, watching everyone prepare for the meeting like a hawk. Zara avoided her eyes, quietly gathering her notebook.
Minutes later, everyone from the Finance Department filed into the boardroom. Zara slipped in quietly and took the only empty seat she could find next to Claire, who was sitting alone at the end of the long table.
“Mind if I sit here?” Zara asked softly.
Claire blinked in surprise. “No, not at all. It’s just… no one usually sits next to me.”
“Well,” Zara said with a faint smile, “now someone will.”
Claire smiled shyly, whispering, “You’re brave. The boss is really cold. He barely talks to anyone. I’ve never even spoken to him properly.”
Zara’s lips twitched. “Really?”” Zara knew him more than anyone else but she was enjoying the tea “
Claire nodded, lowering her voice even more. “But he’s so good-looking.
Zara froze. Good-looking? The word slipped through her mind like an unwanted echo. She cleared her throat. “I don’t think so.”
Claire blinked. “You sound like you know him.”
Zara’s heart jumped. “No, not at all.”
The girl shrugged. “His secretary acts like they’re together. She never lets anyone near him.”
Zara wanted to laugh, but before she could, the door opened and silence fell.
Adrian walked in.
He was composed, calm, every inch the man she knew , powerful, distant, unreadable. His suit was dark, perfectly fitted, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept across the room. He didn’t even glance in her direction.
Behind him, the secretary followed with that same proud smile making it clear that she was the closest to him .
“Good morning,” Adrian said, voice low and even. “We’ll keep this short. We’ve been invited to a corporate event that’s gonna happen tomorrow , a tennis match with our partner company. Everyone in finance and management will participate. I’ll be playing as well.”
A quiet murmur went around the table. Zara kept her eyes on her notebook, her heart pounding but her expression calm.
He went on about team arrangements, performance, deadlines , all business, all formal. Not once did he look her way, and for that, she silently thanked fate.
When the meeting ended, chairs shuffled, and people began filing out. Zara rose quickly, clutching her notes, eager to vanish into the crowd.
“Wait.”
The word froze her mid-step.
She turned slightly. Adrian stood at the head of the room, eyes fixed on her. The secretary was still lingering nearby, glaring daggers, but Adrian turned to her and said curtly, “Excuse us.”
The woman hesitated, clearly unhappy, but obeyed, brushing past Zara with a cold look before leaving.
Now it was just the two of them.
Adrian stepped forward, extending something toward her , her employee tag.
“Have this ,” he said, voice calm but distant.
Zara reached for it, avoiding his eyes. “Thank you, Ad” she caught herself. “Adrian .”
His brow lifted, the corner of his mouth twitching. “It’s sir, Mrs. Zara. We’re not at home.”
Her hand tightened on the tag. “Of course,” she said flatly. “Sir.” recluctanly..
He turned away, that small amused smirk tugging at his lips as he walked out the door.
Zara exhaled sharply, muttering under her breath, “Show-off.” as she rolled her eyes faintly .