Chapter 21 Tension Beneath The Surface
The car rolled through the city, its engine humming quietly, but inside, the atmosphere was tense. Elliot sat with his elbow resting on the door armrest, his eyes fixed on the window, though his mind was elsewhere.
What was I thinking just now?
The words he’d said to Audrey —"You're important to me"— kept echoing in his mind.
He scoffed at himself. It had slipped out before he could stop it. He was supposed to be in control, always calm, always composed. But near Audrey?
Everything felt off—unpredictable.
Audrey sat across from him, her posture stiff, her hands clenched in her lap. She was looking straight ahead, but her mind was racing, too. Elliot’s words replayed over and over in her head.
You’re important to me.
The memory made her chest tighten, her cheeks warm. She tried to shake it off, focusing instead on the discomfort in her ankle. But every time she glanced at Elliot, her thoughts scattered.
The car’s silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, until Elliot’s phone rang, breaking the quiet. He glanced at the screen. It was Marcus.
A flash of hesitation crossed Elliot's face.
Would it be appropriate to take the call with Audrey in the car? But Marcus wouldn’t call unless it was urgent.
"Yes, Marcus?" Elliot answered, trying to keep his voice steady, though a sense of unease was creeping in.
Audrey quickly looked out through the window, pretending not to listen, though she couldn’t help but overhear the conversation. She had once overheard that Marcus was Elliot’s confidential source, someone deep in the information game.
Who’s he investigating now?
On the other end, Marcus’s voice was grim. "Mr. Harrington, I have an update on the man you asked me to investigate. Miss Audrey’s stepfather."
The mention of that name made Elliot’s heart sink. He glanced at Audrey, who seemed distracted, but Elliot turned his body slightly, making sure she couldn’t see his reaction.
"Speak," Elliot’s voice was low, almost a whisper.
"The man is still in the city," Marcus said in serious tone. "He’s looking for a way to approach Miss Audrey again. Could be for money, or worse."
"More than that?" Elliot’s jaw tightened, anger rising.
"Yes, sir. The man has a violent history. He’s—” Marcus paused in hesitation made Elliot’s curiosity grew bigger.
“He’s what?” He asked impatiently.
“He’s hurt Miss Audrey and Mrs. Kate before. I am tracking his location now."
Elliot felt his stomach tightened as he knew about Audrey’s past and the scars she carried. And now, that past was chasing her again. His grip on the phone tightened.
"Let me know the moment you find anything," Elliot ordered firmly.
"We will, Sir," Marcus replied before hanging up.
Elliot leaned back in his seat with a deep sigh, trying to calm his racing thoughts. His eyes kept flicking to Audrey, who was still looking out the window, lost in her own world.
She doesn’t know. And she probably doesn’t want to. But I won’t let her face this alone.
"Mr. Harrington?" Audrey’s soft voice broke his thoughts.
"Hmm?" Elliot turned, trying to mask his agitation.
"Did... something happen?" Audrey asked cautiously, sensing the change in Elliot’s mood after the call.
"Nothing," Elliot replied quickly, but there was uncertainty in his voice.
Audrey frowned. She knew he was hiding something, but she didn’t press. She knew her limits, though her curiosity gnawed at her.
The rest of the ride passed in silence. The tension between them was palpable, both trying to ignore the growing distance—and the unexpected warmth that had briefly flared between them.
When the office building came into view, Elliot let out a breath of relief. He couldn’t get out of that car fast enough. Without a word, he exited, leaving Audrey more confused than ever.
As Audrey walked toward the personal assistants' bullpen, Liam noticed her limping and rushed over to her.
"What happened to your foot?" Liam asked, his concern clear as he reached for her arm.
Audrey tried to pull away, but Liam wasn’t having it. "Stop being so dramatic!" she grumbled, though a small smile tugged at her lips.
Gus and Stu, hearing the exchange, moved closer.
"Did something happen?" Gus asked, concern written on his face.
"It’s just a sprain," Audrey reassured them, not wanting to worry them more. "Nothing serious."
"I heard about the protest. You weren’t hurt, were you?" Stu added, usually the most serious but now showing real worry.
Audrey, still shaken from the incident between her and the boss, quickly masked her feelings with her usual cheerful demeanor. She didn’t want her colleagues to worry, especially not when things had already gotten so awkward between her and Elliot.
"I’m fine. Really," she said, offering a smile.
"What about the meeting? Any results?" Gus asked, clearly curious.
Audrey paused for a moment as her mind replaying everything that happened. From the protest to the awkward moments in the car. She smiled faintly, her admiration for Elliot growing.
"Mr. Harrington handled it. He was calm, listened to what the workers had to say, and managed the situation well."
Liam noticed the brief change in Audrey’s tone and expression. "Mr. Harrington really is something, huh? I wouldn’t have the guts to face a crowd like that."
Gus laughed, elbowing Stu. "Yeah, you’d probably run for the hills."
Audrey couldn’t help but chuckle. "I’m sure you all would have handled it just fine."
"So, is the issue resolved?" Liam asked, his focus still on her ankle.
"Yes," Audrey nodded. "They’re waiting for the implementation of the agreement."
Liam frowned. "Then how did your ankle get hurt?"
Audrey’s face flushed. She quickly remembered Elliot’s hand on her ankle, his cold demeanor now sharp in her mind. "Ah, it’s just... a minor accident."
"A minor accident?" Liam pressed. "Did you almost fall or something?"
"No," Audrey quickly said, "just a sprain. Really, I’m fine."
Her colleagues eyed her with suspicion, but before they could ask more, Stu cracked a joke, lightening the mood. "Maybe Audrey’s hiding something special."
Audrey rolled her eyes, embarrassed. "You guys watch too much drama!"
Liam, however, wasn’t convinced. He kept watching Audrey carefully, as if trying to catch something hidden in her expressions.
Meanwhile, Elliot stood outside, observing the scene from a distance. His expression was unreadable. His exterior was calm but beneath it there’s something gnawed at him.
The way Audrey smiled when she spoke about him, how she tried to deflect Liam’s questions. It made him uncomfortable.
Especially Liam. The man seemed to get too close to her even it’s offering help, always hovering.
Elliot clenched his fists, his jaw tightening.
Too close to her, he thought. That’s my line to draw.
Elliot strode into his assistants’ office, and the room fell silent. Everyone quickly returned to their desks, the air thick with tension.
"Liam," Elliot’s voice cut through the quiet.
Liam looked up, nervous. "Yes, Sir?"
"Follow me," Elliot said, his voice cold.
Liam glanced at Audrey, seeking a hint of support, but she could only shrug. She had no idea what Elliot wanted now.