Facing the accusation, Pax nervously denied it, her voice trembling as she clutched the hem of her shirt. "I... I didn't, Ms. Ember. You must be mistaken."
Blair suddenly lashed out, loudly questioning if Pax had locked Nova in the old library and cut the power.
Pax's face turned pale, sweat beading on her forehead as she frantically tried to explain it was just a prank with no ill intent. "Ms. Ember, it was just a joke. I didn't mean to actually harm her, really!"
Blair, furious, informed Pax that the matter was serious enough to involve her own superior, who had to write a report. She then coldly announced Pax's termination, her eyes burning with anger at Pax's reckless stupidity.
Jealous of Nova's closeness with Aiden and now in an awkward position because of this incident, Blair scolded, "Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused? The higher-ups are furious. I can't protect you. Pack your things and leave."
Pax broke down in tears, begging Blair to let her stay. "Ms. Ember, please, I know I was wrong. Give me another chance. I can't lose this job!"
But Blair was unmoved.
Pax then realized that Nova's background was not simple.
At that moment, Nova entered the office, only to be stopped by a tear-streaked Pax who apologized.
Nova, confused, became angry upon learning the truth and did not forgive Pax. "So it was you. I thought you were just jealous, but I didn't realize how malicious you were."
Failing to gain sympathy, Pax turned spiteful, accusing Nova of using underhanded means to get ahead. "Don't get too cocky. Just because you have connections doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Who knows how you got into the translation department!"
Nova, both embarrassed and angry, ignored Pax and returned to her office.
Other colleagues, aware of Pax's dismissal, pretended to console her but were secretly pleased to have one less competitor.
Even as she left, Pax tried to sow discord, warning everyone to be wary of Nova. Sophia responded with sarcasm, and Pax, recalling Blair's words, understood that Nova had a powerful background. She then left, feigning strength.
Nova, meanwhile, was lost in thought, knowing that Aiden had helped her out of the mess. She felt both grateful and a bit flustered.
Blair then appeared, calling Nova out and asking with concern, "Nova, are you okay? I heard you were trapped in the old library last night. I was so worried."
Blair seemed to be kindly reminding Nova to come to her with any issues instead of bothering Aiden, but there was an underlying test in her words. "If you ever have any problems, just come to me. Don't always trouble Mr. Martinez; he's very busy."
She then asked how Nova got home last night.
Nova hesitated, and Blair's eyes flashed with jealousy. Finally, Blair invited Nova to dinner, under the pretense of discussing work and building rapport, but really to gauge Aiden's feelings for Nova.
After work, Blair, exuding confidence like a queen, instantly drew everyone's attention in the office.
She specifically called out Nova, making her the center of attention. The envious looks from her colleagues made Nova blush and quicken her pace, eager to escape the awkward situation.
Blair, carrying a designer handbag, walked with an elegant sway, exuding mature charm.
Nova followed, full of confusion.
She couldn't understand why Aiden, who was so accomplished and attractive, would be interested in someone like her, a newcomer with no particular advantages.
Lost in thought, Nova got into Blair's car.
The atmosphere inside was tense. Nova fidgeted with her shirt, her eyes darting to the window, trying to ease the oppressive mood.
Blair, smiling warmly, asked about Nova and Aiden, though her smile held an inscrutable edge. "Nova, we're colleagues. Why don't you tell me how you and Mr. Martinez met?"
Nova's face turned red, like a ripe apple, and she lowered her head, speaking softly. "Ms. Ember, it's... not really something I want to talk about."
Blair didn't get angry; instead, she laughed lightly and changed the subject. "Alright, let's drop it. So, where did you live before you went abroad at sixteen?"
Nova, relieved, said she lived with relatives, though her eyes flickered and she unconsciously gripped her phone, small gestures that Blair noticed, making her more suspicious that Nova was hiding something.
Blair pondered, considering that Nova's normal life trajectory wouldn't have allowed her to meet Aiden. They must have met before Nova turned sixteen. Could Aiden have liked Nova from a young age, waiting for her to grow up?
During the drive, Blair observed Nova through the rearview mirror. Nova's clear eyes and innocent demeanor made her seem like a delicate flower nurtured in a greenhouse, evoking a protective instinct.
Blair couldn't help but feel a pang of self-pity. Years of battling in the workplace had worn down her edges, and her youth was long gone. She wished she could go back to Nova's age and meet Aiden; maybe then she could have been the one he cared about.
At the restaurant, Blair enthusiastically introduced the place, noting that most patrons were insiders, ensuring privacy. Nova couldn't help but think that Aiden might frequent the place too.
After ordering, Blair asked if Nova could drive, mentioning she wanted to drink because she was feeling down.
"Nova, I'm not in a great mood today and want to have a drink. You can drive, right? Can you take me home after dinner?"
Nova, concerned, advised her to drink less. "Ms. Ember, you should drink less. It's not good for your health." Blair smiled and went to the restroom.
As the door closed, Nova's phone rang.
Blair paused, hesitated, then stepped out, pretending to take a call.
Nova didn't notice the door wasn't fully closed. She smiled as she answered the call.
It was Aiden, asking where she was.
Nova explained she was having dinner with Blair and assured him she wouldn't reveal their relationship, but Aiden casually said it was fine.
"Alright, it's fine. Enjoy your dinner."
Nova's mind went blank, her heart racing. She couldn't bring herself to mention her intimate moments with Aiden, still struggling to process them herself.
After hanging up, Nova's thoughts drifted to the previous night when Aiden had kissed her against the wall. Her face flushed, heart pounding, she blamed Aiden for being so domineering, throwing her into this emotional turmoil unprepared.
Blair, having overheard Nova's mention of not revealing their relationship, walked to the restroom with a heavy heart.
The office rumors about Nova using improper means to get ahead flooded her mind. She wondered if Nova had indeed used her body to get into the translation department and if she had a special relationship with Aiden.
Standing before the restroom mirror, Blair saw her face twitch with jealousy, feeling deeply resentful.
She had worked tirelessly in the translation department for years, nearing thirty, to get close to Aiden, to be the best match for him.
Aiden had been her motivation for five years, and now Nova had easily taken him away. How could she accept that?
Blair had been a force in the workplace, highly capable, but her love life was full of scars.
Once, she had used the excuse of being drunk to get close to Aiden, though she wasn't entirely drunk.
Aiden's unique scent had captivated her, and being rejected had left her heart aching.
Since then, her love for Aiden had only grown, almost to the point of obsession. Over the years, she had turned away countless suitors, all for her unrequited love for Aiden.