Arman's cabin.
10:30 AM.
The morning sun reflected against the glass walls, but the air inside felt anything but warm.
"Close the door, Rhea."
She did.
Slowly.
She didn't sit.
"I think we need to talk."
Arman didn't look up from his laptop.
"About?"
"About last night."
Now he looked at her.
Calm. Blank. Dangerous.
"What about it?"
Rhea crossed her arms.
"I've worked with you for three years, Arman. I know how you operate."
"And?"
"You don't stand that close to employees."
Silence.
His jaw tightened slightly.
"She's not just an employee. She's handling a high-value project."
"That's not what I meant."
Her voice lowered.
"There are boundaries."
His eyes darkened.
"Are you questioning my professionalism?"
"I'm questioning your involvement."
The word lingered.
Involvement.
Arman stood up slowly.
Measured steps.
Controlled expression.
"I don't mix business with emotion."
Rhea held his gaze.
"Then why did it look like you almost did?"
That hit.
But his face didn't change.
"You're overthinking."
"Am I?"
She stepped closer.
"You replaced me on the project for her. You defend her ideas in meetings. And last night—"
"Enough."
One word.
Sharp.
Final.
Rhea inhaled slowly, hurt flashing briefly across her face before she masked it.
"I just don't want office complications."
"There won't be any."
His tone was steel now.
"Focus on your work."
Silence stretched.
Rhea nodded once.
But before leaving, she said quietly—
"Just remember… people notice things."
The door closed.
Arman remained still for a moment.
Then his gaze shifted toward the glass wall outside—
Where Anika was walking down the corridor, discussing something confidently with the design team.
He shouldn't look.
But he did.
And for the first time—
The word boundaries didn't feel like a rule.
It felt like a challenge.