A Dangerous Entrance
The office felt… different that morning.
Too quiet.
Too watchful.
Isabella noticed it immediately the moment she walked in.
People weren't just working—
They were watching.
Whispering.
"That's her…"
"The assistant…"
"Mr. Knight's favorite…"
Isabella's chest tightened slightly.
Cara wasn't exaggerating.
People had noticed.
She quickly made her way to her desk, trying to ignore the stares.
But it wasn't easy.
Because for the first time—
She felt out of place.
Before she could settle—
The elevator doors opened.
And everything changed.
A woman stepped out.
Elegant.
Tall.
Confident.
Dressed in luxury from head to toe, her heels clicking against the floor with authority.
She didn't look around nervously like a visitor.
She walked like she owned the place.
The entire office went silent.
"Who is that…?" someone whispered.
"You don't know?" another replied quietly. "That's Victoria Hale…"
The name spread like wildfire.
Isabella frowned slightly, curiosity creeping in.
But before she could ask—
The woman's eyes landed on her.
And paused.
A slow smile curved on Victoria's lips.
Not friendly.
Not warm.
Calculated.
Then she looked away—
And walked straight toward Alexander's office.
Without knocking—
She walked in.
Inside—
Alexander looked up from his desk.
And froze.
"Victoria."
She smiled.
"Miss me?"
There was history there.
Clear.
Unspoken.
Dangerous.
Outside—
Isabella felt something twist in her chest.
She didn't know why.
But she didn't like it.
Minutes later—
The door opened.
"Isabella," Alexander's voice called.
Her heart skipped.
She stood up immediately and walked in.
And then she saw them.
Victoria sitting comfortably—
Like she belonged there.
Like she had every right to be there.
"You called for me, sir?" Isabella asked, keeping her tone steady.
Victoria's eyes slowly scanned her from head to toe.
Every detail.
Every flaw.
Then she smiled.
"So… this is the assistant."
The words were soft.
But sharp.
Isabella stiffened slightly.
"Yes," Alexander replied shortly.
Victoria stood up.
Walking closer.
Too close.
"Interesting choice," she said lightly.
Isabella felt it.
The insult hidden beneath the words.
"I'm Victoria Hale," she added, extending her hand—but her eyes said something else entirely.
Challenge.
Isabella hesitated for a second…
Then shook her hand.
"Isabella."
Victoria's smile widened slightly.
"I've heard a lot about you."
Isabella frowned.
"From who?"
Victoria's eyes flicked briefly toward Alexander—
Then back to her.
"Oh… you'll find out soon enough."
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Uncomfortable.
Alexander stepped in, his tone sharp.
"That will be all, Isabella."
She nodded.
But as she turned to leave—
She felt it.
Victoria's gaze.
Following her.
Calculating.
And the moment the door closed—
Victoria turned to Alexander.
"Really?" she said, raising a brow. "Her?"
His expression hardened.
"Watch your tone."
Victoria laughed softly.
"Oh… this is going to be fun."
Outside the office—
Isabella sat down slowly.
Her heart uneasy.
Her thoughts racing.
Because for the first time since everything started—
She felt something new.
Not confusion.
Not tension.
But competition.
And deep down—
She knew one thing.
That woman…
Was going to be a problem.