The air in Marino Enterprises had grown heavier since the incident. Though Vincenzo had never spoken of it again, the employees whispered endlessly. Elena could feel their stares burn into her back every time she passed.
But no stare was sharper, colder, or more venomous than Amara Deluca's.
Elena tried to ignore it. She focused on her work, on answering calls with steady politeness, on arranging Vincenzo's schedule without a mistake. She told herself that if she just stayed quiet, Amara's fire would eventually burn out.
She was wrong.
---
It happened late in the afternoon, when the office was quieter and most employees were preparing to leave. Elena had just finished filing documents and was about to head back to her desk when Amara blocked her path in the corridor.
"Rossi," Amara said smoothly, though her eyes glittered with malice.
Elena stiffened but kept her voice calm. "Excuse me, Miss Deluca. I need to return to my desk."
Amara's laugh was soft and dangerous. She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the polished floor. "You think you can walk around here, stealing glances, stealing opportunities, stealing him… as if you belong?"
Elena frowned. "I don't know what you mean."
"You know exactly what I mean." Amara's tone sharpened, her face twisting with envy. "Vincenzo Marino is mine. He always has been, and he always will be. Do you understand?"
Elena's chest tightened, but she held her ground. "You're wrong. I don't belong to him. And he doesn't belong to you."
She turned to walk away, but Amara's hand shot out, gripping her arm hard.
"Don't you dare walk out on me," Amara hissed. And before Elena could react, the sting of a slap burned across her cheek.
Elena gasped, stumbling back, her hand flying to her face. The corridor echoed with the sound.
"You little countryside nobody," Amara spat, her eyes blazing. "How dare you think you can take my place?"
"Enough!"
The shout came from behind them. Goldie stormed into the corridor, her eyes fierce, her fists clenched. She had been on her way to meet Elena when she witnessed the blow.
"Don't you touch her again!" Goldie snapped, stepping between them.
Amara scoffed, folding her arms. "And who are you? Her little shadow?"
"I'm her best friend," Goldie said firmly. "And if you ever lay a hand on her again, you'll regret it."
Amara's lips curled into a cruel smile. "How amusing. Two little village girls playing in a world they don't understand."
Goldie took a step forward, her voice steady. "We may be from the countryside, but at least we don't crawl around with lies and tears just to get a man's attention."
Elena tugged gently at Goldie's arm, her eyes wide. "Goldie, please—"
But Amara's face flushed with rage. "You'll both pay for this insolence."
She turned sharply on her heel, her hair whipping behind her, and stormed down the corridor, her heels striking the floor like thunder.
Elena sagged against the wall, her cheek still stinging. Goldie caught her, eyes full of worry.
"Elena, are you alright?"
Elena nodded weakly, though her voice trembled. "Why does she hate me so much? I never asked for this."
Goldie brushed a tear from her cheek. "Because you shine, Elena. And she can't stand that Vincenzo sees what she never could."
Elena's chest tightened at the sound of his name. The truth was, she didn't know what Vincenzo truly saw in her—or why he chose to protect her. But the thought of being the cause of such hostility terrified her.
Goldie squeezed her shoulders firmly. "Don't let her break you. She wants to scare you away. Don't give her that satisfaction."
Elena nodded slowly, determination sparking beneath her fear. She couldn't let Amara's poison drive her out. Not when her family depended on this job. Not when her life had already changed so much.
Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that this confrontation was only the beginning.
---
Meanwhile, behind the tinted glass of his office, Vincenzo Marino had seen everything.
He stood in silence, his expression unreadable, watching as Elena touched her cheek and Goldie comforted her. His jaw tightened, his hand curling into a fist at his side.
He had given Amara too much freedom for too long. Her schemes, her arrogance—it was no longer harmless. It was a threat.
And anyone who threatened Elena Rossi was a fool playing with fire.
-