Maya's entire body tensed. He grabbed her hand and pulled it toward his groin. She felt the hardness—and fury ignited inside her like wildfire.She yanked her hand back violently. “Bastard,” she hissed through gritted teeth, her skin crawling, rage burning her face.He moaned theatrically. “Come on, Maya. Don’t act like you didn’t miss this.”She turned sharply to leave, breathing hard but then his next words pinned her in place.“You can curse me all you want,” he called after her, “but don’t forget that night at the bar. You remember, right? You showed up in disguise as a hook-up girl, then revealed yourself and after the crazy sex we had, you told me all those wicked ideas in my ear… how you wanted to destroy Zach.”Her steps slowed.“I had our conversation recorded.”Her breath hitched.“Yeah,” he said smugly. “That’s the proof. It truly exists. I’ve got a loyal man out there, Maya. He’s keeping watch. One wrong move—one delay—and that recording goes straight to Zach. Imagine him

Barbara’s jaw tightened. Her heart thundered against her ribs, but she refused to show fear. She took a bold step forward, eyes locked on the suited woman in front of the restroom door. Her voice was low, cold, and sharp as glass.“Respect is earned. I don’t care who’s in there—I need that room now.”The woman didn’t flinch. Instead, she took a firm stance, her hand raised again. “I said wait,” she snapped. “Try acting like you belong here.”Barbara’s eyes darkened, fury rising like a tidal wave in her chest. She leaned in slightly, her words cutting. “I won’t wait. Try and force me if you can.”The woman’s hand still barred her path.Big mistake.In a swift, unfiltered reaction, Barbara grabbed the woman’s wrist and twisted it back, forcing a yelp from her lips. With her other hand, she shoved the woman aside, pushing her cleanly away from the door.The woman, determined to do her job, jerked back up, lunging again, her heels clicking aggressively on the marble floor.Barbara squared

The lady flinched, visibly startled, her confidence crumbling like dry leaves underfoot.Yvonne stepped forward, the click of her heels echoing with authority. Her eyes, once cool, now gleamed with fire. “You don’t threaten people in public like this. And you certainly don’t lay a hand on someone just because you think your money protects you.”“But I didn’t even touch him!” the lady snapped, eyes wide in disbelief.“You tried,” Yvonne cut in, her tone sharp enough to draw blood. “And in my presence, that’s enough.”Gasps swept through the boutique like a gust of wind. Everyone turned to stare, jaws slack, hearts skipping beats.Why would the Yvonne Weather, elegant, powerful, heiress to one of the biggest conglomerates and sole owner of the best boutique in the city—defend a man like Zach?Zach stood motionless, face unreadable, a complete contrast to the chaos around him. His eyes were calm, deep, like still waters hiding a storm. The salesgirl who had sparked the drama blinked ra

Barbara's fingers unclenched slowly from Zach’s sleeve, like she had just realized how tightly she had been holding on. Her gaze shifted from his face to Yvonne’s outstretched hand, and for a second, shame flickered in her eyes. Yvonne’s earlier words echoed in her mind. “He’s definitely not your man.”And she was right. That screamed she was being possessive.Barbara straightened her shoulders, the cold weight of realization settling in. She, Barbara Davis, Manager of First Star Bank, respected, calculated, poised – had just tried to drag a man away like a jealous girlfriend. It wasn’t just improper. It wasn’t her.So she let go of Zach. Before Barbara could speak again, Zach gently pulled his hand away from Yvonne as well, looking between them. “Yvonne, I… I don’t think it’s right to just drag me along. It should’ve been my decision.”Barbara glanced at him, stunned. A breath she didn’t realize she was holding escaped. He was indirectly defending her.Yvonne offered a nod. “Alrigh

Zach threw the shopping bag into the back seat and climbed into the car. The door shut with a thud that echoed in the quiet parking lot. Barbara was already seated beside him, arms folded and her lips pressed into a line. She didn’t even look his way.He started the engine, the low purr breaking the awkward silence. As he reached for his seatbelt, he paused, his gaze catching hers—she was frowning, tugging at her seatbelt as if it had declared war.“I can help with the seatbelt…”“No, don’t bother,” she snapped without meeting his eyes. “This stupid thing is just… stuck or something,” she mumbled, her voice low as she wrestled with the belt. “Always works when no one needs it. Why now, though? Stupid, stubborn belt.”Zach sighed and leaned toward her before she could say another word. His hands gently brushed hers away as he adjusted the belt, easing it smoothly into place and clicking it shut. His fingers lingered a second longer than necessary, the closeness turning the air between