Shifting Tides

 Ethan, unable to keep his gaze from following her until she disappeared around the corner, Ethan rubbed the back of his neck and let out a quiet chuckle, more to himself than anyone else. "Set breakfast," he instructed the butler, his voice steady but softer than usual.

 The butler nodded respectfully and moved toward the dining room, leaving behind an awkward silence that hung heavy in the room.

 Carter and David were once more shocked by the softness of their Boss's words as they never heard such softness before from their boss.

 But the next second, the warmth flickering in Ethan's gaze faded almost instantly as he turned toward the living room—and the two men frozen in awkward silence.

 The air shifted, dropping several degrees. Gone was the man with a hint of softness and warmth in his eyes; in his place stood Ethan Arcland, the formidable figure whose very presence commanded fear and respect. His jaw tightened, and his gaze turned cold, sharp as tempered steel.

 Carter and David stiffened instinctively, their bodies taut with unease. That expression—the one the business world spoke of in hushed tones—was back. The glacial, aloof look that left no room for error.

 David shifted uneasily. "Uh… sir," he started, unsure why he was speaking but too nervous to remain silent.

 Ethan's gaze flicked to him, cool and unyielding. David immediately regretted his decision, the weight of that stare pressing down like ice on his chest.

 "Something to say?" Ethan's voice was smooth but deadly.

 "N-No, sir," David stammered, his face paling.

 "Good," Ethan said curtly, turning his attention to the files on the table. "Get back to work."

 "Yes, sir," both men said in unison, practically scrambling to their seats.

 Right, their original boss was back—his normal aloof and deadly personality fully restored. As the warmth faded from his expression, their boss transformed once again into the cold, commanding figure they had always known.

 The subtle shift in his demeanor was impossible to ignore—his eyes sharpened, his posture straightened, and the air around him grew tense with authority.

 They sighed, reflecting on how impressive Miss Zara was—beyond comparison, a force that couldn't be measured by the same standards that applied to anyone else.

 After thinking about it, they turned back to their usual state—aloof, much like their boss—and resumed their work.

 After freshening up, Zara descended the grand staircase, her fingers absently scrolling through her phone.

 Her phone buzzed with a new message. She smiled, seeing Zoye's name pop up.

 Kole's at it again. He wants me to stop "roaming like a headless chicken" and come back to him. Can you believe this guy?

 Zara chuckled softly as she typed back: Well, he's not wrong. You do have some chicken vibes when you're panicking.

 Excuse me?! Zoye fired back instantly. Whose side are you on, Luna?

 The sensible side, obviously, Zara teased. Come on, it sounds like he just wants you safe.

 Safe? He practically wants me wrapped in bubble wrap!

 Zara laughed, imagining the scenario. Honestly, not a bad idea. I'd pay to see that.

 Ha-ha, hilarious, Zoye replied sarcastically. You're supposed to support my freedom, not Kole's over-the-top security plans.

 Hey, freedom is great, but so is staying alive. Maybe it's not the worst idea to go back instead of being involved in dangerous things for a few days.

 What a joke! Look who's talking. Anyway, I gotta go. I'll call you later. Zoye concluded.

 Zara's eyes flickered to the screen, her lips pressing into a tight line. Without missing a beat, she closed the chat with a quick tap, feigning indifference as if the message had absolutely nothing to do with her.

 Sliding the phone into her pocket with practiced ease, she kept her expression perfectly neutral, as though the whole thing was a trivial, forgettable blip.

 As Zara descended the grand staircase, Ethan stood up from his seat, his gaze softening the moment he saw her. There was a quiet grace in the way he moved toward her, the usual commanding aura giving way to something gentler.

 "Breakfast is ready," he said warmly, his voice carrying an undertone of care.

 Zara nodded at him with a straight face and walked forward with Ethan along the side.

 They walked together to the dining table, where an elaborate spread awaited—golden croissants, fresh fruit platters, and elegantly folded omelets. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

 Ethan pulled out a chair for Zara, who sat down gracefully. "Thank you," she said as he took his seat across from her.

 David and Carter, seated discreetly at the far end of the table, ate quietly, their presence muted as if they didn't dare interrupt the atmosphere between Zara and Ethan.

 Breakfast passed in comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional clink of cutlery. Zara sipped her coffee thoughtfully, while Ethan's gaze flickered toward her, observant and steady.

 As breakfast drew to a close, Ethan set down his cup and looked at her wound which was covered in bandage with quiet concern. "Did you change your bandage?"

 Zara nodded, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Already done."

 "Good," he said, his tone satisfied. "Are you heading out today?"

 Zara drank a final glass of water before replying. "Yeah, Jack has some work that needs handling, and I decided to take care of it."

 Ethan's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of protectiveness in his eyes. "Take Carter with you," he said, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Sirius is out on an errand."

 Zara's gaze locked onto his, her expression unreadable. With a curved, almost defiant smile, she declined smoothly. "That won't be necessary."

 And continued firmly. "I just need a car. I can drive myself. Plus, Adam Corporation's people will be joining me."

 Ethan remained patient, though firm. "Carter will accompany you. That's not changing, Lia."

 Zara's lips pressed into a thin line as if she was teetering on the edge of irritation. Rising abruptly, she straightened herself and without another word strode toward the door, her footsteps echoing through the villa.

 Ethan watched her go, a smile tugging at his lips as he shook his head. There was something undeniably captivating about her fiery reactions.

 Turning back to Carter, his demeanor shifted instantly, the warmth fading into a deadly serious expression that made the temperature in the room drop. "Take care of her. I don't need to spell out what will happen if you don't."

 Carter stiffened, his spine straightening. "Understood, sir. I swear I'll keep Miss Luna safe and won't leave her side."

 Ethan's gaze lingered coldly before dismissing him with a flick of his hand.

 Breathing a sigh of relief, Carter practically bolted from the room, catching up with Zara, who was already waiting by the driveway, arms crossed and eyes narrowed in mild annoyance.