Chapter 13: Lines of Loyalty

**Elena's POV**

The tension from David's unexpected confrontation lingered like a dark cloud as I walked down the hallway, Sienna beside me. I could feel her concern in every step she took, though she didn't say anything. It was both comforting and unsettling—comforting because I knew she cared, and unsettling because her proximity made me question everything I thought I'd controlled.

We reached my office, and I shut the door behind us. I needed a moment to collect myself, but the sight of Sienna, her eyes filled with worry, made it hard to focus.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft but insistent.

I wanted to tell her that I was fine, that this was just another hurdle in my chaotic life, but the words felt false even as they formed in my mind. I leaned against the edge of my desk, crossing my arms as if that could hold everything inside.

"David has a way of… complicating things," I finally admitted. It felt like an understatement, but it was all I could manage.

Sienna stepped closer, her eyes never leaving mine. "He doesn't get to talk to you like that. He doesn't know what you're dealing with."

Her indignation on my behalf was almost endearing, but I knew better than to let it comfort me. "It's more complicated than that," I said. "David… he's been in my life for a long time. Our relationship isn't just about us; it's tied to my family, my grandmother."

Sienna tilted her head, curiosity and concern mingling in her gaze. "What do you mean?"

I sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "My grandmother arranged our engagement. She's always seen David as the perfect match for me, and I've gone along with it because… well, it's what she wanted. It's what she expects."

"But what about what you want?" Sienna's question hung in the air, heavier than I was prepared for.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. What did I want? I'd been so focused on fulfilling obligations, meeting expectations, that I hadn't allowed myself to consider that question for a long time.

Sienna took another step closer, closing the distance between us. I could feel the heat of her presence, the magnetic pull that had been growing stronger with every encounter. "Elena, you don't have to keep doing something just because it's expected of you. You deserve to be happy."

The sincerity in her voice, the way her eyes searched mine, made it hard to breathe. She was right, of course. But breaking free from the path laid out for me was easier said than done.

I looked away, needing to break the intensity of the moment. "It's not that simple, Sienna."

"But it could be," she insisted, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "If you let it."

Her words hung between us, and I felt the pull again, stronger than ever. I turned to face her, the air between us thick with unspoken tension. Sienna's eyes were locked on mine, and the distance between us seemed to disappear.

My heart raced as she stepped even closer, her breath brushing against my cheek. The world outside my office faded away, leaving only the two of us. It would be so easy to close the remaining distance, to give in to the temptation that had been building between us.

But just as our lips were about to meet, a sharp knock on the door shattered the moment.

I pulled back, my heart still pounding in my chest. Sienna blinked, the spell broken, and we both turned toward the door.

"Come in," I called, my voice steadier than I felt.

The door opened to reveal Victor, his expression one of smug satisfaction. "Elena, I'm glad I caught you. There's something we need to discuss."

I straightened, pulling myself together as I faced him. "What is it, Victor?"

He glanced at Sienna, then back at me, his smile growing. "It's a matter of some urgency. Perhaps we should discuss it privately?"

Sienna stiffened beside me, and I saw the flash of irritation in her eyes. I knew Victor was trying to drive a wedge between us, but I couldn't let him see how much it bothered me.

"It's fine," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Whatever you need to say, you can say it here."

Victor's smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Very well. It's about the upcoming project review. I've been looking into some of the details, and there are a few… discrepancies that need addressing."

My stomach tightened at his words. I knew exactly what he was trying to do—sow doubt, create chaos. But I couldn't let him succeed.

"What discrepancies?" I asked, keeping my voice level.

He handed me a file, his gaze flicking to Sienna. "It's all in there. I'm sure you'll find it enlightening."

I took the file, glancing at the contents. It was a mess of numbers and documents, all carefully selected to paint a picture of incompetence. I could see the manipulation, the way he'd twisted the data to suit his agenda.

"Thank you, Victor," I said, keeping my expression neutral. "I'll review this and get back to you."

Victor's smile was all teeth. "I'm sure you will. I'll be expecting your response soon."

He turned to leave, but not before throwing one last glance at Sienna. "And Miss Lawson, I trust you'll be of assistance in this matter."

Sienna didn't miss a beat. "Of course, Mr. Dalton. I'm always here to help."

Victor left, and the tension in the room remained, albeit different now. I looked at Sienna, who was watching me with a mix of concern and determination.

"We'll figure this out," she said, her voice firm. "He's not going to win."

I nodded, grateful for her support but all too aware of the battle ahead. "I know," I said, my voice softening. "And thank you, Sienna. For everything."

She smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made my heart ache. "Anytime, Elena. We're in this together."

**Victor's POV**

Leaving Elena's office, I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. I'd seen the way she and Sienna had been getting closer, the way Elena's eyes softened whenever she looked at her intern. It was only a matter of time before it became a problem for her—a problem I could exploit.

Elena Harper was formidable, no doubt about it. But even the strongest people had their weaknesses, and I was determined to find and exploit hers.

I made my way to my office, my mind racing with possibilities. If Elena thought she could simply brush me aside, she was sorely mistaken. This was my chance to undermine her, to claim the victory I'd been working toward for so long.

And Sienna Lawson? She was just a pawn in this game. A tool I could use to achieve my goals. I didn't care about her, not really. But if pushing her closer to Elena would create the cracks I needed, then so be it.

This wasn't just about the project review anymore. This was about power, control, and proving that Elena wasn't as invincible as she liked to believe.

I smiled to myself as I reached my office. The game was just beginning, and I was ready to play.