Chapter 56: A Familiar Stranger

Elias stirred, his vision blurry as he slowly regained consciousness. A soft but urgent voice called out to him.

"Elias? Hey, can you hear me?"

His eyes fluttered open, and the first thing he saw was a woman hovering over him, concern etched on her face.

"You fainted," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "Do you need a doctor?"

Elias sat up slowly, rubbing his forehead. "No… I'm fine. Just tired."

The woman sighed. "You don't look fine."

Elias blinked a few times, his vision finally clearing enough to get a good look at her. She was beautiful—long, wavy brown hair, striking green eyes, and an air of confidence that suggested she was used to getting what she wanted.

She extended a hand. "Vanessa Sterling."

His brows lifted slightly. "Sterling? As in…"

She smirked. "Yes, my father owns this company."

Elias shook her hand, grateful for her help. "I'm Elias."

"I know," she said, tilting her head. "I've heard a lot about you from my dad. He says you're a hard worker."

Elias let out a small chuckle. "That's nice to hear."

Vanessa gave him a once-over, her lips pressing into a thin line. "But overworking yourself until you collapse? Not a good look."

Elias sighed, standing up carefully. "I'll be fine. Thanks for your help, Vanessa."

She crossed her arms. "You should at least drink some water before you go back to work."

Elias hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah… maybe that's a good idea."

Vanessa smiled. "Come on, I'll grab you something."

---

Elias didn't tell Lani about the collapse.

He didn't want to worry her, and he definitely didn't want her to think James had been right. He had to prove himself, no matter what.

So when he got home that night, he put on his usual smile.

"Long day?" Lani asked, handing him a cup of tea.

"Yeah, but nothing I can't handle." He kissed her forehead. "How was your day?"

Lani studied his face for a moment. "Tiring. But manageable."

She didn't press further, and he was relieved.

Little did he know, the woman who had helped him—Vanessa—was not just any woman.

She was Lani's ex-best friend. The one who had betrayed her.

And she had no idea Elias was Lani's husband.

---

The next day at work, Vanessa found herself seeking Elias out again.

She told herself it was just curiosity.

But deep down, she knew better.

There was something about him—the way he carried himself, the kindness in his eyes, the way he didn't treat her differently just because she was the CEO's daughter.

She liked that.

And maybe… she liked him.

She leaned against the doorway of his office, smirking. "So, do you always work yourself to death, or is this a special case?"

Elias looked up, chuckling. "Just trying to do my best."

Vanessa stepped inside. "Well, maybe you should take it easy sometimes. You won't impress my father if you end up in the hospital."

Elias smiled. "Noted."

Vanessa tilted her head. "You're different from the guys around here."

He raised a brow. "How so?"

She shrugged. "You're… real. Not just another corporate robot."

Elias laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She smiled, twirling a strand of her hair. "You should."

Elias thought nothing of it. To him, she was just being friendly.

But to Vanessa?

This was just the beginning.

To be continued…