Chapter 5

"Scared?"

Isla's expression was mocking. "If you're not capable, just hand in your resignation. Better than getting fired later."

Her hostility was no longer subtle. It was blatant, undisguised.

Serena felt a flicker of confusion, but her face remained confident and bright.

"I will absolutely complete this assignment."

That radiant expression stung Isla's eyes, making her words even more contemptuous.

"Then what are you waiting for? It's almost closing time. You don't expect Ms. Morris to wait around for you, do you?"

"I'm going now."

Serena grabbed the files and left quickly. Behind her, gossip about her immediately filled the office.

Sinclair Group executive office.

Zayn's assistant, Mia Morris, was in her early thirties, dressed in a sharp professional suit.

She took the guarantee agreement and smiled politely. "Ms. Lancaster, you can head back now. If there are any issues with the agreement, we'll communicate promptly."

Communicate—meaning send it back with notes over and over again?

Serena grumbled internally but maintained a gentle smile.

"Ms. Morris, this guarantee agreement has been stalled for nearly a month, affecting both parties' progress. I was hoping we could discuss the content in detail so I can address any issues immediately."

It was a reasonable request, but to Mia's ears, it carried a different meaning.

Too many women tried every trick to get close to Zayn, and using work as an excuse was common. A new hire from Wright Group thinking she could get the inside track?

"Mr. Sinclair's schedule is arranged well in advance." Mia kept smiling, her tone polite but clearly refusing. "I'm afraid he doesn't have time today."

There was no reason to rearrange his schedule for some insignificant nobody.

"I was being presumptuous."

Serena had just left the ivory tower and didn't fully understand these games yet, but a little hint was enough to get the message.

She didn't push further, smiling instead. "Then if there are any issues, please let me know, Ms. Morris."

After a few more polite exchanges, Mia escorted Serena out of the executive office.

Through the glass door, Serena watched Mia's retreating figure. She had to admit, having her planned "chance encounter" fall flat was a little disappointing.

She'd need to find another way to meet Zayn. Maybe she'd have to stoke Isla's fire and get Justin involved.

"Serena, what are you doing here?"

An annoyed voice rang out. Serena's brow furrowed, disgust flashing in her eyes.

But when she recognized Wendy's haughty face, she immediately switched back to her harmless expression.

"I didn't have much to do during the day, so I took on some errand work. Just dropped off some documents."

"Really?"

Wendy's face was full of suspicion, her eyes narrowing as if trying to see through Serena's thoughts.

"You didn't find out about Zayn's identity and come here to seduce him, did you?"

Her voice turned cold. "Don't get any ideas you shouldn't have, or that strip club will be your final destination."

"No, no." Serena shook her head vigorously, waving her hands frantically, looking thoroughly frightened. "I really was just delivering documents. I didn't even see Mr. Sinclair."

Serena's weak, useless appearance made Wendy's contempt deepen.

She figured she must have been seeing things earlier when she thought she'd caught a cold, sharp look in Serena's eyes.

Meanwhile, in the office, Zayn was reviewing the guarantee agreement. His handsome face was expressionless, but his features had relaxed.

Mia, who'd been by his side for years, could tell this agreement satisfied him.

"Wright Group finally stopped half-assing it."

His cool assessment was actually high praise coming from him.

Mia thought back to that girl she'd just met—clearly fresh out of school, full of energy. Maybe she'd been overthinking things.

First job. Just trying to do her best.

She felt a twinge of guilt, and when she spoke again, her tone had shifted.

"She's a very earnest, hardworking young woman. She wanted to discuss the details of the agreement with you so she could make revisions."

"Is she still here?" He'd always appreciated people who worked hard.

"I'll go catch her—"

"Never mind." Zayn glanced at his watch. "It's already past closing time. I need to head home early today anyway."

He'd been cold to Wendy yesterday, and it had affected his mood.

But all night in his study, his mind had been filled with her supple body, the way she moaned softly in his arms.

He should go home and make it up to her. Reward himself too.

When he walked out of the office, he saw Wendy, along with that faint trace of iris fragrance. The coldness in his expression softened slightly.

"Wendy."

"Zayn~"

Seeing Zayn, Wendy's face lit up with a seductive smile. "I had a few drinks with friends yesterday and got home late. Let me take you to dinner tonight, okay?"

He was about to nod when he noticed Serena standing behind her. His brow furrowed instinctively. "Why is she here too?"

"Her..."

Wendy's eyes darted around, her face taking on a coy expression.

"I only ran into her after I got here. She said she heard Sinclair Group's legal department was hiring and wanted to try her luck."

She hooked her arm through Zayn's, smiling sweetly. "Since she's my friend, could you give her a chance?"

Try her luck? Coming to the executive office, wanting to join Sinclair Group's legal department?

Any positive impression Zayn had begun forming of Serena yesterday vanished completely. In that moment, he saw her as just another woman chasing wealth and status.

Wendy, on the other hand—usually so carefree—couldn't even see through such obvious scheming.

"Joining the company requires passing strict evaluations. It's not something I can decide with one word. Let's go eat."

Zayn pulled his arm free and headed toward the elevator.

For some reason, even though that faint iris scent lingered in the air, he still felt something was off about Wendy. She wasn't at all like the person who could make his blood run hot.

Wendy's hand fell empty. Resentment flashed across her face, and her gaze toward Serena grew even more hostile.

But in front of Zayn, she didn't dare be too obvious.

"Zayn and I are eating out, so you don't need to make dinner. But..." She paused deliberately. "Don't wander around late at night. Get home early. It doesn't look good for a girl to be out all the time after dark."

"Thank you for your concern, miss."

Serena kept her eyes lowered, her expression grateful.

But inside, she understood perfectly. Wendy was insinuating she had a messy private life. Which meant she could only respond with even more deference.

Once she had Zayn, she could deliver the real fatal blow to Wendy.

When the elevator doors closed, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're still here?" Mia came up behind her, noticeably warmer than before. "Did you run into Mr. Sinclair?"

"..."

She had run into him, but should she really be this happy about it?

Mia pressed the elevator button, assuming Serena was embarrassed. "Your guarantee agreement was excellent. Mr. Sinclair was very pleased. Get a good night's sleep tonight and prepare for the contract signing."

She paused, then added, "I've already notified your legal department."

Serena was about to smile in response when her phone chimed with a message. A complicated look flashed through her eyes.