The office buzzed with the usual afternoon chatter, but Isabella felt the world shrink to just three people: herself, Alexander, and Victoria.
Victoria sauntered past her desk with that infuriatingly confident smile. She didn't even pretend to hide it this time. Her eyes locked on Alexander, and her hand "accidentally" brushed his as she leaned in—just enough to make Isabella's stomach twist.
"Oh, Alexander," Victoria purred, loud enough for half the office to hear, "you always look so handsome in a suit. Do you ever not look perfect?"
Isabella's fingers clenched around her pen. Her heart hammered—not from admiration, but from a sharp spike of jealousy.
Alexander cleared his throat, but before he could say anything, Victoria circled him like a predator, whispering something that made him grin. A little too close for comfort.
"Victoria," Isabella said, trying to keep her voice steady, "please—stop."
Victoria laughed, that infuriating high-pitched, playful sound, and turned to the surrounding coworkers with a mock bow. "Oh, am I interrupting? I didn't realize this little office angel was trying to play hero. How cute."
A few coworkers giggled. Isabella felt her face burn. Public humiliation. Right there. In front of everyone.
Alexander's jaw tightened. His usual calm, controlled demeanor snapped.
"Enough." His voice carried across the room like a whip crack.
Victoria smirked, pretending not to notice, tilting her head coyly. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, Alexander?"
He stepped closer to Isabella, his presence magnetic and intimidating all at once, shielding her almost visibly. "I already have," he said, his eyes blazing. "And this stops. Now."
Victoria's smirk faltered slightly. She tried to laugh it off, but there was an edge to Alexander's tone that made even her hesitate.
He didn't just defend Isabella—this time, it was public, unwavering, and protective. Every word he spoke, every move he made, left no room for doubt.
"You will not humiliate her. Not in this office. Not anywhere. And if you try, I swear, Victoria…" His voice dropped low, dangerous. "You'll regret it."
A stunned silence fell. Even Victoria's usual crowd of admirers stayed quiet. Isabella, still flushed with embarrassment, looked at Alexander—not just with gratitude, but with something deeper: fear and longing wrapped into one powerful glance.
Alexander leaned in just slightly, so only Isabella could hear:
"Next time, don't make me angry. I won't just defend you. I'll make them regret ever crossing you."
Victoria, realizing she'd crossed a line, stepped back with a fake laugh, but the gleam in Alexander's eyes made it clear: he wasn't bluffing.
For Isabella, the message was simple:
He saw her. He protected her. And he wanted her like no one else could.