Dirty Little Secret (GxG)

SEASON 2, CHAPTER 25

Dria's POV

The early morning court trial had wrapped up quicker than anticipated, and I was ready to return to the quiet of my office. My mind was already on the brief I needed to finalize before noon when, as I walked through the lobby of Alveo, a familiar figure caught my eye.

Sandra? Here? The thought stopped me in my tracks.

For a moment, I just watched her. She was standing off to the side, her expression set in that familiar look of irritation, her thumb flicking across her phone screen with a sort of impatient focus. My lips curved in a small smile. What could possibly put her in such a mood so early in the morning? And then it hit me—the newly renovated office for D Empire. Of course. That's what she was doing here.

She didn't see me as I approached, too wrapped up in whatever was causing that furrowed brow and those tense shoulders. The elevator doors opened, and she stepped in first, still oblivious to my presence. I followed, quietly amused by the sight of her. Almost two weeks had passed since the ball, since that strange encounter in the restroom. I took a small breath and decided to test the waters.

"Good morning, Sandra," I said smoothly, watching the effect my voice had on her.

Sandra visibly stiffened, her shoulders tensing as she whipped her head toward me, her expression caught between surprise and something close to embarrassment. I watched the reaction unfold with a strange satisfaction, savoring the little flicker of alarm in her eyes as she realized it was me standing there.

She regained her composure quickly, her face smoothing into a collected mask as she answered, "Good morning, Dria."

I tilted my head slightly, keeping my expression pleasantly neutral. "I didn't expect to see you... here."

I knew full well why she was here, of course. But the thrill of toying with her, even just a little, was too much to resist. Sandra's presence felt more than coincidental, and I wanted to see how she would handle herself under the guise of professionalism.

"Oh, well, you know," she replied, attempting a nonchalant shrug. "I like to keep things... interesting. Surprise visits. Keeps everyone on their toes."

The slight shift in her eyes betrayed her, a nervous flicker beneath the mask. She was lying, plain and simple. She wasn't here to check up on the new office. No, this was something else, and we both knew it. But I kept my expression mild, as if her answer made perfect sense.

"Right. Interesting." I held her gaze with a hint of challenge. "So, kamusta ang bago mong office?"

"It's... fine," she replied, and I caught the way her gaze darted away for just a second, betraying her again. "Still getting settled. You know how it is—new space, new energy."

I had to fight to keep a smirk from forming. Her discomfort was almost palpable, and though she was clearly trying to appear collected, I could see through it. She was unraveling, and I found a certain satisfaction in seeing that little crack in her demeanor.

Then, as if realizing she needed to steer the conversation, she shifted the focus to me. "And your law firm... kamusta?"

"Busy," I replied with a simple nod. "A lot of court appearances lately. It's been pretty hectic."

I didn't mention Luna, of course. My recent nights spent rehearsing for the fashion show had nothing to do with Sandra, and I found no reason to share that part of my life. She wasn't entitled to know, and the idea of withholding it felt oddly... satisfying.

"Well, hopefully things calm down soon," she replied, her voice almost tender. "Wouldn't want you burning out."

I held back a laugh. The words were kind, almost caring, but I could sense the unease underneath. For all her practiced charm, Sandra wasn't in control here, and I wanted her to feel that. To realize that I wasn't the same girl from years ago, someone easily swayed or charmed. I was stronger now, guarded in ways I hadn't been before, and I intended to keep it that way.