I found You

--- Chapter Six: The Line

---

Chapter Six: The Line

Michael returned to his office, the quiet hum of productivity enveloping him as he stepped into his domain. The café encounter with Jules lingered in his mind, leaving him both energized and conflicted. There was something about her—a warmth and honesty that seemed to seep past his usual defenses. But as much as he tried to focus on the project documents in front of him, the memory of her subtle smile kept intruding.

A knock sounded, and his sense of peace vanished in an instant. He looked up to see Samantha slipping into his office, her expression as coy as ever. The daughter of one of his biggest shareholders, Samantha carried herself with a bold entitlement that he had tolerated for far too long.

“Michael,” she greeted, drawing out his name as she closed the door and took a few steps closer than necessary. “You look so tense. Long day?” She leaned over his desk, letting her arm brush against his shoulder, her voice dropping to a murmur that grated on his nerves.

He straightened, carefully keeping his distance. “I’m fine.” he replied, his tone polite but firm, hoping she’d take the hint.

But she didn’t. She rarely did. Samantha moved even closer, her hand landing on his arm, her smile widening as she angled herself toward him. “You’re always so formal,” she whispered. “Why don’t you ever relax around me?”

Michael clenched his jaw, choosing his words carefully. “Samantha, I think it’s best we keep things professional.”

“Professional,” she scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “Are you so uninterested now because you have someone else? Found some new fling?” She leaned closer, her eyes narrowing. “Or maybe there’s a bitch who’s caught your attention? Who is she? Tell me, Michael—I’ll make sure she’s out of your life, permanently.”

The last words, laced with venom, made Michael’s gaze turn steely. An unexpected surge of anger flared within him, one he could barely contain. The thought of anyone disrespecting Jules like that sent a dark fury coursing through him, stronger than he’d anticipated.

Michael stood, his expression ice-cold, his voice deadly quiet. “Samantha,” he began, his tone a low warning, each word sharp as a blade. “You have no idea who you’re talking about, and I strongly suggest you keep her name, or anything , out of your mouth.”

She blinked, momentarily startled, but then sneered, stepping closer as though challenging him. “Why should I? What can you possibly do?”

His eyes locked onto hers, unyielding, the power and authority he usually kept in check finally breaking free. “Cross this line again, and I’ll make sure you’re gone from this office, from this industry. You’re here because of who your father is, but even his influence has limits. If you don’t respect those boundaries, Samantha, there will be consequences.”

Samantha’s smug expression melted, replaced by a flicker of fear as she took in his intensity, the chilling finality in his tone. She drew back, looking away as she stammered, “Fine… I was just… Fine.” She clutched her bag and quickly left his office, her confidence shaken as she hurriedly closed the door behind her.

The silence that followed felt like a release. Michael sat back, running a hand through his hair, letting out a slow, steadying sigh. With Samantha gone, his office felt safe again—a place of control and order.