The afternoon light filtered through the office blinds, painting soft shadows on Lara's desk. She couldn't focus. Ava's words kept echoing in her mind, and the photograph felt like it was burning a hole in her bag.
Was Ethan really the man her sister believed he was?
She rubbed her forehead and sighed. Just as she reached for a bottle of water, her office phone rang.
"Mr. Blackwood would like to see you," said the receptionist's voice.
Lara froze. Her fingers clenched around the receiver. "I'll be right there."
Walking to his office felt like walking into a storm. Her heart pounded, her mind racing through questions she wasn't sure she had the right to ask.
She knocked once and stepped in.
Ethan was sitting at his desk, reviewing a document. When he looked up and met her eyes, his expression softened.
"Lara," he said calmly. "Come in."
She entered quietly and stood near the edge of his desk.
He gestured to the seat across from him. "Please, sit."
She obeyed, folding her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking.
"I wanted to check in with you," Ethan began, his gaze searching hers. "You seemed... distant this morning."
Lara didn't answer immediately. She couldn't. Not while her mind was full of the rooftop meeting and Ava's warning.
"I'm just adjusting," she said finally. "There's been a lot going on."
Ethan nodded. "I understand."
There was a silence between them, heavy and uncertain. Then Ethan leaned forward slightly.
"Is someone bothering you?" he asked. His voice was calm, but his eyes carried a flicker of concern—or was it suspicion?
Lara swallowed. "No one's bothering me. I just have some personal things to work through."
He studied her for a moment longer, then leaned back. "I won't pressure you. But if something's wrong, I'd rather you tell me than suffer in silence."
Lara managed a small smile, though her heart wasn't in it. "Thank you."
Then, as if he sensed she was about to leave, Ethan said something unexpected.
"You remind me of someone I used to know."
Lara paused, confused. "Really?"
He nodded, a faraway look in his eyes. "She was strong. Quiet. But full of fire inside. She never told anyone when she was hurting. She just carried everything on her own."
There was a sadness in his tone that caught Lara off guard.
"What happened to her?" she asked softly.
Ethan's eyes met hers again. "I let her go. And I never saw her again."
Lara felt something shift in her chest. Was he talking about Ava?
Before she could respond, Ethan stood. "Take the rest of the day off if you need to. Clear your mind."
She nodded slowly, stood, and turned to leave.
But as she opened the door, he said one last thing:
"Lara... be careful who you trust."
Her hand froze on the doorknob. She didn't turn around. She just walked out, her thoughts heavier than ever.