The furious
“Ms. Rosa, we’re concerned about your safety. Please agree to this—for once,” Jack said, his expression far too earnest for someone who knew exactly how stubborn I was. He even had the audacity to put on those doe-eyed looks, as if begging might soften me.
I didn’t even look up.
“No. I’ve already told you—I don’t need security. That was a minor interaction. I’m not even injured.”
The words left my mouth easily. Too easily.
What no one knew—what no one was allowed to know—was the faint ache at my back, the scar hidden beneath tailored fabric and years of silence.
“Five… four… three…” Jack began, folding his arms.
My head snapped up.
“What are you doing?”
“And—zero.” He inhaled sharply. “Listen, Veronica Bellarosa. I’m a man of my word, but this time I won’t hesitate to tell your uncle exactly what happened in the office.”
His voice wavered, just slightly. Hesitation always gave him away.
“How dare you talk to me like that?” I shot back, fury simmering beneath my calm exterior.
He checked his watch and smiled—smug, infuriating.
“My shift’s over. What are you going to do? Fire me?”
Oh, I was furious. So furious I could picture dragging him by the collar and introducing his head to the marble floor.
But Jack had one unfair advantage—my parents adored him. Practically worshipped him.
“Listen, you little—”
I stopped myself just in time as a firm knock echoed against the glass doors overlooking the city skyline and the ocean beyond.
I exhaled, regaining composure.
“Come in,” I said, straightening my blazer and throwing Jack a warning glance.
A young woman stepped in nervously.
“Greetings, Ms. Rosa. I wanted to confirm whether you’d prefer the meeting in the morning or afternoon. Since the product is launching internationally, we’d want you present. I believe Mr. Jack informed you.”
Before I could answer, Jack muttered casually,
“My shift’s over.”
The intern faltered.
“Oh… uh—”
“It’s fine, sweetheart,” I cut in smoothly. “I’ll manage. Schedule the meeting for Monday afternoon. And tell me—has the product been fully tested? All security protocols verified?”
“Y-yes, ma’am. Though there is one issue. Blair—the new robot—she’s struggling with mobility. But there’s no need to worry, we’re working on it,” she added quickly.
My expression hardened—not with anger, but resolve.
“Let the team know I’ll be coming in on Sunday to test it personally. The meeting is Monday—I won’t walk in unprepared.”
She blinked. “But ma’am… Mr. Jack said he would—”
“Oh, right,” Jack interrupted smoothly. “I forgot to mention—Ms. Rosa will be handling it. I’m taking a leave that day.” He winked at the intern.
“Oh—okay. I’ll update the portfolio,” she said, nodding.
“Thank you, Ms. Rosa, for your time. I have so much to learn. From you, Mr. Jack,” she added politely, giving a small bow.
I nodded in response. Jack waved dramatically. She left.
The silence that followed was sharp.
“Now, Veronica,” Jack began, “about the safety issue—”
“Your shift is over,” I said coldly. “Get out, or I’ll call security.”
He laughed as he walked past me.
“I don’t need security,” he said. “You do.”
I said nothing.
I simply watched him leave, my reflection staring back at me through glass walls as the city outside sparkled—bright, alive, and completely unaware of how close danger truly was.
