“Rosie?” Sienna’s voice was tight with surprise.
Rosie looked up, her smile warm. “You’re back finally? That’s great!” She rose slowly to her feet, placing the half-finished sock aside. “Where were you last night? Is everything alright?”
Rosie was a striking woman, her blonde hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. Her face was round, glowing with the unmistakable softness of pregnancy. Warm hazel eyes sparkled with an easy confidence, the kind that came from always being the center of attention.
Despite her pregnancy, she moved with the grace of someone who was at ease in her own skin. She wore a loose, pale pink dress that complimented her rounded belly, the fabric flowing gently around her form.
Hearing her words, Sienna’s heart skipped. Her cheeks flushed with heat. Her lips parted for a second before she caught herself. “Yeah. Everything’s fine,” she muttered, waving her hand in the air as if it meant nothing.
“You look tired,” Rosie added, concern softening her tone. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, absolutely,” Sienna shrugged, brushing it off. “I was just working late on a new project at Dad’s office and ended up falling asleep in my chair. My back’s killing me,” she groaned.
Just then, Theo came striding out of the washroom, towel slung over his shoulder, sleeves rolled up. He moved with that lazy confidence that always made people turn twice. His sharp jaw was damp from the shower, and his messy hair clung to his forehead.
He walked straight toward Rosie, offering his hand like a reflex.
“Thanks,” Rosie said softly as she took it.
Theo turned to Sienna. “Your shower was leaking. I took care of it. Sorry we barged into your room without asking.”
Sienna blinked, then laughed lightly. “Please. It’s your house. I’m the guest here, remember?”
Theo chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Is your back still broken?” His tone was teasing, but there was a faint concern in his eyes. “Don’t overwork yourself like that. You’re acting like you’re seventy.”
“You’re already seven months in,” Sienna said with a half-smile, her brows drawn as she stepped farther into the room, eyes drifting to Rosie’s stomach. “Are you two planning to keep this a secret forever, or will you finally make it official and announce your relationship?”
Rosie stiffened slightly at the question. Her hands fidgeted with the edge of the blanket on the bed. Then, she looked up and gave Sienna a soft, apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Sienna. I know this whole thing’s probably a burden for you.” Her voice was gentle, almost tentative. “Have you found someone for yourself?”
“No,” Sienna said flatly, pulling Rosie to sit back on the bed beside her. “I’m planning to die single. Is that going to be a problem?”
That made Rosie laugh, and even Theo cracked up, the warmth between them filling the room.
“You know,” Theo said, leaning closer and patting Sienna on the shoulder, “our contract is almost up. Three years are nearly over. I’ll take care of it. And besides—” he looked at Rosie with a proud, loving gaze, “I’ve made real progress, haven’t I?”
He brushed his hand through Rosie’s hair with affection.
“Back then, my parents didn’t let me marry Rosie just because she was my secretary and didn’t come from a well-known family. But now,” he straightened his spine, voice deeper and steadier. “Now, I’m the CEO. I’ve earned this position. I’m not letting anyone control my life anymore.”
Sienna nodded, a real smile tugging at her lips. “Good. They used to threaten you with the company’s position, but now you’re already holding it in your hands. They can’t take that from you anymore.”
Theo nodded, his eyes still on Rosie, a look of quiet affection and deep love on his face.
***
Adrian entered the Emperor Hotel with a confident stride, the sharp click of his polished shoes echoing in the luxurious, marble-floored lobby. His broad shoulders seemed to fill the space.
The Emperor Hotel stood tall with its glass-and-steel exterior shining under the night sky. Inside, everything was cool and modern. The lobby had dark marble floors, clean lines, and high ceilings with soft, white lighting that gave the space a calm, expensive feel.
Black leather sofas sat neatly around low glass tables, and a quiet waterfall ran along one wall, adding a soft, steady sound to the silence. A scent of cedarwood and fresh linen filled the air—subtle, clean, and refined.
There was no crowd. No noise. Just quiet elegance.
Behind the sleek check-in counter, staff moved with smooth precision, each gesture controlled and polite. Every detail was carefully placed, from the perfectly trimmed indoor plants to the digital art that moved slowly across the walls.
This wasn’t just a hotel.
It was power in silence.