Page 47 of Silver Fox's Christmas Scandal
But the ugly truth was that Blake was fundamentally right about our positions. He was a Cross. I was an employee. He had birthright. I had a paycheck that could disappear tomorrow.
I'd spent months telling myself that what I felt for Lucian was impossible, ridiculous, a fantasy born of too much proximity and too little perspective.
But some pathetic part of me had started to hope that maybe he saw me as more than his competent assistant. Blake's cruelty reminded me exactly how naive that hope had been.
I tried to focus on my computer screen, updating expense reports and confirming appointments, but Blake's presence made my skin crawl.
Every few minutes, he'd sigh dramatically or make some comment about his father's scheduling priorities, as if I controlled the complexities of international business negotiations.
Each remark felt designed to remind me of my place in the hierarchy—far below him, far below anyone who actually mattered.
"Does he always keep family waiting this long?" Blake asked after checking his expensive watch for the third time.
"The meetings were scheduled weeks in advance," I replied evenly. "Time zone differences make rescheduling particularly challenging."
"Right. Because heaven forbid anything interrupt the almighty business schedule." Blake's tone was petulant. "Some things should take precedence over profit margins."
I bit back the response that rose in my throat—that his father had built this empire by understanding that every meeting, every client, every deal mattered.
That the "almighty business schedule" funded Blake's lifestyle and paid for the trust funds he lived off. Instead, I kept typing, hoping he'd get bored and leave.
"You know," Blake continued, clearly enjoying my discomfort, "Elena thinks Dad's been distracted lately. Making questionable decisions about who gets access to sensitive executive level information."
Blake and Elena had been discussing me, specifically, analyzing my interactions with their father, looking for evidence that I'd overstepped my boundaries. The knowledge made me feel exposed and vulnerable.
"Your father values competence and discretion," I said carefully. "He includes staff members who demonstrate both qualities."
"Staff members who know their place," Blake corrected. "The problem is when certain employees start thinking they're partners instead of hired help."
I was livid with his fresh insult and ready to bite his head off when the conference room doors finally opened and Lucian emerged. I felt my shoulders drop with relief.
He looked composed but tired, his tie still perfectly knotted despite the long afternoon.
But when his eyes found mine across the office, I saw that familiar warmth that made my traitorous heart skip despite everything.
"Blake." Lucian's voice carried a hint of wariness. He wasn't planning for this visit, or at least that was what his expression said. "This is unexpected."
Blake unfolded himself from the chair, brushing imaginary lint from his jacket. "We need to discuss the foundation board appointment. But first, your assistant and I had a disagreement about appropriate boundaries."
My stomach plummeted to the floor. "Mr. Cross, I was just explaining?—"
"She refused to let me into your office," Blake continued, like the spoiled brat he was. "Cited some policy about security protocols, as if family needs permission to access their own legacy. Frankly, I think she's gotten above herself."
The blood drained from my face as humiliation crashed over me.
This was it—the moment Blake would force his father to choose between family loyalty and employee dignity.
And there was no question which way that choice would go. I was replaceable. Blake was blood.
Lucian's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, and I wanted to disappear through the floor. "Tessa was following standard procedures. My office contains confidential client information. Access requires my direct authorization regardless of family relationships."
"She's an assistant, Dad, not a business partner." Blake's frustration sharpened his voice. "There's a difference between doing her job and acting like she runs the place. Elena and I have been talking about this—certain staff members seem to have developed an inflated sense of their importance around here."
My eyes burned with unshed tears as the full scope of my foolishness became clear.
I'd been so busy falling in love with my boss that I'd forgotten the fundamental truth Blake was now shoving in my face—I was the help, and I'd forgotten my place.
"Blake." Warning edged Lucian's voice, but the damage was already done.
