Seven stepped into the sleek, glass-paneled office of Data Dynamics, the hum of activity a steady undercurrent beneath the quiet efficiency of the executive floor. Conversations hushed as he passed, a ripple of subtle movements marking his presence. If he noticed, he gave no indication, his stride unbroken as he made his way to his private office.

  Wendy stood at her desk, immaculately dressed. The second she caught sight of him, her spine straightened, and a fawning smile spread across her lips.

  “VP Kav,” she greeted, honeyed, yet irritating. “How was your morning?”

  Seven unbuttoned his suit jacket with effortless finesse, shrugging it off in a fluid motion and draping it over the backrest of his chair before sinking into it. “Productive.”

  He didn’t waste time. “I was just informed that JVP Shahi is returning to work soon. We’ll need to recruit another secretary.” He leaned back, studying her reaction. “The choice is yours. Do you wish to continue working for me or return to JVP Shahi?”

  For the first time, her composure cracked. It was barely perceptible: the tightening at the corners of her mouth, the faintest pause before she exhaled. She hadn’t expected this. If she stayed, would it be seen as a betrayal? But if she returned to Sana, she’d lose direct access to Seven—the very thing Talon Cloche required of her.

  However, Wendy recovered quickly. “I’ve given it some thought, sir.” She folded her hands neatly in front of her, her tone measured. “JVP Shahi and PA Wolfe have been here for nearly a year, so they’re already well-acquainted with the workflow. Since they have a strong grasp of company operations, they’re in the best position to bring a new secretary up to speed.

  “On the other hand, you and PA Chapman have only been here for less than two months and are still adapting. If I were to return to JVP Shahi, an inexperienced secretary assisting you might cause disruption.

  “Given my familiarity with company protocols and operational structure, I can contribute more effectively by staying in my current role and supporting you and PA Chapman. This way, we ensure continuity and stability at the executive level.”

  Her reasoning was flawless. Seven let the silence stretch, watching her the way a predator observes its prey shifting in the underbrush. He already knew her decision. Cloche wouldn’t let her leave his orbit, but hearing her frame the matter intrigued him.

  Finally, he gave a slow nod. “Very well. I’ll let HR know.”

  The barest hint of relief flickered before she masked it behind a professional calm. “Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint.”

  Seven hummed in acknowledgment, turning to the documents on his desk. She should have taken it as a dismissal, but didn’t, merely shifting her posture slightly.

  “There’s one more thing,” she added after a beat.

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  He arched a brow. “Go on.”

  “There’s a company Christmas party on the 16th.” Her voice held a trace of feigned nonchalance. “I need to finalize the RSVPs. Will you attend?”

  A memory surfaced with startling clarity. Last night, he had promised Sana they would go together. He remembered the quiet plea hidden beneath her words.

  “Yes,” he replied, leaning back slightly. “I’ll be there.”

  Wendy tilted her head. “Understood. I’ll confirm your attendance and book a suite for you.”

  Seven frowned. “Where is it held?”

  Her lips curved in a knowing smile. “The Marriott, right in front of our office building.”

  His gaze sharpened. “Why the need to book a suite?”

  “Company policy,” Wendy explained smoothly. “A precaution in case employees have had too much to drink. It wouldn’t be safe for them to drive home.”

  Seven merely nodded, though Wendy remained, expectant.

  “And are you bringing a plus one?” she pressed.

  “No.”

  For the briefest moment, something unreadable crossed her features before she schooled her expression back into neutrality. “Understood.”

  She left, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Seven watched her go, exhaling slowly.

  Sana would be there, of course, on her own. Wendy wouldn’t suspect a thing.

  A smirk ghosted over his lips.

  ……

  Later That Evening, Dinner at The Cliffs

  The dining room exuded warmth with candlelight, the scent of saffron and charred meat lingering in the air. Tonight’s spread was a feast of rich flavors and tradition: Shirazi salad, Persian chicken kebabs, and saffron-infused rice.

  Seven absently brushed his fork over his salad, glancing at Sana. “This morning, I asked Wendy if she wanted to continue working with me or return to you. She chose to stay.”

  Kasra snorted. “Of course, she did.”

  Sana set her goblet down gently. “I don’t need to tell you she’s the envy of every girl in that private group chat. They even noticed she’d lost weight recently. She’s been dressing up more, too.”

  Kasra arched a brow. “Don’t tell me you’re worried she’ll snatch Sev from you?”

  Seven’s grip tightened subtly on his fork. Before he could respond, Sana scoffed, a playful lilt in her words. “No way! Sweets said he only has eyes for me!”

  Kasra shrugged. “Then stop wasting your time on those gossipy group chats. All they do is rile you up.”

  Seven shifted gears, threading his fingers through Sana’s. “She also asked me about the Christmas party.”

  Sana perked up. “Oh?”

  He hesitated for a beat, then continued. “She asked if I was bringing a plus one. I told her I wasn’t.”

  Sana blinked. “Excuse me?”

  “It’s a risk,” Seven mused. “Wendy’s smart. She’ll be watching. If she confirms we’re together, she’ll use it.”

  Sana crossed her arms. “So, you’re going back on your word?”

  “No. We’ll coincidentally sit together.”

  Kasra, sensing the simmering tension, interjected. “Sev’s right. Cloche might target you again just to gain leverage over him.”

  Sana’s frustration bubbled just beneath the surface. “So, we pretend we’re just colleagues?”

  Seven met her piercing gaze and inclined his head. “It’s for your safety, Sana.”

  A realization dawned on Kasra. “In that case, Lara would have to attend as well. So, I’ll be her plus one. We’ll all sit together with Mom and Dad; it’ll be less obvious.”

  Sana rubbed her temple. “Fine.”

  Kasra straightened his back and bit the bullet. “Which brings me to the next point. What about installing a subcutaneous GPS tracker on you?”

  Sana’s eyes widened. “Absolutely not.”

  “Sana—” Seven started, but she cut him off.

  “I’m not a bodyguard. Why do I have to be tagged?”

  Kasra folded his arms. “If something happens again, we’ll be able to act quickly.”

  The weight of the ambush loomed over them, unspoken but heavy in their minds. Seven leaned forward, coaxing. “It’s just a precaution, not control.”

  Sana exhaled sharply, resigned. “I’ll do it if you do it with me.”

  Seven’s lips curled slightly. “Deal!”

  Kasra gave a satisfied huff, “Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

  The conversation shifted, but beneath it, the tension remained.

  Christmas party—it will matter far more than anyone expects.