Elowen's POV

The grand ballroom sparkled with golden hues, a luxurious testament to opulence. The walls adorned with gilded decorations echoed the laughter and clinking of glasses, creating an atmosphere of wealth and extravagance.

I stood next to Zephyr, smiling politely as he was engaged in conversation with one of his clients. He leaned casually against the intricately designed bar, his tailored suit emphasising his commanding presence.

The client, an aged well-dressed man with an air of elegance, inquired, "Zephyr, how confident are you about reaching a favourable resolution?"

They must know each other personally. No one else has used his first name to talk to him.

Zephyr's piercing gaze met the client's, his voice resonating with authority. "I'm confident that we can secure a deal that benefits us. Whether they choose to take it to court or settle it, we'll be getting the better end."

The old man nods, patting Zephyr's shoulders. "I knew I could trust you, my boy. It's been such a pleasure to see you grow into the fine man you are today."

Zephyr glanced at me almost bashfully before subtly urging me towards the extravagantly decorated table, holding a spread of delectable bites.

Is he getting shy?

I nodded, giving the other man a polite smile before navigating my way through the sophisticated crowd.

Never thought I'll get to see Zephyr getting embarrassed.

The ballroom was alive with chatter, the soft melodies of the orchestra setting the perfect backdrop for the elegant affair. As I approached the snack table, my eyes feasted not only on the tantalising treats but also on the breathtaking spectacle of the golden-themed decorations. Trays of delicate canapés, towers of glistening desserts, and champagne flutes filled with effervescent bubbles were a feast for the senses.

My gaze locked onto the snacks when a familiar voice cut through the ambient noise. "Elowen, is that really you?" The sneering tone was unmistakable.

Fuck, why did I have to run into her?

I sighed, before fixing back the polite smile onto my face as I turned. There she stood, in all her glory. Alison.

She positioned herself a few steps away, adopting a sneer that did little to enhance her surgically altered features. Time had not been kind to her, and the continuous injections of Botox were evident on her face.

Alison's eyes widened momentarily as she scrutinized me from head to toe, absorbing the details of my attire for the event. Her voice, dripping with envy, sliced through the air, demanding, "What are you doing here?"

Be nice, Elowen.

Unfazed by Alison's hostility, I replied calmly, "Attending an event, Alison. What about you?"

Alison scoffed, "Like you belong here. Look at that dress, that bag and all that jewellery. Are you whoring yourself out? There's no other way a worthless little shit like you could be here otherwise."

Funny, sounds like she's describing herself.

She continues, sneering. "You're so fucking greedy. You could've given Mom extra money this month if you had enough to buy all that. So fucking ungrateful. Don't for a second think I won't be telling Mom about this."

I calmly retorted, "I'm here because I was invited through work. I'm working, you know, at Tenebris & Associates."

She scoffs, her voice getting whinier. "So what? You're just an intern, and you got lucky. There's no way they would hire someone like you. They probably took pity on you and let you in. Everybody takes in strays from time to time, you know, like charity. Besides, Mommy is going to make sure you won't be there long."

A mischievous glint entered my eyes as I dropped a bombshell, "Oh, didn't you know? Your mommy's friend was fired a week ago. I figured Mommy dearest would've told you about that. And I'm not an intern anymore. I'm here as Zephyr's personal assistant." The satisfaction in revealing my upgraded status was instant in the way her face contorted with disbelief and pure envy.

Without giving her a chance to respond, I pressed on, "Besides, you really need to stop saying I got lucky. That's what you said when I got into Veridian and you didn't. You told me I got lucky, but I'm not sure about that because I also did get a full-ride. Then, when I got this internship, which you tried for twice, by the way, you said the same thing. I don't think that's luck, Alison."

Her face was completely red now, as she walked towards me, stumbling in her heels. She grabbed my hand, pulling me towards as her as she sneered, "Don't get so fucking cocky, little sister. Don't forget about the debt you still have to pay back. Pathetic, isn't it? Working your ass off, living in that excuse for an apartment, and yet you can't seem to scrape together any money for yourself. Who'd ever want you? So much baggage."

Her words stung, my heart tightening as I met her gaze, pure venomous hatred clear in her eyes.

It's true. Who would want someone with so much baggage?

In the midst of Alison's cutting remarks, the atmosphere shifted as an unexpected presence loomed behind me. I remained oblivious to Zephyr's arrival, engrossed in the unpleasant exchange with my step-sister. However, Alison's sudden change in demeanor was unmistakable - she released my hand abruptly, her artificial smile on full display.

She's getting ready to kiss ass. Must be Zephyr.

As I turned, preparing to acknowledge Zephyr, Alison intercepted the moment by positioning herself precariously close to him. Inwardly, I winced at the prospect of her insidious charm working its way into his attention.

Wouldn't be the first time.

Alison simpered, introducing herself with an exaggerated flourish, "Oh, I'm Alison, Elowen's step-sister. And you are?"

Zephyr, seemingly maintaining his composure, extended a polite nod, "Zephyr Tenebris."

The forced smile etched across Zephyr's face didn't escape my notice, and I couldn't fathom what might be churning beneath that façade. Before I could offer an explanation, Alison seized the opportunity to demean me, slyly referring to the debt she so loved to remind me of.

"I must say, Mr. Tenebris, you must have quite a forgiving heart to keep someone like Elowen around. She's always struggling with money, you know. You could use someone more competent, someone like me. I'm sure I can assist you in ways she could only dream of." Her words dripped with a not-so-veiled invitation, laden with implications that hung in the air. Alison purred, batting her eyelashes in a calculated display of faux innocence.

My eyes darted between Zephyr and Alison, a pit forming in my stomach as I anticipated his response. For a moment, the room seemed suspended in a disconcerting silence. Zephyr's jaw tightened imperceptibly, and I braced myself for whatever would come next, fully aware that Alison had just thrown herself into the lion's den.

Oh wow, he's pissed. I'm not surprised, he doesn't seem like the person who likes to be questioned.

Zephyr's eyes flicked over Alison, and he leaned back slightly, a predatory smile forming on his lips. "Assist me in every way, you say?" he repeated, baiting her, reining her in. My stomach churned as I recognised that tone - commanding, dominating - the one that made shivers run down my spine.

Alison, oblivious to the undercurrent, eagerly nodded and continued her attempt at seduction, "Absolutely, Mr. Tenebris. I can be much more than just an assistant. I can anticipate your needs, fulfil your desires, and make sure you never feel alone."

How is she not embarrassed?

I cringed, hearing her not-so-subtle words as I looked at Zephyr, anticipating his reaction.

Zephyr's smile widened, and for a moment, he played along. "So, Ms. Alison, you believe you can cater to all my desires?" he asked, his voice dropping lower, creating an unsettling tension.

Alison, completely missing the nuance, giggled flirtatiously, "Oh, absolutely. I'm sure I can-"

Zephyr, however, abruptly cut her off, his tone turning from baiting to scathing, "Ms. Alison, your eagerness is commendable, but I must clarify the nature of the assistance I require. You see, I'm in need of a competent assistant, not someone attempting to audition for a role in an adult film."

I watched in shock as Zephyr continued, his words polite on the surface but laced with a razor-sharp edge, "Your aspirations are noted, but Tenebris & Associates requires individuals with a level of professionalism and competence that surpasses mere flirtations. Elowen here has been proving herself in this regard, and I have no intention of replacing her with anyone at all, especially someone more focused on personal pursuits than the demands of the job."

As Zephyr spoke, I saw Alison's face flush with shame, her earlier confidence evaporating. Zephyr's remarks were a masterclass in legal verbal brutality - precise, polite, and utterly devastating.

No wonder he makes people tremble in court.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication as Alison, unable to meet Zephyr's gaze, mumbled an excuse and stumbled away, defeated.

Zephyr turned his attention back to me, his expression softening just a fraction. "There's no need to tolerate such stupidity, sister or not," he said, his voice devoid of the earlier cruelty. I nodded, still processing the whirlwind of emotions that had just unfolded before me.

What in the world had just happened?

I felt a twinge of satisfaction in me, as it finally dawned on me that this was one of the few instances where I had the last word. Well, Zephyr, but he's my boss so I can say that. Grinning at Zephyr, I expressed my gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Tenebris. And I apologise you had to endure that."

Zephyr glanced at me, his gaze unwavering, and a stern expression crossed his face. "No need to apologize, Elowen. You don't owe her or anyone else, for that matter, an apology ever, regardless of the situation."

He continued, his voice deepening with a possessive edge. " And you don't need to thank me. It's my responsibility, I protect what's mine."

I don't think there's any other boss who would show such care for their employees.

His consideration touched me, and I found myself nodding, inexplicably feeling a warmth spreading across my cheeks. It was a sensation becoming far too frequent around these men.

"Pull yourself together, Elowen. Falling in love with your boss, let alone three of them, is out of the question," I chided myself, attempting to regain composure.

Zephyr's voice cut through the ambient chatter of the ballroom as he declared, "We'll be leaving now, Elowen. The car is parked near the gate towards the back."

"Yes, Mr. Tenebris."

As we made our way out of the ballroom, a sudden thought hit me. I was sure Zephyr was going back to his penthouse, which was downtown. I, however, had to go to the other side of the city, the two places being in completely opposite directions.

"Mr. Tenebris, I think it'll be convenient if I just went back myself. You have to go the opposite way, and that'll be almost the double the normal time it would take you. I'm sure if I leave now, I could catch the last train and if not, I'm sure I'll get a cab," I said, calculating the different routes back home from the hotel.

I turned to looked at Zephyr, pausing as I took in the displeasure on his face. A fleeting flicker of annoyance darkened Zephyr's eyes as he looked at me, "What have we said about public transport, Elowen? Especially at such late hours?"

"I understand but-"

"I don't appreciate brats. You need to learn to listen, Elowen. I've given you enough warnings and let me promise you that next time, you won't be getting one."

I gulped, suddenly remembering his conversation with Alison.

Yeah, I definitely don't want to be on the receiving end of that.

"However, I do agree. it'll be too inconvenient to drop you back," he said, looking at me. I nodded, but before I could say anything, he continued. "You'll be staying at the penthouse today. I'll have everything you need ordered," he declared with finality.

Stunned, my mind struggled to process the unexpected turn of events. "But I-what?"

Stammering, I attempted to formulate a response, only to be met with a smirking Zephyr, taunting me as he asked, "Well, unless you have a problem with that?" he taunted, his tone dared me to argue, and, swallowing hard, I managed to stammer out a feeble denial.

"I-no, Mr. Tenebris."

"That's what I thought."

With a subtle nod, he guided me toward the awaiting car, his authoritative stride unwavering.

He held open the door for me as I climbed in. As I settled into the plush interior, Zephyr closed the door with a decisive thud, joining me in the confined space.

The engine hummed to life, setting the car in motion. Glancing outside, I observed the city lights blending into a mosaic of colors as we merged into the nocturnal traffic. My senses tingled as I felt Zephyr's warmth next to me, his presence almost overbearing in the tiny space.

Fuck, how am I going to survive the night?