Jenna Roland stood at the office door, nervously twisting the hem of her blouse. "Boss, you wanted to see me?"

Tristan Ashcroft continued organizing files without looking up. "Follow me."

Her heart clenched as she hesitantly trailed behind him.

At the end of the hallway was an unused private room. Tristan pushed the door open, with Jenna close behind.

Sophia Merouin witnessed the scene.

Her serving tray clattered to the floor. Legs suddenly heavy as lead, she stood frozen.

The private room door slowly closed, cutting off her view.

Sophia bit her lower lip until it hurt. Her nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

They were meeting alone.

After just fighting with her, he went straight to Jenna.

So Tristan had already changed his heart.

Tears welled up. She spun around and stormed into the restroom, slamming the door.

Inside the private room.

Jenna stood by the coffee table, fingers nervously tracing the rim of a teacup. "Boss, is this about Sophia?"

Tristan lounged on the leather sofa, long fingers tapping the armrest. "Has she been giving you trouble?"

Jenna stared at the intricate carpet pattern.

Here comes the interrogation.

"Did she... tell you I bullied her?"

"Hmm." Tristan's voice remained neutral. "Said you deliberately made things difficult for her."

Jenna's head snapped up. "Are you firing me?"

Tristan suddenly laughed.

The deep chuckle echoed in the enclosed space.

Jenna blinked in confusion.

"First," he raised his index finger, "Sophia and I have no personal relationship."

"Second," his middle finger joined the first, "I never take sides without evidence."

Jenna's tense shoulders relaxed.

"I thought..."

"That I'd protect her?" Tristan stood, adjusting his suit cuff. "You're my top sales performer."

Pausing at the door, he added, "Next time she bothers you, come straight to me."

Jenna nodded obediently.

After Tristan left, she couldn't suppress a smile.

Sophia's days of privilege were over.

From now on, she wouldn't take any more abuse.