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    William replied with his usual cool detachment, barely ncing at the vase. “No need,” he said.


    His study, a sanctuary of sleek lines and muted tones, seemed entirely ipatible with something so delicate as flowers.


    Lena watched silently as he retreated into the study and closed the door behind him without so much as a backward nce. A sharp pang pierced her chest.


    He was always this distant, except for Ste. Lena had seen it countless times—the softness in his eyes, the way he indulged Ste, agreeing to every little whim. That favoritism cut deeper than Lena cared to admit, the sight of it chipping away at her pride and fueling a roiling storm of frustration and envy inside her.


    Two weeks at the vi had given Lena plenty of time to observe. Ste, though devoted to William, often vanished for an hour or two, whisked away by urgent work at theb.


    Lena noticed the subtle dependence William ced on her—an intimacy and trust he showed no one else, leaving the world to see only the cold,manding CEO of Briggs Group.


    Watching him like this day after day, seeing his tenderness reserved for another, twisted Lena’s heart tighter.


    That afternoon, Ste received an urgent call from theb. Critical data demanded her personal review. She gently reminded William to take his medication, left Luca with careful instructions, and grabbed her bag, slipping out the door.


    The vi settled into silence, broken only by the soft shuffle of maids tidying up. William focused on urgent emails in the study, with Luca standing silently nearby.


    As Lena watched Ste’s car drive off, a calcting gleam appeared in her eyes.


    She moved to the kitchen, her hands deftly preparing fresh pastries and brewing a cup of coffee.


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    She had checked in advance. A small ingredient in the blend would lightly interact with William’s medication. It was not harmful, but enough to make him feel sleepier and dizzier.


    Carrying the tray, Lena approached the study and knocked softly.


    “Come in,” William’s deep voice called.


    She entered with a bright, disarming smile, setting the tray carefully on the table. “Mr. Briggs, I made some coffee. It’s a soothing blend. I noticed you haven’t been sleeping well. Ste suggested it.”


    William nearly declined instinctively, but mentioning Ste made him pause and ept.


    He lifted his eyes briefly, meeting hers with a cool, measured nce. “Leave it there. Thanks.”


    Lena didn’t move to leave. Instead, she poured a cup and handed it to him with a soft, concerned tone.


    “You look exhausted. Drink it while it’s hot. Ste will worry if you don’t.”


    William frowned slightly, clearly annoyed by the pause, but he took a brief sip and set the cup down. “That’s enough. Go take care of your work.”


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