"Her soon-to-be finances" Dennis said.
The air between them thickened instantly. For a heartbeat, Victoria forgot how to breathe. Dennis's words—"Her soon-to-be fiancé"—still echoed like a thunderclap in her skull. Around them, the usual bustle of the company courtyard seemed to fade; footsteps, car doors, even the chatter of staff became distant, muted noise.
Owen's arm stiffened on Victoria's shoulder, his grip turning to steel. His eyes narrowed dangerously at Dennis cold and sharp, like a blade poised to strike.
The smile on Dennis's lips didn't falter, but a flicker in his gaze betrayed him, as though he had deliberately lit a fuse and was now watching it burn.
Victoria swallowed hard, forcing a calm mask over her shock. "Dennis…" Her voice came out softer than intended, yet edged with warning.
But Owen wasn't having it. He took a step forward, squaring his shoulders until his tall frame cast a shadow over Dennis. His voice was deceptively casual, but laced with fire.
"Fiancé? Funny, I don't remember my sister agreeing to such a thing."
The air between them turned electric, drawing stares from curious passersby who slowed their steps, pretending not to eavesdrop but far too intrigued to look away.
Victoria could already feel this spiraling. And fast. She tried to step in again, but Owen's glare rooted her in place.
"Tell me, Mr. Dennis," Owen's words cut like ice, "do you know she just got dumped? Do you know she's still healing from what that bastard did? And do you know what I'll do to you if you dare come any closer to my sister?"
Dennis remained calm, not flinching even once, though his smile had vanished.
"I'll break you limb by limb," Owen continued, his voice dropping below freezing. "I'll make sure you're too busy crawling to even think about my sister. Every ounce of rage I've got for that bastard, I'll unload it on you. Erase any ideas in your head about her, because I'll make your life a living hell if you ever make a move on her."
A cold chuckle slipped from Dennis's lips, casual yet cutting. "Funny. I find your protective side… cute." He dragged out the word deliberately, taunting.
Owen's jaw tightened.
"But," Dennis went on, his smile vanishing again, his voice low and unyielding, "once I set my sights on something—or someone—rest assured, not even the heavens can make me back away. She's mine. Even if you don't agree to it now, you will in the future. Trust me, brother-in-law… we'll make a perfect family." His smile returned, sharper than before.
Victoria's heart thudded painfully. Dumbstruck, she swayed on her heels until her knees buckled.
"Vic!" Owen caught her in time, worry flashing across his face, his protective fury momentarily forgotten. "Are you okay?"
"I… I…" She gulped for air. "I'm fine. I just need air. Please, let's go inside. The meeting will start soon let's not waste time with this banter."
Owen exhaled slowly, recognizing her attempt to defuse the storm. Still, he wasn't leaving without a parting blow. He shot Dennis a glare so deadly it could have frozen flames. Then, guiding his sister with a firm hand, he led her into the company, ignoring the curious eyes that lingered on them.
Dennis stood rooted for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, under his breath, he muttered, "What a pain in the a$$."
Yet a slow smile crept across his face. "This makes it more fun."
He shifted his gaze to the leather bag in his hand, fingers tightening around the strap. His smile darkened. "Tsk. My mission got ruined before I even started." His eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "Not to worry."
Pulling out his phone, he typed swiftly, the screen casting an eerie glow on his face.
'What a nice brother you've got. Lunch later?'
He hit send, slid into his car, and drove off toward his own company, the smile never leaving his lips.
Inside Owen's office.
Taking in a relieved breath, Victoria turned to Owen.
"What the…"
"No, no, no, Vic. I don't like that dude." Owen leaned back into his office chair, spinning it once with frustration.
"You see, we guys know ourselves. And for me? He's a no-no."
"Come off it," Victoria muttered, crossing her arms. "I'm still in the thinking phase."
"See—that's exactly what I don't want to hear. Thinking? Thinking about being his girl or whatever he's already calling you?" His voice sharpened. "The fact you're even thinking about it only means one thing."
This time, he pushed up from his chair and walked toward her, his footsteps slow but heavy with meaning. He stopped right in front of her, bending slightly to lock his eyes with hers.
"You're gonna fall for him," he said quietly, the words a mixture of warning and ache.
His tone softened, carrying weight only a brother's heart could hold. "I know you, sis. And I love you too much to watch you walk into another heartbreak. It'll shatter me also. So…" He exhaled, straightening. "You don't need love right now. What you need is progress. Balance. And you're already working on that. For now, love isn't needed. Focus, milady. We have a meeting soon."
He returned to his seat, flipping open the file on his desk as if to close the conversation.
Victoria sat still for a moment, his words echoing in her chest. With a slow exhale, she stood. "I'll be in my office," she said, heading for the door.
"Sure," Owen replied casually, not lifting his eyes from the file. "I'll come get you when it's time for the meeting."
She gave a small nod he didn't see and stepped out.
On her way to her office, her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen and spotted an unread notification. Opening it, she saw his message.
What a nice brother you've got. Lunch later?
A giggle escaped her lips before she could stop it. What a man, she thought, shaking her head. She typed quickly:
Nope. That's your punishment for making my brother mad she typed adding a laughing emoji.
She hit send.
Seconds passed. Her phone lit up again.
Hell no I'm not gonna get robbed because of him. Please, let's go get lunch later, I wanna give you something.
Victoria bit her lip, her curiosity piqued. She typed back simply:
I'll think about it.
Almost instantly, his reply popped up:
Thinker Bell he sent along with a laughing emoji
Victoria stared at the message, then burst into laughter, her amusement echoing softly down the hallway. For a fleeting moment, she forgot the heaviness of the morning.