Office Wars: Love Under Fire

The morning air in the office buzzed with the anticipation of something new. Evelyn could feel the shift as she walked through the hallways, her heels clicking against the polished floors. Whispers filled the air about the two new hires who were joining the team—rumored to be exceptional talents brought in by Lucas himself.

Her curiosity piqued as she stepped into the conference room for their introduction. Lucas stood at the front, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention. Beside him stood two individuals who couldn't have been more different.

"This is Callum Hayes," Lucas began, gesturing to the tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp blue eyes and a confident smile that hinted at trouble. "He'll be heading the expansion of our tech integration division."

Callum gave a quick nod, his gaze sweeping over the room before landing briefly on Evelyn. There was something in his expression—playful, curious—that made her shift in her seat.

"And this is Amelia Novak," Lucas continued, motioning to the woman beside him. Petite but striking, Amelia had an air of quiet confidence. Her dark hair was pinned neatly back, and her sharp green eyes seemed to take in everything at once. "She'll be leading our creative strategy team."

Amelia offered a polite smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Evelyn got the sense that Amelia wasn't one to trust easily, and she respected that.

"We're thrilled to have them both on board," Lucas concluded. "Let's make sure they feel welcome."

As the meeting wrapped up, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that these new arrivals were more than they seemed.

Later That Day – Evelyn's Office

Callum appeared at her door, leaning casually against the frame. "So, you're the famous Evelyn Carter," he said, his tone teasing.

She looked up, raising a brow. "Famous might be a stretch."

He stepped inside, his smile widening. "Not from what I've heard. Lucas seems to think highly of you."

Her stomach twisted at the mention of Lucas, but she kept her expression neutral. "I'm just doing my job."

Callum tilted his head, studying her. "Something tells me there's more to you than that. I'll keep an eye out."

Before she could respond, he was gone, leaving her wondering what game he was playing.

Elsewhere in the Office

Amelia sat in her new office, unpacking her things with methodical precision. Lucas knocked lightly on the door before stepping inside.

"Settling in?" he asked.

She glanced at him briefly before returning to her task. "It'll do."

Lucas smirked faintly. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She paused, her gaze sharp as she looked at him. "You've got a good team here. But if I'm going to lead them, I need autonomy."

"You'll have it," Lucas assured her. "Just remember, results matter more than methods."

Her lips twitched into a faint smile. "Don't worry, Lucas. I don't disappoint."

Evelyn's Perspective

By the end of the day, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that both Callum and Amelia had their own agendas. Callum's charm was disarming, but there was a sharpness beneath it that made her wary. Amelia, on the other hand, was an enigma—cool, collected, and impossible to read.

She found herself wondering why Lucas had brought them in. It wasn't like him to make impulsive decisions, which meant there was a reason behind their arrival.

And whatever it was, Evelyn had a sinking feeling it would complicate everything.