A Delicate Flower Covered with Thorns

Vic glanced cautiously at the old woman who sat in front of his office desk. She was a handsome lady well into her middle age with sharp eyes and a domineering attitude. Everything about her reeked of money and extravagance, from her well-maintained hair and skin, to the high-class clothing and designer bag.

Evelyn Reinhart, the acting CEO of Queen of Hearts for almost two years. Being a housewife, she was inexperienced with managing the company, but Vic knew she was not someone he could underestimate.

The woman was well-connected in the upper echelons of society. After all, she probably wouldn't be in her place if she didn't have such connections.

She had her staff prepare tea for her, which she sipped slowly from a delicate china teacup, a perfectly straight pinky jutting in the air.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Mrs. Reinhart?" he asked politely.

She held a hand up, stopping him from talking further. "I am still waiting for one more person," she said loftily.

There was a knock on the door as she said that, then Anya appeared. "You called for me, Mr. Marquez?"

"Come here, girl," Evelyn said, not bothering to look up from her teacup.

There was confusion on Anya's face as she walked towards Vic's desk. She glanced over at Vic, who remained poker faced.

It was only when she was standing close that Evelyn got up from her seat. The woman looked at Anya from head to foot before speaking. "You must be the new Creative Director."

Anya smiled cordially. "Yes, Ma'am, I'm—"

But before she could introduce herself, a hand flew to her face, cutting her off.

Vic quickly stood up and caught the older woman's hand in the air. "Mrs. Reinhart!"

Evelyn Reinhart pulled her hand off and wiped her palm with a handkerchief. "You dare go against my daughter again, I will have you fired from this company and I will make sure you will never set foot in the entertainment industry ever again."

"You must be Evelyn Reinhart," said Anya.

Trying to prevent further confrontation, Vic stepped in between the two women. "Madame, please, this is my office and Anya is my subordinate. If you have any grievances, ‌talk to me first. I do not appreciate you laying a hand on my employees."

Evelyn laughed. "So, the little boy thinks he's a man now. What are you going to do about it, boy?"

"Please leave," he replied, gesturing towards the door.

"Think you got the balls now that you're the CEO, huh?" Evelyn Reinhart snorted contemptuously. She turned to Anya. "You haven't heard the last of this, girl," she said as she picked up her designer bag and walked out of the office.

Vic sighed in relief after Evelyn left the room. "Are you okay?" he asked as he turned around. He was surprised to see the expression on Anya's face. There were tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She was trembling in anger, her jaw clenched and hand balled into a fist.

"Evelyn. That will be the only time I let you lay a hand on me or my people," he heard her mutter between clenched teeth.

Her right cheek was red. He couldn't help but raise a hand to touch her face, but stopped a couple of inches away when Anya flinched.

She looked aside and took a deep breath. When she looked at him again, she was back to her normal, arrogant demeanor. "Is there anything else, Mr. Marquez? I still have some paperwork to do in my office."

"I'm sorry," he said in a somber voice.

Anya looked at him for a moment. "It's not your fault," she replied softly.

"Why don't you sit down first?" He gestured to the couch. "I'll ask Matt to get some ice."

When he saw Anya was about to refuse, he took her by the shoulders and led her to the couch. Then he told Matt to get an ice pack in the office pantry.

A few moments later, Vic returned and sat beside Anya on the couch. Looking at her up close, he noticed that her skin was milky white, which made the red patch on her cheek more evident. His heart unexpectedly felt heavy as he recalled how Evelyn Reinhart slapped her in front of him. He leaned closer, placing the ice pack gently on her cheek. As he did so, he noticed the faint scent of flowers coming from her. It was familiar but he couldn't quite place where he had smelled it before.

Suddenly, there was a warmth that covered his hand and he was surprised to find Anya's hand on top of his.

He glanced at her and for a second, their eyes locked.

"I can do it," she said, leaning away from him. "Thank you."

He pulled back his hand, clearing his throat. "You should try to avoid getting her attention. She is known to be ruthless, especially when it comes to her daughter."

"My job is to work for the good of Queen of Hearts, not to submit to her every whim."

"And it's my job to protect you," he blurted out.

She met his eyes with confusion.

"I'm the CEO," he quickly explained, rubbing a hand behind his neck. "It's my job to protect my employees."

Anya smiled softly, nodding her head. "I should go," she said, standing up. "Thank you for the ice pack."

Vic followed her out the door. "Ah! Before I forget, the President wants to see you tonight after office hours. I'll come by your office to pick you up."

"I'll see you then."

Vic watched as she walked away. Something was nagging him at the back of his mind. It was only when he returned inside his office and caught a glimpse of the photos that were on the wall did he realize what it was.

Jasmine.

Anya smelled of jasmine flowers.

He stared at Caitlin's photo.

She was wearing a crown of small flowers in her hair.

Jasmine.

Her favorite flowers.