“You ought to be working, Lacey, not chatting. It’s inappropriate,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I turned to Keaton, expecting some sort of support, or at least a nod of agreement.
But instead, he leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. “If you’re such a great staff member, Alissa, shouldn’t you be at your desk right now?” His tone was dismissive, almost indifferent.
My mouth fell open, stunned. “I—”
“Get back to work, Alissa,” he cut me off, barely looking at me, his focus shifting back to Lacey as if I’d never even spoken. It felt like a slap. My heart sank as I realized my attempt to assert myself had only shattered whatever fragile authority I thought I had.
Swallowing the bitter taste of rejection, I turned and walked out of the office, feeling the sting of his indifference. As I reached the elevator, I heard Lacey call out behind me.
“Oh, Alissa, I really don’t like it when you piss Keaton off, you know,” she said, her tone dripping with fake sweetness as she caught up to me.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I snapped, barely managing to keep my composure.
She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with an almost gleeful mischief. “He’s not just attached to me but tied to me. So if I get hurt, he will too. Respect that. You can’t change it.”
“Really?” I said, my voice sharp.
“Yes.” She stepped closer, her smile widening. “You know, Keaton adores me. He’d move mountains for me, but I can bet he wouldn’t do much for you.”
Her confidence, veiled under a fake, lovely expression, irked me to no end. I took a step closer, my gaze narrowing. “Do whatever you want, Lacey. I know you well. But you will never get in between Keaton and me.”
“Haven’t I already started doing that?” she said, her tone playful, as if this was all just a game to her. She chuckled softly, the sound grating on my nerves, and before I could think of a response to counter that bitter truth, she stepped into the elevator and left, leaving me standing there, feeling smaller than ever.