Heartbeat in the Penthouse

Lila Harper sat at a corner table in a cozy Brooklyn bakery, the scent of fresh bread and espresso wrapping around her like a hug.

The place, Rivera's Bakeshop, was a hole-in-the-wall gem, its walls lined with photos of smiling customers and handwritten recipe cards.

Sofia Rivera, Lila's old mentor from a community cooking class years ago, slid a plate of almond biscotti across the table, her dark eyes warm but probing.

"Eat," Sofia said, her voice carrying the no-nonsense tone Lila remembered.

"You look like you haven't slept in a week."Lila managed a smile, breaking off a piece of biscotti.

"Thanks, Sofia. It's just… a lot. The scholarship interview went okay, but I'm waiting on the final decision. And then there's… other stuff."

Sofia raised an eyebrow, settling into the chair across from her. At 40, she was a striking figure—curly hair pulled into a messy bun, flour-dusted apron over jeans, her hands calloused from years in the kitchen.

She'd been Lila's lifeline after her mom died, teaching her to channel grief into cooking. "Other stuff?" Sofia said, her Brooklyn accent thick.

"Spill, kid. You didn't drag me out of my oven for biscotti and small talk."

Lila sighed, the weight of the past week pressing down—her kiss with Elliot, the scholarship interview, Cassandra's threatening emails.

She'd texted Elliot this morning about the latest one, and his promise to handle it had calmed her, but not enough.

"Okay," she said, dipping the biscotti in her coffee.

"I got into the final round at the Culinary Institute. Scholarship interview. They liked my tart, but I'm freaking out about the money. And… someone's trying to sabotage me."

Sofia's eyes narrowed. "Sabotage? Who's got it out for you?"Lila hesitated, then spilled it all: the anonymous emails, Cassandra's jealousy, her connection to Elliot.

She left out the kiss, her cheeks burning at the thought of admitting it.

"I think it's his ex, Cassandra. She's got money, connections, and a grudge. She's been sending me emails telling me to stay away from him, saying I'll lose everything."

Sofia leaned back, crossing her arms.

"This Cassandra sounds like a piece of work. And this Elliot guy—your boss, the billionaire—he's letting his ex run wild? What's his deal?"

"He's not letting her," Lila said, defensive. "He's trying to stop her. He's got his lawyer on it, and he's… he's been amazing. He believes in me, Sofia. He even sent me a mixer, and I think he's the one who recommended me for the scholarship."

Sofia's eyebrows shot up. "A mixer? A scholarship recommendation? That's not just support, Lila. That's serious. You sure he's not trying to buy you?"Lila's stomach twisted, Sofia echoing her own fears.

"I don't think so. He's not like that. He's… real. But it's complicated. He's my boss, and his world's so different. I don't know if I fit in it."

Sofia softened, reaching across to squeeze Lila's hand.

"You fit anywhere you damn well please, mija. You're talented as hell, and you've got heart. But you gotta protect yourself. Rich guys like him? They come with baggage. And this Cassandra chick? She's not playing. You need to be ready."

Lila nodded, the biscotti crumbling in her fingers.

"I know. I just… I don't want to lose this chance. The scholarship, the school—it's everything I've worked for."

"Then focus on that," Sofia said, her voice firm.

"I'm teaching part-time at the Institute now. I'll help you prep for the final decision—mock interviews, recipe tweaks, whatever you need. But you gotta keep your head clear. No billionaires or crazy exes messing with your game."

Lila laughed, the tension easing. "Deal. Thanks, Sofia. I didn't realize how much I needed this."

"Anytime," Sofia said, standing to grab more coffee.

"But if that ex comes for you, you tell me. I've got a rolling pin and no patience for rich girl drama."

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of coffee and recipe talk, Sofia's tough-love advice grounding Lila like an anchor.

By the time she left the bakery, her phone buzzed with a text from Elliot: Board meeting today. Rough, but I'm handling it. You free tonight? Need to see you.Her heart skipped, the memory of their kiss flooding back.

She typed: Just left my mentor's place. Can I come by at 8? Got a lot to tell you.His reply was instant: Can't wait. I'll order Thai. No interruptions this time.

Lila smiled but as she boarded the subway, her phone buzzed again—an email, same anonymous sender: Think you're safe? I know about the scholarship. Keep pushing, and you'll lose more than a job.

Her blood ran cold, her fingers trembling as she forwarded it to Elliot. How did Cassandra know about the scholarship? Was she bluffing, or did she have connections at the Institute? Lila's stomach churned, fear mingling with resolve.

She wasn't backing down—not from her dreams, and not from Elliot. But as the train rattled toward Manhattan, she knew the fight was just beginning, and it would take more than a tart to win it.