The Road Back to You

Chapter 11

The days after the site trip felt different. Subtly, but undeniably so.

Violet wasn't sure when it started, this strange awareness creeping into her bones whenever Ethan was near. It wasn't just the way his presence filled a room or how his voice could command attention with effortless authority. It was the small things. The way he glanced at her when he thought she wasn't looking. The slight crease between his brows whenever she sighed too deeply. The way he always seemed to stand just a little too close, like he was unconsciously drawn to her.

She noticed it now. And she hated that she did.

Violet had spent years believing she understood herself. She knew what she wanted, what she felt. But Ethan Sinclair was throwing all of that into question, making her doubt her own heart.

She was still lost in thought when she stepped into the firm that morning. The place was its usual organized chaos, people rushing between meetings, the scent of freshly brewed coffee thick in the air. As she made her way to her desk, she caught sight of Ethan standing near the glass-walled conference room, deep in conversation with Jade.

Her stomach twisted, an unwelcome reaction she refused to acknowledge. It was just Jade. Just a conversation. It shouldn't mean anything.

But why did it?

"Hey, you okay?"

Violet blinked as Ava, one of the architects, nudged her arm.

"Yeah, just tired," she forced a smile. 

"Late-night painting again?" Ava smirked. 

"Something like that," more like late-night overthinking. But she wasn't about to admit that.

Before she could dwell on it further, the door to the conference room swung open, and Ethan stepped out, his gaze immediately finding her. The way his eyes lingered sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. He had this way of looking at her, like he was trying to figure her out. Like she was a puzzle he hadn't quite solved yet.

"You," his voice was calm, but there was a weight to it. "My office. Now."

"Me?" Violet blinked. 

Before she could respond further, a new voice sliced through the air, dripping with forced sweetness.

"Oh, Ethan, darling, you're as commanding as ever."

Violet turned to see a woman striding in like she owned the place. Madeline Hayes. She was stunning in an effortlessly polished way, tailored designer dress, perfectly styled hair, and an air of entitlement that screamed old money.

Madeline wasn't just another employee. She was the daughter of one of the firm's biggest investors. A family friend. And, if the rumors were true, someone who had been trying to insert herself into Ethan's life for years.

"Maddie," Ethan's voice was neutral, but there was familiarity there. "Didn't expect to see you here today."

"I figured it was time I checked in on the company. Uncle's been asking about you, you know," she laughed lightly, placing a hand on his arm. 

Her sharp eyes flickered to Violet, scanning her from head to toe before settling on her with thinly veiled disdain. "And who's this?"

"Violet Harrington," Violet straightened her shoulders. 

"Oh. You must be the one Ethan mentioned, his little intern?" Maddie's smile was all teeth. She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with something unkind. "How… refreshing. It's always nice when companies give opportunities to those from, well, less fortunate backgrounds."

"I earned my place here," Violet's jaw clenched, but she forced a polite smile. 

"Oh, of course, dear," Maddie's voice was saccharine sweet, but her eyes flickered with amusement, as if she didn't believe it for a second. "It's admirable, really. Working your way up instead of being born into it. Though I suppose it must be exhausting."

"Maddie," Ethan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. 

"Oh, relax, Ethan. I'm just making a conversation," she laughed again, lightly brushing her fingers along his arm. 

Later that afternoon, Violet sat at her desk, completely immersed in her latest designs. She had poured her heart into them; every line, every detail carefully considered. Ethan had taken a look at them, his expression unreadable at first, but then he had given a slow nod of approval. And if Violet wasn't mistaken, there was something else in his gaze, something close to admiration.

Maddie, who had been lingering nearby, did not miss the way Ethan seemed impressed. Her lips thinned, but she said nothing.

That night, Violet stayed late at the office, determined to refine the designs even further. By the time she finished, exhaustion weighed heavy on her, but there was also a sense of satisfaction. She left the sketches carefully stacked on Ethan's desk, then finally headed home.

As soon as Violet was gone, Maddie made her move. Slipping into Ethan's office, she quickly pulled out the carefully drawn sketches and replaced them with rough, unpolished drafts; the ones Violet had discarded earlier. A slow, smug smile spread across her lips. Maddie knew exactly how to plant doubt in Ethan's mind.

The next morning, Violet walked in, expecting to discuss her designs with Ethan. Instead, she was met with his sharp, cutting tone.

"These are unacceptable," his words hit her like a slap.

"What?" Violet blinked, confused. 

"These designs are sloppy, rushed. This isn't the standard I expect from you," Ethan's cold gaze pinned her in place. 

"But… that's not possible. I worked on them all night," her heart pounded. 

Maddie stood off to the side, arms crossed, an innocent expression on her face.

Violet swallowed hard. The weight of Ethan's disappointment settled in her chest, heavy and suffocating. She had never seen him look at her like this before.

And it stung.

She didn't know what hurt more, the fact that he doubted her or the fact that, for the first time, she felt like she might actually cry.