After the meeting, Rhea and I asked Zoey to stay for a few more minutes. When the conference room was cleared out, Zoey stripped her defenses, showing her true self behind the façade. It wasn't the first time I've seen her like this. Before Zoey worked for Julian, I've heard a lot of stories from April, her best friend, about the daily abhorrent manners she had to deal with her previous boss. I thought she finally caught a break when she got the job as Julian's executive secretary. But society always finds a way to show you a dark reality of the world we lived in.

"How are you holding up?" I asked when she hadn't spoken since the rest of the secretarial staff left the room.

She stood up and took another deep breath. "I'm fine. And I need to keep saying that or I'll have a mental break down."

I pulled one of the chairs and asked for her to take a seat. "Do you need me to get you some water or anything to eat?" I added, remembering it was already noon. "Would you like me to ask Greg to get you something from the bistro?" I offered.

Zoey looked up to me and nodded. "Yes, please. Greg knows what meals to get for us. Also, would you mind joining me for lunch?"

"Of course," I replied and turned to Rhea. "Could you stay here while I talk to Greg?"

"Sure," Rhea said.

I hurriedly walked out of the room and nearly bumped with Julian. "Mr. Hawksley..." I gawked at him in surprise.

It took a moment for him to register that we nearly collided. His eyes were fixed at the door behind me where Zoey and Rhea remained. "How is she? Did the meeting go well? Did she ask you?" His words came out in a rush.

A bit hesitant, I placed a hand on his arm to grab some of his attention. "She's fine. And she was able to ask the secretarial staff."

He peered down at me and smiled. "Good. I'll let her know I'm heading out now." As he was about to march inside, he turned and grab my arm. "Amy, would you stay and watch her for me?"

"I already promised her, Mr. Hawksley. Don't worry. Go and talk to her, sir."

He nodded and thank me one last time before entering the conference room. Now that Julian was there, in a couple of seconds, Rhea exited the room and left the two lovebirds.

"I'll go and check on Kyla," Rhea stated as she walked with me.

"Are you going to have lunch with us?" I asked as we walked side by side.

"If you'd like my company?" Her words hanged into a question.

"Please join us. I might call my sister in as well," I added in thought.

Rhea grinned. "That'll be good. With all of this happening so suddenly, Zoey might have not told April anything."

That made me rethink my thoughts. "Maybe I should not. My sister is a handful. I don't want Zoey to be stressed out even further."

"Is that how she'll think if she's here?" Rhea asked. It was an obvious question as well. And knowing my sister, she would want to be present at times like these and give her best friend moral support.

"I'll call April while I tell Greg to grab some lunch." I decided.

"I'll see you in a few." Rhea waved goodbye as we reached her desk. I could see Kyla already up and about, ready to go somewhere for lunch.

"Yeah, see you," I called, and hastily made my way back to the reception desk.

Once I was there, I hastily asked Greg to grab some lunch as I grab my purse. It was then Dean interjected. Looking at the vibe, he got a hint.

"Does this mean we're canceling lunch today?" He asked.

Greg was already by the elevator yet he heard us. However, Albert, who was close, clearly felt the tension between Dean and me. But he kept it cool and stood up, pretending to get ready to go out when Julian arrived.

I stared at Dean in surprise, though I clearly heard him as well. "What?"

"Are we not having lunch together?" He phrased again.

"Now! Who asked who here?" Greg called out but at the same time, the elevator's door opened.

I turned to Greg and gestured at the exit. "Go, Greg. Please!" I exclaimed.

He chortled but followed nonetheless. Once he was gone, Albert found the confidence to speak up. "So, are you going to answer that question? Who asked who?" He questioned.

Dean and I looked at each other, but we hurriedly looked away in embarrassment at the same time. From that timid response, Albert started chuckling. "You two are too cute."

Dean snorted at his remark. But didn't say anything to differ it.

Luck was with me at that moment when Julian and Kyla walked out. Seeing the three of us standing idly in the reception area got them suspicious.

"Is there something wrong here?" Kyla asked.

Albert cleared his throat to defuse the slight tension, which was palpable.

I cleared my throat as well before answering. "No. I'm just heading back inside. I'll be having my lunch with Zoey, Rhea, and April today if my sister is free." I informed offhandedly.

Kyla disregarded the previous tension and got distracted by what I said. "I wish I could join you ladies, but I'm having lunch with Jensen. He just got back from a short business trip."

I smiled and reassured her. "It's okay, Kyla. Please be with your husband. The girls and I will be with Zoey. And I'll let you know, Mr. Hawksley, if she needs anything." I added the last tidbit as I noticed Julian opening his mouth to interrupt.

"Thank you, Amy," He nodded and peered at Dean, who still sat by the reception desk. "Dean, aren't you joining Albert and me? I think Greg can handle everything here."

Dean decisively glanced away and stood up. "Got it."

With that, the group swiftly walked into the elevator as Albert held it open for Julian and Kyla. As the door closed, with Dean in front, I met his gaze one last time. To my surprise, he winked at me before he disappeared from view.

I hadn't realized I was holding my breath when I started coughing as I've choked on my own saliva. I shook it off and regained my composure to focus on what I was trying to do. With my phone in hand, I scrolled through my contacts and called my sister.

I was able to get hold of her as I make my way back to the conference room. But she sounded swamped. She hesitantly declined after I offered her to join us for lunch. However, she wasn't quick to end the call. Knowing her, I quickly gave the heated office gossip. She was as rattled as any of us in the office when I broke the news. On cue, as I entered the room, she asked for Zoey. I handed my phone to her before taking my seat.

They talked for some time, letting April know about what happened with the paparazzi. I could hear the frustration in her voice. If I was in her position, I wasn't sure what to do as well. It was truly uncalled for. They made something special that seemed dirty. And of course, the media doesn't care about the well-being and lives of people they'll ruin.

"Julian and the Hawksley's lawyers are doing damage control," Zoey added. "But I'm not sure if it'll change anything."

"Zoey, we're here for you. Don't let those tabloid reporters get to you, or let their words diminish your worth. Everyone who knows your relationship with Julian isn't for show. It's real. Always remember that," I stated firmly.

April added as well. "Don't let those jerks ruin your mood, Zoe. I know it can be difficult, but it'll only be more difficult from this point on. You're marrying the heir of a multi-million-dollar business. These types of things will continue to happen. You can't let it get to you every time. You'll break what you have with Julian."

"Do you love him, Zoey?" Rhea asked.

Zoey turned to her, and for the first time, we got a sincere smile. "Of course, with all my heart."

"Then, that's all the assurance you need yourself," Rhea said.

Zoey nodded and took another deep breath to compose herself. "Thank you for listening to me and for your advice, girls. It means a lot."

"No worries," April said.

"As we've said, we're here for you," I added. Rhea and April seconded in agreement.

After that heartfelt conversation, April excused herself and ended the call to get back to work.

On cue, Greg timely arrived with our food. We offered him to dine with us. Since my sister wasn't there, Greg took her share. Once we finished lunch, we saw a change in Zoey's mood. She was out of her slump and back to her old self.

Getting back to my desk, I was in a better mood. Greg joined me at the reception desk, lounging with a sports magazine in hand to keep himself occupied. As for me, I dug up the old files I had two years ago when Rufus and I were hunting for a temporary office lease.

An hour later, my trail of thought was interrupted when Julian returned from his meeting with Albert and Dean. Beside me, Greg swiftly pushed the magazine aside and got up from his seat.

"How was it?" Greg inquired after Julian retreated towards his office, leaving Albert and Dean by my desk.

Albert turned to him with a dead look. "What do you think?"

"Are they still downstairs? Man, these guys are persistent. Haven't Mr. Hawksley given them some form of warning, at least?" Greg asked.

"No," Albert dryly replied. And glanced in my direction. "And how's Zoey? Is she okay?"

I met his gaze with a sad smile. "She's good. But a little shaken, still. I won't blame her."

Dean stated, joining in the conversation as well. "From Mr. Hawksley's account, he'd never dealt this much tabloid backlash since he started dating Mr. Curtis. However, he seemed in control of the situation. I mean, he made a smart choice of hiring another extra hand."

Albert nodded in agreement. "He did. And now, it's our job on to fail them, got it?" He glanced at his co-workers.

"Of course." Both said in unison.

Pleased with their response, he gestured the two towards the vacant lounge area. "I think we should plan any further security protocol so that we won't be caught by surprise again."

Dean smiled at him. "I have a few things in mind if you're open with the idea."

"By all means, I'm open and all ears."

Greg walked up to the two and placed one hand on each of their shoulders. "Then, I suggest we start now."

With the three huddled in their own little corner, I returned to my work but occasionally peered up with interest in their direction. There were times I caught words from their conversation, but they kept their voice low and hushed.

Once they were finished with their plans and brainstorming, the office staff were started to retire for the day. Albert, Greg, and Dean readied themselves on how to escort Julian and Zoey home.

Somehow, with all the clamor of events, I had forgotten about a particular conversation and promise earlier in the day. And then, as I expected for Julian and Zoey to make their exit, Dean walked up to my desk. It was then I remembered.

"Is there something you need from me?" I inquired formally, trying to hide my surprise.

"Since we didn't have lunch earlier, would you be open to having dinner with me tonight?" He asked without preamble.

Greg overheard his question. In response, he got up from his seat by the small security booth. His face beaming like a kid opening his presents on Christmas eve.

"Oh! Dinner, yes. You two should go out for dinner. You're free later, right, Amy?" Greg interjected before I could reply.

I peered around Dean, glaring at Greg. "Aren't you supposed to check the lobby? Mr. Hawksley and Zoey are heading out in a minute now." I redirected his attention and ignored Dean's question at the same time.

However, Greg put on a bit of a fight. He slowly pressed the call button for the elevator. To his luck, it took some time for it to arrive.

The reception area was eerily quiet for once. Dean, as well as anyone within hearing distance who heard him asked me out, waited to hear my reply.

"Would you like to have dinner with me?" Dean asked again when I still didn't reply.

"I'm..." I paused in thought, a bit hesitant, as I looked back at him.

I planned to do some extra work throughout the evening. I've already compiled some resources for Zoey for a possible new office lease. Looking at my computer monitor, I could do more if I stayed longer.

We were interrupted again when Julian and Zoey exited the office. Both quickly noticed the tension.

"Is there something wrong?" Zoey was the one who broke the ice.

I looked at Julian, who was watching between Dean and me. He then abruptly turned to Albert, who wordlessly joined Greg by the elevator.

"Zoey, let's go," Julian lightly nudged her towards the exit.

Then Julian turned to Dean, "you can have the rest of the evening off, Dean, as promised." With a smirk, he said to me, "you have a lovely evening, Amy."

Zoey looked up to Julian in confusion. "What's wrong?" She asked again as Julian nearly dragged her towards the elevator, which timely opened.

"I'll tell you on the way back," he replied.

With one light nudge again, they entered the elevator. However, Zoey lingered for a moment.

"Is there something wrong with Amy and the new guy?" Zoey trailed off as she got a good look at Dean. "Wait, is he...?" She stared at him in surprise.

But she wasn't able to finish her sentence when Julian tugged her inside the elevator and quickly pressed the close button.

Finally, we were alone again.

As it dawned on me, my stomach plummeted with nerves. I could feel my palm started to sweat.

"What do you say?" He asked with less formality now.

Should I?