"Boss... should you be drinking?" Ben asked hesitantly, as his gaze fixed on the half-empty glass of whiskey on the table.
Melanie turned her head slowly, her narrowed eyes fixing on him questioningly. "Ben," she drawled, her voice edged with irritation. "You tell me... should I not be drinking? After everything that happened today?"
Ben hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Truth be told, she did have a point. Today had been... well, a disaster.
First, they'd barely stepped out of the office when a swarm of reporters cornered them, bombarding them with questions about the rumors swirling around LuxeArt's supposed bankruptcy. They'd pushed through the chaos, dodging cameras and answering questions only to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
Then there was the meeting with Peter Berkus. The man had strung them along to bring them to the party, letting them believe he might give LuxeArt a fair chance — only to humiliate Melanie in front of his guests. He hadn't just refused to collaborate and that was the crux of the problem. A simple 'no' would have been okay!
But, he'd taken digs at her, making pointed remarks about her and humiliating her in front of the guests. However, that wasn't the worst of it.
By the time they'd left the party, social media had erupted with rumors. Business forums were buzzing with accusations that Melanie had tried to buy Peter's partnership through shady, under-the-table means. Words like shameless and desperate were being tossed around freely making disgusting claims.
So yes, after a day like that, Ben supposed anyone would want a drink. Still, seeing his boss — usually so composed, so sharp — drowning her frustration in alcohol made something tighten in his chest.
"I get it," Ben said quietly. "Today sucked... big time." He paused, then added carefully, "But maybe you should slow down. You've got a long fight ahead, and tomorrow isn't going to get any easier."
Melanie let out a short, humorless laugh and swirled the amber liquid in her glass. "Oh, don't worry, Ben. I'll be ready for tomorrow. Why don't you do me a favour?"
Ben nodded eagerly. He'd do anything to ease the boss' worry. "What is it?"
Melanie cocked her head, then downed the rest of her drink in one go. Setting the glass down with a dull thud, she said, "Find out how my plan got leaked. The mentorship program was known to only you and me." Her gaze locked onto his as she continued coldly, "So, tell me — who leaked it? Did I do it? Or did you?"
Ben's eyes widened. "Boss, are you doubting me?"
Melanie's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she looked at him, "Did I say that? I'm asking you to look around and find out who leaked it, Ben." Her fingers tapped lightly on the edge of the bar, "Does that sound like I'm not trusting you?"
Ben swallowed hard and shook his head. "No... no, of course not." His mind raced, trying to recall any unusual activity at the office. "You think someone came into your office... or mine? Maybe they got a peek at the documents?"
Melanie leaned back in her chair with a grim expression, "Unless the papers walked out on their own, that's exactly what I think. And they probably took more than a peek. And since the cameras are out of order, we have to investigate thoroughly."
Ben nodded and promised, "I'll get started right away. But... only after I know you're safe."
Melanie arched a brow. "Safe? I'm not exactly walking around with a target on my back, Ben. I am in a decent hotel so I am sure it should be safe."
"You're not? Someone's targeting you and LuxeArt, and now your name's being dragged through the mud. What if this gets worse? Look... maybe we should head back to the city tonight. Lying low for a bit wouldn't hurt."
Melanie rolled her eyes and sent Ben a look, "You really think I would be a coward like that? I am going to be here until tomorrow, as planned."
"Okay then! Okay. But boss, can you please, just... go back to your room," Ben said worriedly, "Get some rest."
Melanie exhaled slowly and gave him a look, "Fine. You're behaving like a mother hen," she muttered, pushing herself up from the chair.
Ben stood back, giving her space. He watched her closely as she steadied herself with one hand on the table. She took a step forward, then another, wavering like a leaf on a windy day.
"You good?" he asked cautiously, keeping a few steps behind her, his hands extended to catch her in case she fell down.
"I'm fine," Melanie snapped over her shoulder, though the slight sway in her steps betrayed her.
By the time they reached back to her room, she was barely able to maintain her balance.
"Let me help you." Ben said as he extended his hand to take the key card from her but she swatted at his hand," I can do it. See?" she said smugly, waving the key card in front of her, but as she turned, her foot caught on the edge of the carpet. With a startled gasp, she stumbled.
Ben reacted instinctively, his arm shooting out to catch her before she could fall. His hand found her waist and he quickly steadied her against the wall, holding her carefully. "Whoa. Careful."
Melanie raised her hand and nodded her head as she pushed at his shoulder slightly and said," Thanks."
He nodded and stepped back before giving her a deep look as she entered her room and closed the door in his face. It was only after a few minutes that he finally stepped back and away from the door, returning to his room as he thought of what steps to take to find the person who had leaked the contents of the plan.
Neither of the two people noticed the person crouching behind a corner, step back, satisfied with the pictures he had clicked.