Chapter 10 The Empty Corner Office

At one of Riverstead City's most prestigious hotels, Tobias emerged from his sleek Maybach, his phone held tightly in one hand. His movements were purposeful as he made his way through the grand lobby, its classical decor reflecting a quiet, timeless elegance. "Don't worry about it. Take care of what you need to—I'll get home on my own." Cordelia's voice came through the phone, calm and unruffled. There was no trace of resentment, only quiet acceptance in the way she spoke. It was as if she had long ago learned to bear the weight of his detachment without protest. Isn't this the kind of wife every man dreams of? Her voice, gentle and steady, did something to him that he hadn't expected—it softened the edge of his mood, loosening the tension in his chest. For a brief moment, his usual cold expression flickered, his sharp gaze sweeping across the hotel lobby as women passing by cast him lingering looks of longing. It wasn't until he spotted a man in a well-tailored suit rushing out of the elevator that his thoughts shifted. The same man who had called him earlier—the investigator he'd hired to track down Aurelia. Could they have finally found her? A tightness gripped Tobias' chest, his heart briefly stalling as his eyes followed the man's approach. He spoke into the phone with quiet authority, his voice low. "Alright then. Take a cab home. I need to go." Without another word, he ended the call, the sound of the line disconnecting sharp in the stillness. "But your wallet—" Cordelia had started to speak, but the call was already cut off. She stared at her phone, gripping it tightly, a hollow feeling settling in her chest. Tobias, your wallet is still with me… She wanted to say it, but as always, her words never made it past the silence between them. Instead of calling a cab or heading home, Cordelia walked alone through the evening streets toward the suburbs. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she gazed up at the starlit sky, wondering, not for the first time, if this was what her life would always be. The next morning, Cordelia arrived at the office with light makeup, her movements measured, almost mechanical. As she passed Tobias' office, she couldn't help but glance through the slightly ajar door. The leather chair sat empty, and a neat stack of documents lay untouched on the mahogany desk. Tobias hadn't come to work. His abrupt departure the night before and his absence today—was it all because of that phone call? The question gnawed at her throughout the week, the mystery of his sudden disappearance twisting in her mind. Tobias Larkin, always so composed, so controlled, had vanished without a trace. One week later… "Cordelia! Stop daydreaming! Take these documents to Horizon Tower—the address is right there, so pay attention!" A folder slapped down onto her desk, pulling her from her thoughts. Cordelia blinked, startled, only to look up and find Mia Sullivan standing over her, her expression a mix of irritation and disdain. From Cordelia's angle, Mia's heavily lined eyes looked almost serpentine—sharp, calculating, and cold. Her lip twitched as she muttered a half-hearted "Oh" and slowly gathered the documents. "Hurry up! You can't afford to mess this up!" Mia snapped, her arms crossed under her ample chest as she turned to leave, her tight pencil skirt accentuating every step. "Always spacing out—I honestly can't imagine why they even hired someone like you!" Mia's voice was loud enough to draw the attention of their coworkers, who cast curious glances in Cordelia's direction. Yet, Cordelia remained unaffected, her gaze steady and her posture calm as she tucked the documents into her briefcase. Mia, however, was already back with her friends, laughing and chatting animatedly. The conversation shifted to celebrity gossip—something Cordelia had little interest in. But as she passed behind them, the mention of Tobias' name made her steps falter. "God, Mr. Larkin is still the most eligible bachelor in the city! He's been number one for years!" Mr. Larkin? Cordelia's heart skipped a beat. The name sent a strange ripple through her, like a memory she wasn't quite ready to face. She looked over at the computer screen where a photo of Tobias appeared—his usual icy demeanor softened by a white casual suit. Even in the informal attire, his coolness was unmistakable, the same self-assuredness etched in every line of his expression. Of course, Tobias Larkin would be Riverstead's most eligible bachelor. That was never in doubt. But where had he disappeared to? "Number two isn't bad either... Alexander Hart! The new Hollywood heartthrob!" "Shh! Don't let Mia hear you say that!" one of Mia's friends whispered, glancing nervously toward the woman herself. "Everyone knows Mr. Larkin is her dream man! She's convinced she'll marry him someday—she thinks as long as he's single, she's got a shot!" The group chatted enthusiastically, clearly trying to stay in Mia's good graces. After all, she was the frontrunner for the next executive secretary position. With Tobias away—presumably on a business trip—and his current executive secretary, Lucy Bennett, also absent, they felt free to gossip and flatter Mia to their hearts' content. Sure enough, Mia's face grew more animated with each comment, like a rose about to bloom, beaming as if Tobias had already made her his bride. The scene made Cordelia's eyes sting for reasons she couldn't quite explain. Her expression remained neutral as she stood motionless behind Mia, her gaze distant and unfocused.