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The Tokyo call went smoothly, largely because Alice had stayed up until two in the morning preparing a flawless analysis. By seven, the conference room was empty except for her and Harry, who sat reviewing the notes she had compiled.

“You predicted they would challenge the payment timeline,” he said without looking up. “How?”

Alice kept her expression neutral, masking her exhaustion. “Their previous contracts all include quarterly disbursements. It is a standard practice in their market.”

“You have reviewed their previous contracts?”

“I review everything that might be relevant to our negotiations.” It was what made her exceptional at her job, and what was currently trapping her in it.

Harry finally looked up, and Alice felt the weight of his attention like a physical presence. The intensity in his pale eyes made the hair on her arms stand up. She forced herself to remain still, to not let him see how his focus affected her.

“You drink Earl Grey tea,” he said abruptly. “Two sugars, no milk. You take your lunch at twelve-fifteen, always at your desk.”

Alice’s pulse quickened. The observation was so specific it felt like an intrusion. “I was not aware you paid attention to such details, Mr. Mendes.”

“I pay attention to everything.” His gaze did not waver, and a chill traced its way down her spine. “You have changed your lunch routine this week. Plain crackers and ginger ale instead of your usual salad.”

The statement landed like a punch to her stomach. Alice fought to keep her expression neutral, her mind racing for a plausible explanation. “I have not been feeling well. A minor stomach issue.”

“Have you seen a doctor?”

“It is not serious.”

“See one anyway.” Harry stood, gathering his papers. “I cannot have my best assistant compromised by a preventable health issue.”

The words should have felt like concern, but they carried a possessive edge that made her skin prickle. She was his best assistant. His resource.

“Of course, Mr. Mendes.”

He walked past her toward the door, then paused. “The tea on your desk this morning. Was it prepared correctly?”

Alice blinked, thrown by the question. She had found a fresh cup of Earl Grey waiting at her station when she arrived at six. She had assumed it was a kind gesture from the early morning cleaning staff. “Yes, it was perfect. Thank you.”

“Good.” Harry left without another word, and Alice stood alone in the conference room, her heart racing. He had known her exact tea preference. He had noticed a change in her lunch routine that she had barely registered herself. He was cataloging her habits with the same meticulous attention he applied to business.

The feeling of being watched followed her back to her desk. Throughout the morning, she felt his eyes on her from his office. When she got up to make copies, she found her usual route to the machine blocked by a junior executive asking a question. She took a longer way around, a small act of defiance, a way to break the pattern he was so clearly observing. When she returned, a bottle of water was sitting in front of her keyboard. She had not asked for it.

At lunch, she forced herself to eat the crackers she had brought. Harry emerged from his office, stopping at her desk. “Still not feeling well?”

“I am fine, Mr. Mendes. Just being cautious.”

His eyes dropped to the crackers, then back to her face. “There is a clinic two blocks from here. Dr. Sarah Chen. She is excellent and discreet. I will have my assistant make you an appointment.”

“That is not necessary.”

“It was not a request, Ms. Winston.” His tone was mild, but the steel beneath it was unmistakable. “You will go this afternoon.”

He left before she could protest. She could not see a doctor recommended by Harry. The clinic would have records, files that could potentially be accessed. At two, his assistant appeared with an appointment card for three o’clock. Refusing would only draw more attention. She was being managed.

The clinic was professional and expensive. Dr. Chen was a woman in her fifties with a no-nonsense manner. “Mr. Mendes mentioned you have been experiencing stomach issues,” she said, reviewing the intake form Alice had carefully filled out, omitting any mention of pregnancy.

“Nausea and some fatigue,” Alice said carefully. “It has been going on for a few weeks.”

Dr. Chen studied her for a long moment. “I would like to run some basic blood work, just to rule out any underlying issues.”

Alice’s mind raced. Blood work would reveal the pregnancy immediately. “Actually,” Alice said, forcing a reassuring smile. “I think I know what is causing it. I have been skipping meals and not sleeping enough with this new project. I will make sure to take better care of myself.”

“If the symptoms persist, I want you back here for those tests,” Dr. Chen said firmly.

Alice promised she would and fled the clinic. When she returned, Harry was waiting.

“What did Dr. Chen say?”

“Stress and poor eating habits. Nothing serious.”

“Then you will leave at five today,” he stated. “You will maintain reasonable hours until you are fully recovered.”

He returned to his office, and Alice sank into her chair, her hands shaking. His attention was becoming more focused, more personal, and she had no way to deflect it without raising the very questions she was desperate to avoid. He was taking care of her, in his cold, possessive way. And with every act of care, her cage grew smaller.