The Scent of Control

My specialty? Breaking hearts. Especially the kind of women who talk about brotherhood but secretly lust after someone elses man.

The whole circle was waiting for me to fall, thinking I, once the shadow power behind Ashworth Corp, had lost my edge. That consultant sneered at me, You're just the bosss sister, not his wife.

She despised high fashion, wore fatigues, clung to Edward Ashworth, and even crashed in his private suite. I returned from three years in Europe to find this ex-military consultant by his side.

I was the one who tamed that wild wolf cub. Edward's severe insomnia? Only my special essential oil blend could make him sleep. Everyone knows the ruthless Edward Ashworth fears nothingexcept perhaps a single frown from his sister, me.

The grandfather clock outside the top-floor office chimed three times. I sat on a French sofa, idly toying with a cold metal lighter. Neil, the chief assistant, pushed open the door. Despite the frigid hallway, his forehead was slick with cold sweat.

Ms. Ashworth, Mr. Ashworth stayed at the office again tonight.

I raised the black coffee before me and took a sip. Still with the same consultant, I presume?

Neil lowered his head further. Yes. Consultant Vance said the security system upgrade has a few glitches that need to be ironed out with Mr. Ashworth overnight. She she also said that mercenaries dont stand on ceremony, so shed just crash on the sofa in Mr. Ashworths private lounge.

I set down the coffee cup, the porcelain clinking against the glass coffee table with a dull thud. Neils shoulders visibly flinched.

Vance. That name had been echoing through the Ashworth Tower like thunder lately. A former mercenary whod weathered three years of gunfire overseas, shed landed a huge security contract with Ashworth Corp. Yet, instead of staying in the five-star suite the company arranged, she practically lived in the executive office. She always wore cargo pants, her hair cut in a short, shaggy style, and never knocked before entering, claiming it was a professional habit from her time in war zones. Edward, surprisingly, allowed it.

Just then, faint sounds of intertwined laughter C a mans and a womans C drifted from the executive office. I stood up, smoothing the creases in my bespoke business suit.

Lets go. Time to deliver Mr. Ashworths calming essential oil. His insomnia wont let him break free from my concoction.

Neil hesitated, then led the way, swiping his access card to open the door. The executive office door wasnt fully closed. As I approached, the conversation inside became distinct.

Yo, Edward, did your abs shrink recently? Office guys just cant cut it. Come on, feel my core, is it solid or what? It was Vances voice, a deliberately lowered, rough growl, full of self-important swagger.

Then came Edwards low chuckle. Consultant Vance certainly has hidden depths.

Damn right! When I was on missions overseas, Id share a tent with those six-foot-three muscle-bound mercs. Thats a bullet-blocking kind of bond. Nothing like your pampered socialites back home, who need an emergency room visit for a scraped knee. So dramatic.

I pushed the door open. The scene inside unfolded before me. Edward sat at his large desk, reviewing financial reports. Vance was sprawled half-across the desk, one leg propped on the armrest of his executive chair, devouring a box of takeaway fried chicken, her mouth greasy. She was draped in Edwards suit jacket, the oversized bespoke garment hanging loosely over her, revealing only a tight black tank top underneath.

Seeing me enter, Vance paused, then tossed a chicken bone into the trash. She didnt stand, just casually tilted her chin. Well, well, Ms. Ashworth. Burning the midnight oil, are we? Coming to chat work with Edward?

Edward looked up, his gaze falling on the velvet box in my hand. Miranda.

I walked over, took out the essential oil bottle, and placed it on the desk. Time for your medicine.

Vance reached out to grab the bottle. What kind of magic elixir is this, so precious? Let me give it a sniff for Edward. In our squad, anything ingested or inhaled goes through a security check.

I gave her a frosty look, flipping my wrist to avoid her hand. Consultant Vance, this is a prescription essential oil.

Vances hand missed. She let out a dry laugh, then casually wiped her greasy fingers on the hem of Edwards suit jacket.

No need for the sour face, Ms. Ashworth. Im a straightforward person, dont understand all your high-society twists and turns. She then squeezed herself onto the armrest of Edwards chair, her arm slinging naturally over his shoulder. Right, Edward?

Edward didnt push her away, just gazed at me, his dark eyes unreadable. Miranda, Vance has a wild streak. Try to be more understanding.

The following evening, the corporation hosted a banquet at a private club, a welcome for Vances security team. I sat to Edwards right. Vance, dressed in a black leather jacket today, sprawled unapologetically in the main guest seat to his left.

After a few rounds of drinks, Leo stood up. He was Vances second-in-command, a former extreme sports enthusiast and trust-fund kid whod spent a few years overseas with Vance. Now he fancied himself enlightened, superior to everyone.

Mr. Ashworth, I believe our overseas divisions narrow escape was all thanks to Vance. Even though shes a woman, shes tougher than any man, a hundred times better than those delicate socialites who only know how to shop and swipe their cards, clutching their designer bags! Leos challenging gaze swept directly towards me as he spoke.

Several security executives exchanged uneasy glances, offering forced chuckles of agreement. Vance raised a decanter, chugging half a pint of whiskey in one go, then wiped her mouth with a flourish of bravado. Leo, cut the crap. I just cant stand that manipulative type. Women should stand on their own two feet. Always getting cosmetic surgery, scheming for a mans money C its pathetic.

She pushed back her chair and walked to the entertainment area in the center of the private room. Mr. Ashworth, just drinking is too dull. How about I show everyone some dart skills to liven things up?

Edward leaned back in his chair and nodded. Go ahead.

Vance casually picked up a few professional metal darts from the table. Her movements were indeed sharp, but with every throw, the darts trajectory seemed to intentionally graze my side of the room. The last dart, she spun around abruptly and launched, its steel tip embedding itself directly into the solid wood paneling beside my ear. It was barely three inches from my temple. The air stirred by its flight brushed my hair.

The room fell into a deathly silence.

Vance clapped her hands, then burst out laughing. Oops, Ms. Ashworth, did I scare you? My hands a bit heavy sometimes. If I gave Ms. Ashworth a fright, Ill take a penalty drink. Her words were apologetic, but her eyes gleamed with the satisfaction of provocation.

I remained seated, not even a flicker in my eyelashes. Consultant Vances aim and agility are certainly impressive, but her judgment seems a little off.

Vances face stiffened. What do you mean by that, Ms. Ashworth? Are you looking down on us security professionals?

I merely suggest that if Consultant Vance claims to be Mr. Ashworths brother, her actions are surprisingly ill-considered. Pointing a weapon at a corporate vice president during a Ashworth banquet? In any other company, youd be facing charges for endangering public safety.

Vance turned to Edward, pouting, affecting the air of an aggrieved comrade. Edward, look at your sister. I told you Im a rough-and-tumble type, dont follow all those rules. That was a slip of the hand, not aimed at her. Is Ms. Ashworth just annoyed with me, jealous Im stealing her thunder?

Edward put down his glass. Miranda, Vance has had too much to drink. It was just a joke. He avoided my gaze, then gave Vance a subtle nod. Go back to your seat.

Vance smirked triumphantly at me, then turned and walked back. As she passed Leo, they exchanged smiles and high-fived emphatically.

After the banquet, I stopped Edward in the clubs underground parking garage. What do you think of Vance?

Edward paused, signaling his bodyguards to step back. What are you getting at, Miranda?

Her intentions towards you arent pure.

Edward chuckled softly, then lowered his head to light a cigarette. Are you jealous, Miranda?

I looked at him. Im merely reminding you that business secrets and personal safety allow no one to overstep boundaries. Shes using the good friend facade, but her actions are becoming increasingly out of line.

Edwards cigarette-holding fingers reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. Miranda, you worry too much. Vance saved my life; shes straightforward, no hidden agendas. Besides He lowered his head, his warm breath fanning my neck, his voice husky. I only tolerate your scent.

I brushed his hand away. I hope Mr. Ashworth remembers what he said today.

Edward looked at his empty hand, his eyes darkening, but he didnt argue further, just opened the car door and got in. Watching the taillights of the Maybach disappear, only a cold smile remained in my heart. Straightforward? If she were truly straightforward, she wouldnt deliberately wear his suit in the executive office, nor would she publicly humiliate me at a dinner. These pathetic attempts at vying for favor were games Id grown tired of playing back when I was a teenager caught in the Ashworth familys power struggles.

Two weeks after Vance joined Ashworth Corp, the calming essential oil I blended vanished. It was something Edward used every night. Only I had the formula, which contained a highly addictive substance that was difficult to extract.

I pushed open the executive office door. Before I even stepped inside, I was hit by a harsh mix of strong black coffee and cheap air freshener. Inside, Vance was directing the cleaning lady to throw the special diffuser I kept on Edwards desk into the trash.

Toss it, toss it! Whats this sissy stuff? Gives you a headache just smelling it.

I walked in, my heels clicking. Put that down.

The cleaning lady jumped, her hand trembling, looking at me apologetically. Vance turned around, holding a cup of iced Americano. Oh, Ms. Ashworth, youre here. Perfect, I was just helping Edward clean out all this useless junk.

Thats Mr. Ashworths calming essential oil.

Calming? Looks more like a hypnotic poison to me. Vance walked up to me, shaking her iced Americano. Ms. Ashworth, men need to have some grit. Constantly sniffing these sweet, soft things dulls Edwards wolf spirit. Overseas, when we couldnt keep going, wed chug black coffee and get into a couple of fights. Thats what a real man does!

I stared at her coldly. He has severe insomnia. Stopping the medication could be dangerous.

Thats a habit you created! Vances voice rose. Insomnia? Its just being dramatic. Drag him to a boxing gym for ten rounds, hell be so exhausted hell sleep like a dead man the moment his head hits the pillow. Edwards been spoiled rotten by your controlling ways.

Just then, Edward emerged from his lounge. He wore a white shirt, collar unbuttoned, his eyes shadowed with deep exhaustion C clearly he hadnt slept well again last night. Whats all the noise?

I pointed to the diffuser in the trash can. Edward, Consultant Vance threw away your medicine.

Edward frowned, looking at Vance. Vance immediately walked over, bumping his shoulder in a friendly, bro-like gesture. Edward, Im doing this for your own good. All those random fragrances can damage your nerves if you smell them too much. Look how pale you are; you lack exercise. From today on, Ill take you to the boxing gym after work. I guarantee youll sleep like a log.

Edward rubbed his throbbing temples. I have been getting headaches lately.

I looked at him. Are you keeping her theory, or the essential oil?

Edward fell silent. Vance tugged his sleeve, shaking it. Edward, just trust your buddy this once, okay? Would I ever hurt you? Weve got a bullet-blocking kind of bond.

Edward looked up, meeting my eyes. Miranda, Vance means well. This medicine perhaps we can try stopping it for a few days.

My hands, tucked into my trench coat pockets, clenched tightly. My long nails dug into my palms, a sharp sting.

Youve made up your mind?

Yes. I want to try Vances method.

Vance smugly tilted her chin at me. Hear that? Housekeeping, get that junk out of here!

I stared at the empty desk, the last vestiges of warmth in my heart completely chilling. In that case, I wont disturb Mr. Ashworths pursuit of a good workout. I turned and walked out of the executive office.

Behind me, Vances undisguised voice carried clearly. Edward, look at her cold face, like someone owes her a million dollars. Its so much more comfortable being with us brothers, right?

Edward didnt answer. But I heard the rustle of him picking up his jacket.

In the second basement level of the Ashworth Tower, there was a private boxing gym built specifically for Edward. Today, Leo was there too. Inside the octagonal cage, Vance and Edward, wearing boxing gloves, were sparring, punching with full force, sweat flying. When Edward rested, he sat by the ringside, subconsciously rubbing a watch on his wrist. It was an antique Patek Philippe. Id bought it for him on his eighteenth birthday, scouring antique markets across Europe with the first bonus Id ever earned from a project. Hed worn it ever since, never taking it off.

I walked past the gym, not intending to stop.

Ms. Ashworth! Leo, sharp-eyed, called out loudly. Since youre here, why not come down and offer some pointers? Oh, right, I forgot youre a refined lady, cant stand the sight of blood.

Vance took out her mouthguard and wiped sweat from her face. Leo, dont bother Ms. Ashworth. Shes a hothouse flower, never seen this kind of scene. Probably wouldnt even dare kill a chicken.

The two of them bantered, eliciting muffled chuckles from the surrounding security personnel. Edward leaned against the railing, not saying a word to stop them, just watching me calmly from a distance.

I stopped at the top of the stairs. I certainly dont understand the barbaric ways you choose to vent.

Vances face darkened. Barbaric? Ms. Ashworth, this is strength! Without us shedding blood and fighting out there, where would you get the peace and quiet to sit in your air-conditioned office signing contracts? With that, she swung herself over the octagonal cage railing, jumping out onto the floor. The movement was too large, and she landed with a thud, colliding with Edward.

Ow!

Edwards wrist slipped, and the clasp of the antique watch came undone, sending it flying. The mechanical watch arced through the air, then smashed heavily onto the hard concrete floor. A sharp crack. The watch face shattered, intricate parts scattering everywhere.

The air instantly froze. I stared at the scattered pieces, my heart clenching. Edward sprang to his feet, the low pressure around him instantly dropping to freezing point, his face terrifyingly grim. Vance seemed startled too, but quickly shrugged nonchalantly. She walked over and poked the broken watch with the tip of her shoe.

Oops, it broke. Sorry, Edward, I couldnt stop myself there. She looked up, her face nonchalant as she gazed at Edward. Its just a broken watch, right? Ill deduct it from my commission and buy you a brand new Rolex. Much cooler than this old-fashioned thing.

Edwards eyes were fixed on the watch on the ground, his hands clenched into fists, veins bulging on his forearms. I watched him, waiting for his reaction. Waiting for him to erupt in thunderous fury.

However, Leo quickly stepped in to smooth things over. Mr. Ashworth, Vance didnt mean it. Out with the old, in with the new, right? Its just a watch. How can it compare to the bullet Vance took for you in the jungle?

Edwards fists tightened, then loosened, then tightened again. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them again, the ferocity in his gaze was forcibly suppressed.

Forget it. His voice was terribly hoarse. If its broken, its broken.

Vance breathed a sigh of relief, then walked over and hooked her arm around Edwards neck with practiced ease. Thats the spirit! Big strong man, dont sweat over a watch. Come on, lets get back to training!

I stood rooted to the spot, looking at the wreckage on the floor. I knew the game was over.

Edward turned his head, looking at me. There was a flicker of struggle and panic in his dark eyes. Miranda, you heard her. Vance didnt mean it. You should go back to your office.

I slowly walked down the steps, bent down, and began to pick up the shattered watch face and pieces one by one. The sharp edges of the broken glass instantly cut my palm, tiny beads of crimson blood welling up. But I felt no pain. Only an endless coldness, spreading instantly from my feet to every fiber of my being.

Edward Ashworth. I called him by his full name for the first time. Do you really think this is just a broken watch?

Edward awkwardly avoided my gaze. Im tired. Miranda, please go.

I clutched the blood-stained pieces in my hand. Fine. I nodded, my voice so calm it even surprised me. Since Mr. Ashworth finds my presence bothersome, Ill simply vanish completely. I wont get in the way of your brotherly bond anymore. I turned, walking step by step out of the gym.

Behind me, Vances sneering laughter floated through the air. Edward, look at her, so dramatic. Its just a watch, whats the big deal?

Whats the big deal? Of course, its a big deal. Because what shattered wasnt just a watch. It was ten years of my effort poured into him, and the last shred of my meager patience.

Back in the top-floor office, I called Neil. Book me a flight, pack my things.

Neil was stunned. Ms. Ashworth, where are you going? Werent you just done with the handover in Europe?

I tossed the blood-stained broken watch onto the desk. To the seaside villa.

What about Mr. Ashworth?

Dont tell him. Cancel all his access to my itinerary. I looked out at the city lights, gradually dimming as night fell. From this day forward, Ashworth Corporation will have no one named Miranda Ashworth.