Once back at his desk, Ioan bit his lips angrily. How could she treat him like that? he thought to himself.

His mind was wavering back and forth; he wanted Maria back, and the only idea of her with that man sent him into darkness. His possessiveness came back up as fast as ever. He then remembers when she was dating another man in the past and how she cried in his arms after they broke up. In fact, there was a secret; he was the one who made the two of them break up just to have her. She was his only person, as he was the only one for her.

His behavior aroused Portia's keen observation. She had been watching him closely; his unusual demeanor piqued her curiosity.

Her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she rose from her seat and strode purposefully to Ioan's desk. He snapped out of his reverie at her voice calling his name.

"Ioan, follow me," she said, looking at him pleasedly. He nodded his head and followed her into her office.

He stood there without saying anything. In fact, they did not like each other, but Portia noticed something that might make them allies.

"You seem to know the director's personal secretary." That sentence made his blood cold; he was unsure where it led them.

"What if I do?" asked him, sitting down cocky, looking at her boldly in the eyes. That made her laugh. "Well, then, I have a proposal," continued her, sitting at the desk.

"Shall we work together?" she said with a big smile, "for the sake of our relationships" continued playing with her hair, "as I saw you like her, while I ... I do like the director." Ioan partially covered his smile with a hand. That was a possibility for him to get Maria back and to increase his position. He could use that woman to reach his goals.

"Alright, what did you have in mind?" asked him with a big smile returning hers.

Meanwhile, on the Ninth Floor

Helena felt a wave of confusion wash over her as she observed Maria trying to breathe calmly while seated in her chair. Even before Helena could say anything, Maria preceded her. "Can we limit access to the director's office?" asked her trying to stay composed. Helena was speechless because that was something already on vigor. In fact, no one should go to that floor, so how did he get there? That was strange.

At that moment, Kilee returned and found herself in front of a strange atmosphere.

"What's happening?" asked her, looking at Helena.

"I'm here with the reports" was a code name they used to say the investigation was going through something.

"Get in," she said, entering her office.

Helena hesitated for a moment, uncertain whether to let Maria outside. Although she didn't know the details, something felt off. Ioan and Maria were talking when she arrived. She heard nothing, but the atmosphere was tense, and Maria's behavior seemed strange.

Minutes passed in complete silence. Kilee turned back, staring at Helena, who looked strangely at Maria. Then, an idea struck her. Was Helena interested in Maria? Kilee clenched her fists.

Helena suddenly spoke outside the office, "Director, I'm sorry if I'm overstepping, but..." Her words captured Kilee's full attention.

"I'd like to ask you to move Maria's desk inside, " Kilee glanced curiously. "Ioan was here," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kilee's eyes darkened suddenly; that reaction made Helena get goosebumps. "Can I ask you something?" she said, her tone light yet serious. 

"Who is that man?" The question surprised Maria and allowed her to ask for a favor.

She believed she loved him for many years, but her experience with Kilee in these last months offered a stark contrast. Memories she had long forgotten surged back like a hurricane, overwhelming her senses.

"I owe it to myself to at least try," she whispered, summoning her courage to affront that conversation without noticing that tears were flowing down her cheeks like a hurricane.

"Maria," said Helena, shocked. Her trembling voice and panicked, widened eyes made Kilee fly over in a split second. She kneeled and hugged her very tightly as if to suffocate her pain.

Maria was a strong woman, but the burden on her shoulders started to crumble slowly. She carried them too long, and Ioan's web of lies had a more significant impact on her than she thought. In fact, she had no more feelings for him. Still, she realized that she started to admire Kilee inappropriately, and fear unleashed a torrent of emotions she had kept inside, forcefully getting outside.

With Kilee, Maria felt a sense of hope blossom but was scarred to ruin herself again; she did not dare to confront her new feelings.

"Are you better?" asked Kilee, getting Maria back to herself.

"Yeah, sorry," answered her with empty puffy eyes, looking at the floor. Kilee lifted gently her chin and looked straight into her eyes; her expression made Maria notice Kilee's feelings. She was now sure that Kilee had feelings for her too but was not sure if was the same feeling she had.

"Ahem,," said Helena, all embarrassed behind them. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but... people may come,," she said, indicating the elevator.

"Maria, come inside," said Kilee, inviting her to follow her into the study. "Helena, you too," continued Kilee.

The three of them were sitting at the desk in complete silence. Maria was floating into embarrassment, while Kilee seemed relieved to see her reaction. Helena was smiling at the cute view in front of her.

Kilee did not know how to start the argument, but then she had to do something. She turned toward Maria and without thinking twice said, "Helena is my cousin." causing both Helena and Maria speechless. Before any of them could say anything she turned toward Helena and continued, "And... I'm currently living with Maria," causing the two women to look at each other shocked.

"Cousin?" - " Living together? " Both were speechless, but Helena's face was possessed by a giant smile. She was so excited that her hands started to water into the air.