Scott was buried behind a mountain of documents, focused on the firm's financial records. Throughout the week, he had been deliberately avoiding Sylvia, immersing himself in work to push aside the sting of the conversation he overheard the ladies having about him. The comment Sylvia made still echoed in his mind and cut deep.

It wasn't the first time he had heard a woman question his manhood-he had experienced that before. But hearing it from Sylvia, the woman who had sparked something inside him from the moment he first saw her, hurt more than he could have imagined.

Never before had he felt such pain, especially coming from someone he cared for. He couldn't fathom why an intelligent woman like her would think less of a nice, easy-going guy. Confused, he paused and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "There's no point in dwelling on it," he thought. "What's done is done. All that matters now is that there will be no more Mr. Nice Guy in this office. Just like Ben said, it's time to toughen up. Even my own brother thinks I'm a joke."

In Ben's office, Sylvia places a stack of documents in front of him.

"Here are the documents you requested, and I've also cancelled the reservation you made at the restaurant for your meeting with the client. Additionally, I've rescheduled a new meeting for you both. Is there anything else you need?"

Ben looks up from his laptop. "No, that'll be all. Thank you. You can go now."

Instead of leaving after being dismissed, Sylvia lingers at her spot. Noticing her hesitation, Ben turns his attention back to her.

"Is there something on your mind, Miss Benson?"

She hesitates slightly before speaking. "It's nothing urgent. I've just observed something and was hoping to ask you about it."

Ben raises an eyebrow. "Go ahead."

"I've noticed a change in Mr. MacLen's attitude lately. People say he storms into the office looking angry, and it's like his usual smile has vanished. He doesn't greet anyone anymore. Not that he owes anyone a greeting, but it just seems out of character for him. It makes me wonder if he's dealing with something."

Ben studies Sylvia's concerned expression for a moment before responding.

"And if he is facing some troubles, Miss Benson, what would you do?"

Sylvia is momentarily taken aback by his direct question. As she stands there, she contemplates her answer.

Seeing her uncertainty, Ben chuckles and reclines in his chair, watching her with an amused expression.

"Well, Miss Benson, I'm not sure what's going on with my accountant, but I promise to find out. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."

"If you don't have any other questions, you can return to your work."

"Of course, sir." Ben watches her leave the room before reaching for the phone to call Scott into his office.

As Sylvia settles back at her desk, she wonders why she even mentioned Scott to Mr. Adams. Since when did his mood concern her?

She sighs, frustrated by Ben's question and her own reaction.

Later that afternoon, Scott strides into Ben's office without acknowledging Sylvia. She watches him closely, noting that it's unusual for him to walk past her desk without a word. She can't help but wonder what might be bothering him, unaware that his mood stems from her actions.

"You wanted to see me, brother?" Scott asks as he closes the door behind him.

Ben shoots him a pointed look. "I've told you not to refer to me that way in the office."

"Apologies. Just got a lot on my plate."

"Clearly," Ben replies, observing as Scott pours himself a Scotch from the side table.

Ben's expression shifts; it's unusual for Scott to help himself to the drinks without asking first. He watches as Scott settles into a chair with a glass in hand.

"So, what's going on with you?" Ben cuts straight to the chase.

Scott sips his drink before answering, "What do you mean?"

Ben's gaze falls again on the drink in Scott's hand. Scott follows his stare. "Oh, this? My bad for not asking first. Want me to pour you one?"

Ben shakes his head dismissively. "Something's definitely bothering you. Is it about Dad, or is it something else?"

Scott looks at him blankly. "What are you driving at? Everything's fine. I've just been working hard and need a drink, that's all." He takes another sip.

"Well, that's not how Miss Benson and the rest of the staff see it. They've noticed a shift in your behaviour and are concerned."

Scott frowns at the mention of their opinions. "Who cares what Miss Benson and those people think? I don't work for them, do I?"

Ben gives him an incredulous look. "Did something happen with your crush?"

Scott glares at his brother, surprised by how much he seems to know about his feelings for Sylvia. He quickly adopts an innocent expression. "I have no clue who you're talking about, sir."

Ben narrows his eyes at him. "Acting all professional all of a sudden, aren't we?"

Back in Scott's apartment, Mr. Alexander stood on the balcony, phone pressed to his ear, engaged in a heated argument with someone on the other end of the line.

"I've already told you, the gallery isn't for sale," he asserted, pausing before continuing. "I'll get you your money. I just need enough time to come up with it."

There was a lull as he listened to the voice on the other end. He began pacing the balcony. "There's no need for threats. You will get your money, just trust me on that." With that, he hung up, resting both hands on the balcony railing as he gazed out over the city below.

He let out a frustrating sigh. I guess it is a good thing I am here and not there.