“One, two…” Andrew’s voice was cold and commanding, his sharp gaze slicing through the throng of reporters, sending involuntary shivers down their spines. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent warning that made it clear he meant business..
Ryan cursed, “What the hell are you all standing around for? Waiting for me to buy you breakfast? Get the hell out!”
The reporters scrambled to exit, but the bouncers at the bar’s entrance blocked their path. They meticulously scrutinized each camera, ensuring that every photo of Andrew was swiftly deleted before anyone could slip through.
Andrew’s gaze lingered on the retreating figures as they disappeared down the stairs, his expression chillingly cold.
“Jesus!” Ryan exclaimed, barely able to contain his surprise. His gaze fell on the scratch marks on Andrew’s chest, and a sly smile crept onto his face. “Well, well, Andrew… Who was the lucky lady that finally got you last night?”
Andrew’s eyes darkened, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. He turned back toward the room, silently seething, ‘I want to know who the hell she was too.’
Ryan followed closely behind, his chatter relentless, curiosity bubbling over. He was eager to uncover the identity of the enigmatic woman who had piqued Andrew’s interest.
The bedroom was a chaotic mess–clothes scattered haphazardly, remnants of last night’s intimacy hanging in the air. The shower in the bathroom still dripped steadily.
“Looks like you two had quite the night, huh?” Ryan teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “From the shower to the bed? Or was it the other way around? Man, first time and you’re already a pro in the sack!” He threw an arm around Andrew’s shoulders, grinning from ear to ear, reveling in the juicy gossip he couldn’t wait to share with the guys later.
But Andrew’s keen eyes were drawn to the nightstand, where three coins and a scrap of paper lay. He picked up the note, and as he read the few hastily scrawled words, anger surged through him, tightening his grip around the paper until it crumpled in his fist.
Ryan, ever the reckless one, leaned in and read the note aloud, “Your skills are only worth these few pennies!”
“Ha! No way, Andrew! Don’t tell me you only lasted a minute-” Ryan erupted into laughter, but it was abruptly cut short as Andrew kicked him out of the bedroom. Wincing in pain, he quickly learned to keep his mouth shut.
Inside the room, Andrew’s voice cut through the air with chilling authority. “Check the security footage!”
He clenched the coins tightly in his fist, frustration boiling over. ‘My skills?‘ A cold laugh escaped his lips as the thought crossed his mind. ‘You better hope I never find you.’
Last night, despite his dazed state, every moment replayed vividly in his mind. He recalled how the woman had cried and begged for mercy, her soft voice whimpering like a kitten—it was all burned into his mind.
He had tried several times to catch a glimpse of her face, but she’d always skillfully avoided him. The only clear image he retained was of a beautiful crescent–shaped birthmark on her waist.
As he reflected on the night, his thoughts momentarily blanked out before he quickly shook them off. He wasn’t the type to get caught up in feelings for women. Countless had attempted to seduce him, and he had always turned a blind eye. Yet this woman–she had ignited something entirely different within him.
Across from the bar, Wendy sat in a café, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding through the glass window. Her features
1/3
3:38
Chapter 11
twisted in fury as she clenched her fists, her long nails digging into her palms without her even feeling the pain. “Why?” she murmured, frustration bubbling within her. “Why was Andrew in that room?”
‘Could it be that last night, Nora and Andrew were together? If they were involved, my engagement to Andrew would be in serious jeopardy. No way–Andrew couldn’t possibly like someone as ordinary as Nora. He was just using her.
There had to be a mistake; it could only be one person in that room–yes, it had to be. With her thoughts spiraling, Wendy stumbled out of the café, her mind a haze.
After escaping the club, Nora didn’t return home. Instead, she made a beeline for the medical lab to get a thorough checkup. Once she confirmed that everything was fine, she took a shower and changed into fresh clothes. Today marked her first day at Julian’s company, Kayson Designs, and she couldn’t afford to be late.
As she was about to exit the lab, Nora bumped into Nathan. He flashed a charming grin, his expression dripping with flattery. “Hey, boss! I noticed you were a bit upset yesterday, so I thought I’d give you some space to cool off. You feeling better now?”
He was well aware of Nora’s capabilities—after all, as the CEO of Valor Studio, she seemed invincible. Yet, he could never have imagined that last night had brought her to a rough patch.
Nora clenched her fist, resisting the urge to punch him. If he hadn’t chosen that damned place for their meeting, none of this mess would have happened. And now, to make matters worse, she had been taken advantage of by a “future cripple.” Her body still ached in places, but that was something she would never admit out loud.
Loosening her fist, Nora gritted her teeth. “I’m fine. We’ll talk about relocating the Valor Studio later. I’ve got things to do today.” She stepped around Nathan and hailed a taxi.
“Boss, what’s wrong with your foot? Are you hurt? Let me give you a ride!” Nathan called after her. The only response he received was the sound of the car door slamming shut. He scratched his head in confusion, bewildered by Nora’s anger.
*****
Kayson Designs sat at the vibrant heart of Windiburg’s bustling CBD. As Nora stepped into the lobby, she settled in to wait for HR to complete her onboarding. In just ten minutes, she observed eight or nine companies pitching their projects–a striking indication of Kayson Designs‘ stronghold on the local market.
If Valor Studio wanted to establish itself after relocating from Oseland, it was clear that serious strategizing was in order.
Nearly two hours passed, yet there was still no sign of HR. Nora decided to check in with the receptionist.
The receptionist responded with a dismissive tone, “What’s the rush? Plenty of people are desperate to get into Kayson Designs.” She glanced at Nora’s résumé and smirked. “With your background, what’s the harm in waiting a little longer?”
“But I was the first one here. First come, first served, right? I should be processed first.” Nora’s voice remained calm and steady, despite the irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
The receptionist, having dealt with countless job applicants, regarded Nora as the least impressive among them, her disdain evident. “You’ll wait when I say so. If you don’t want the job, just leave,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes and making no effort to hide her annoyance.
Before Nora could retort, a deep voice cut through the tension. “You can pack your things and leave.”
Axel Woods strode up to the front desk, his sharp suit tailored to perfection, glasses perched on his nose as he fixed his gaze on the rude receptionist. As Julian’s personal assistant, his words carried the weight of authority.
2/3
3:38 am MMA
Chapter 11
The receptionist gasped. “Mr. Woods, 1–I didn’t mean-
“HR, get over here,” Axel interrupted, not allowing her a moment to explain, effectively firing her on the spot. The stunned silence that followed was palpable, leaving everyone who witnessed the scene in disbelief.
Axel turned to Nora, his expression shifting to one of respect. ‘Miss Harper, this way, please…”
As Nora followed him toward the elevator, the curious gazes of the other new hires trailed after her, a mix of envy and surprise flickering in their eyes.
3/3
