"I wanted to talk to you," Chess started, then paused, his hands fidgeting slightly, like he wasn't sure how to form the words.
He's not exactly the type of guy I… Selene thought, trying to calm her racing heart.
But he noticed me? That thought lingered, impossible to ignore.
"You… played well," she blurted out, hoping a small compliment might give him courage to continue.
Chess gave a short, embarrassed laugh. "Ha… ha. We didn't win, though."
Selene smiled faintly. "Still, you tried really hard."
He nodded, chewing his lower lip, then took a small breath. "So… I wanted to ask—"
Before he could continue, a voice called out from behind.
"Chess!"
Both of them jumped slightly. Selene's eyes widened as another boy jogged over, grinning.
"Oh… you were with someone?" the newcomer said, finally noticing Selene.
Selene's face flushed, and she quickly took a step back. "I'll take my leave first," she said, forcing calm into her voice, and moved past them.
Chess opened his mouth, wanting to stop her, but she was already moving too fast. He let out a soft, frustrated sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Ooohhhh, did I interrupt something?" his friend teased, nudging him playfully.
"It's not like that," Chess muttered, his cheeks faintly pink, but the teasing only escalated.
Selene walked back into the classroom, her steps slower now, trying to steady her heartbeat. She slipped into her seat beside Sally, exhaling softly. I can always meet him later.
"Are you okay?" Sally asked gently, noticing the subtle flush on her face.
Selene nodded, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Yeah… I'm fine."
The sound of the classroom door opening made them turn, and soon the teacher walked in. The chatter died down, and the lesson resumed.
***
The lobby of Aurea Interiors gleamed with minimalist elegance: polished floors reflected the soft glow of lights, while abstract sculptures and modern art pieces punctuated the clean lines of the space. A sense of creativity hung in the air, unmistakable to anyone who stepped inside.
A woman in tailored red suit walked in without hesitation, her heels clicking softly against the marble. She approached the elevators, the doors slid open, revealing a spotless interior. She stepped inside and pressed the button for the top floor.
When the elevator doors opened, she strode down a corridor lined with framed awards and sleek installations of previous Aurea projects — geometric furniture designs, avant-garde lighting, and architectural sketches, all carefully arranged.
At the end of the corridor was a heavy wooden door. The secretary glanced up from her desk as the woman approached and stood up to greet.
"Good morning," she bowed slightly.
The woman didn't respond. And walked straight to the door. She merely offered a quick knock before pushing the door open.
Inside, the private office of the studio's head exuded quiet power. Carefully curated designs adorned the room. Every item reflected precision, taste, and uncompromising vision.
Behind the large desk sat Dominic, impeccably dressed in a white shirt and waistcoat with his sleeves rolled up his elbows, the look both formal and intentional. His posture was relaxed, as if expecting her. Though he merely glanced at her without offering a greeting, his dark eyes unreadable.
Already familiar with the office, the woman walked directly to the side cushion and sat down, crossing her legs elegantly.
"It's been a while," she said smoothly, glancing at the new decorations.
"Nothing has changed, though" she added, as if noticing wouldn't matter.
Dominic finally rose from behind the desk, moving with controlled deliberation to sit on the cushion directly opposite her. He studied her for a long moment before speaking.
"I see you've been good, Vera," he said, his tone extremely familiar.
Vera's eyes met his, unflinching, a faint smile curling on her lips. "Better than you'd expect."
He chuckled lightly at her response, but said nothing further.
"How's the family doing, I met Irene recently," she said, her voice taunting "Gushing about the company...one who didn't know better would think she owns it herself."
"She's family after all, does is matter?"
Dominic replied lazily, brushing his trousers.
"I didn't know you were this accommodating," Vera snorted. Dominic gave no reply, as though he hadn't heard her.
"Father sent me this time," Vera finally said, her tone crisp.
"To remind you of what is between us. You seem to be dragging your feet on signing the upcoming contract."
"I didn't forget," Dominic replied evenly. "I just had other matters to finish first."
"Or is it that you're planning to sign with NEST?" Vera's words were sharp, deliberate, her eyes locked on his.
"What kind of offer did Lucas made that you're willing to throw our bond away? After all, we are deeply connected, if you ask me."
Dominic remained quiet, unreadable. A low, controlled laugh finally escaped him.
"What are you saying?"
"This contract naturally goes to you,"
he said, leaning back slightly. "I just need some time to finish things off."
"Better," she added, a faint victorious smirk tugging at her lips.
Having said what she came for, Vera rose gracefully. "I won't bother you anymore now that I've delivered the message."
Dominic stood as well, moving deliberately closer.
"But…" he said, his voice low. "I think you should show some sincerity too."
"What?" Vera turned slowly, eyebrows lifting.
"I heard Mr. Frederick's healthhasn't been well lately," he began, taking a subtle step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "And Nolan… heard he has been encountering some resistance from the shareholders."
"So…" Vera arched a brow, feigning nonchalance.
"So," Dominic repeated, his presence drawing nearer, imposing yet controlled. "You should be careful. Least unforeseen circumstances arise, leaving the company with an unbalanced heir. Wouldn't that leave it to… hungry wolves to covet?"
Her pulse quickened slightly, though she remained outwardly composed.
"Oakline has been doing well over the years," he continued, his gaze sharpening. "It would truly be a shame if anything disrupted that."
Vera's lips pressed into a thin line, clearly shaken by the subtle threat, but she refused to show it.
"I'll relay your concerns to my father," she said, her tone clipped, each word deliberate.
"You should," Dominic replied calmly, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips, hands tucked neatly in his pockets.
A sudden knock at the door broke the tense standoff. Someone stepped in.
Vera offered one last measured glance at Dominic, her expression unreadable, before turning and leaving the office.
Ace bowed slightly as Vera passed by, though she gave him no acknowledgment. He remained still for a brief moment until the door clicked shut behind her.
He walked over to Dominic's desk, his steps measured, almost silent against the polished floor. Without a word, he handed over a neatly stacked file.
Dominic took it, flipping it open just long enough to scan the contents, then set it down on the table. Still facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline stretching beneath him, he spoke without turning.
"I need you to travel down there," he said, his voice low. "Some people just don't know their place. Give them a chance, and they'll feel they can go against you."
Ace's brow lifted slightly. "Do you want me to remove him?" he asked, already anticipating the person in question.
"No. Not yet." Dominic's tone was precise. "It'll be hard to find a replacement right now, and this is a crucial time for us." He allowed the faintest curve of a knowing smile to show. "Just give a warning."
Ace inclined his head and left, the soft click of the closing door marking his departure.
Dominic finally tore his gaze from the skyline, exhaling softly. "Totally ruined the mood," he murmured to no one in particular, the faintest trace of annoyance in his voice.
Everything...has its time.