[Jay's POV]
The "Software Update" breakfast had finally concluded, and I thought I'd be able to hide in the library for the rest of the day. But Keifer—my Hubby—had other plans. He was standing in the foyer, adjusting his cufflinks, looking every bit the 100% formidable CEO in a charcoal-grey suit that screamed power.
"Analysis, Jay?" he asked, watching me descend the stairs. "The Board has been waiting for four days. The markets are volatile. And the 'Empress' is currently the most searched term in our internal database."
"You want me to go to the office?" I asked, smoothing down my professional but chic dress. "After... the breakfast incident?"
"Especially after that," Keifer murmured, walking toward me and pulling me into his space. "I want them to see that the Constant is back and more powerful than ever. Besides, I have a new 'Office Protocol' I want to test."
The Arrival at Watson HQ
When the black SUV pulled up to the glass-and-steel skyscraper that served as the heart of the empire, the atmosphere changed instantly. The security team snapped to attention, and the lobby went dead silent as Keifer stepped out and then reached back to take my hand.
He didn't just lead me; he marched me through that lobby like he was presenting a trophy to the world. His grip on my hand was firm—that 1,000% possessive hold that told every employee and board member exactly where I stood.
The Elevator "Glitch"
We entered his private elevator, the doors sliding shut with a silent hiss. The second we were alone, the "CEO" mask slipped just a fraction. Keifer hit the 'Stop' button.
"Keif! We're going to be late for the briefing!" I laughed, looking at the floor indicator.
"The system can wait sixty seconds," he rasped, pinning me against the mahogany-paneled wall. He leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. "In the dining room, Keigan said I was 'updating your software.' I think I left a few files un-synced this morning."
He kissed me then—a deep, hungry "office-mode" kiss that tasted of power and the secret we shared. The "Glow" spiked immediately, echoing through the small space until the elevator felt like it was humming.
The Boardroom Entrance
When the doors finally opened on the executive floor, Keifer was perfectly composed, his tie straight, though his eyes were still burning. He led me straight into the main boardroom where twenty of the most powerful people in the country were sitting.
"Good morning," Keifer said, his voice dropping into that icy, authoritative tone that made people tremble. He didn't sit at the head of the table immediately. He pulled out a chair right next to his for me. "The Empress and I have completed our integration. Let's begin the report."
Throughout the meeting, he didn't let go of my hand. Under the massive marble table, our fingers were interlaced. Every time a director asked a difficult question, Keifer would squeeze my hand, drawing strength from the Constant before delivering a lethal, brilliant response.
The Private Office "Maintenance"
After the meeting, we retreated to his massive corner office. He shut the door and immediately locked it with a remote click from his desk.
"Hubby?" I teased, sitting on the edge of his glass desk. "Don't you have a merger to finalize?"
"The only thing I'm finalizing right now is your 'Cooling Protocol' from this morning," he said, discarding his blazer and walking toward me. He looked at the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. "Keiran was wrong about one thing, Jay."
"What's that?"
"I don't need a cooling pad," he murmured, pulling me into his lap in the high-backed leather chair. "I just need the System to stay right here where I can monitor it... 100% of the time."