Julian Carter's lips were as cold as his contracts.
I knew this because at 11:58 PM, two minutes before my System's bonus deadline, I grabbed his tie in the elevator of his penthouse and kissed him like it was a business transaction.
Because it was.
His hands froze at his sides. Not pushing me away. Not pulling me closer. Just… stunned.
When I pulled back, his eyes were dark, unreadable.
"Clause fulfilled," I said, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
His jaw tightened. "That wasn't a kiss. That was a negotiation tactic."
I smirked. "Then negotiate better."
System Notification:Bonus Quest Completed! +25 Allure. Julian Carter's Emotional Guard: -15%
The elevator doors slid open.
And there, leaning against the hallway wall like a shadow given human form, stood
Kai Grey.
My stepbrother.
My betrayer.
Alive.
Watching.
His icy gaze flicked from Julian's disheveled tie to my smudged lipstick.
"Ari," he said, voice like a blade wrapped in silk. "I see you've been busy."
Three Truths About Kai Grey:
1. He didn't believe in coincidences.
2. He always knew more than he let on.
3. And right now? He was pissed.
Julian straightened, his CEO mask snapping back into place. "Kai. Didn't expect to see you tonight."
Kai pushed off the wall, rolling up his sleeves. "Clearly."
The air thickened.
I forced a laugh. "Oh, don't look so scandalized. We're adults."
Kai's eyes locked onto mine. "Funny. Last I checked, you hated him."
Bingo.
I tilted my head. "People change."
"Not that fast."
Julian cleared his throat. "We can discuss this inside—"
"No." Kai stepped closer, invading my space, his cologne, smoke and mint, washing over me. "Ari. What are you doing?"
I held his gaze. I'm burning your whole world down.
But out loud? No
"Playing the game," I whispered. "Just like you taught me."
His expression flickered, something raw, something almost like regret.
Then it vanished.
System Warning:Kai Grey's Suspicion +30%. Emotional Leverage Detected: Use Now or Lose Opportunity.
I didn't hesitate.
I reached up, patting Kai's cheek like he was a misbehaving child. "Relax, brother. It's just business."
His fingers wrapped around my wrist, tight enough to bruise. "You don't know what you're playing with."
I smiled. "Neither do you."
Later That Night
Julian's penthouse was as sterile as a museum. White walls. Black furniture. No photos. No personal touches.
Just like him. Void
He poured two glasses of whiskey, sliding one down to me. "You didn't mention Kai was back."
I sipped, letting the burn steady me. "I didn't know."
"Bullshit."
I set the glass down. "Does it matter?"
Julian studied me. "You're using me to get to him."
"And you're using me for Cruz Holdings." I shrugged. "Mutual destruction, have you forgotten?"
A beat of silence.
Then—
Julian laughed. Actually laughed. "God, you're terrifying."
I grinned. "You seriously have no idea."
System Alert:Julian Carter's Respect +20%. New Quest Unlocked: "Secure a Favor."
I stood up quickly, heading for the door.
Julian called after me, "Where are you going?"
I didn't turn. "To make sure Kai doesn't ruin our plans."
"And if he does?"
I glanced back, letting my smile sharpen.
"Then I'll kill him myself."