Chapter 18
POV: Lyra Vale
There was something different about Kieller today.
Not louder, not sharper—but unsettling in its own way.The silence between us in the car wasn't comforting—it was loud. Louder than words, heavier than anger. I sat still beside him, unsure whether to speak or stay quiet. He didn't even glance at me the entire drive to NexaTech headquarters.
When we entered the sleek lobby, our assistant—Callie—approached us with her usual corporate grace."Ma'am, the CEO is calling you to his office," she said formally.
Before I could nod, Kieller snapped."What about me? Why only Lyra?"His voice, low and sharp, cut through the air like broken glass.
I turned to him slowly. "What's wrong with you, Kieller? Why are you acting so... suspicious? It feels like something else is going on."My tone was calm, but my insides were a storm.
"Nothing much," he said curtly, not meeting my eyes. "You go."And just like that, he walked away, arrogant as ever—but there was something strange in his retreat. Something I couldn't name.
What is even happening? First, he acts like he cares. Then he acts like I'm no one. Is he angry at me or at himself? The emotional whiplash is exhausting.
"Let's go, Callie," I said firmly.As we walked, my thoughts started tangling with memories I'd rather bury.
Last night.I was drunk.And I didn't even remember how or when I left.Was I with him the whole time?What happened after my second glass?
My heart thudded uncomfortably.
We reached the CEO's office—if you could call it that. The space looked less like a cabin and more like a five-star suite, complete with floor-length windows, plush Italian furniture, and an intoxicating blend of luxury and power.
He was already seated, looking like the cover model of his own empire.
"Oh, Miss Vale," Gray said with that smirk of his. "I've been waiting for you. I was... worried when you left so suddenly after your second drink. Are you okay?"
There it was—a perfectly delivered taunt wrapped in professional concern.
But oddly, his words gave me relief.If he was teasing me, that meant nothing serious happened last night.No scandal. No mistakes. Just... maybe a little vulnerability.
"I know I left," I replied coolly. "But I was too tired to babysit you. It was my compulsion, not my choice."I smirked back, throwing the jab straight at him.
He raised a brow. "Well then... let's get back to business."
His voice had shifted—less flirtation, more command.
Fine, I thought. If he can switch to professional mode, so can I.
"Yes, Mr. Gray. I'm desperate to work with you," I said crisply.
Just then, the door flung open.
"So much desperation, Lyra," Kieller said, walking in like a hurricane. "Not enough. I'll do my best to impress you."
His arrogance had returned in full force.
"Mr. Voss," Gray said with an unreadable smirk. "I was waiting for you, too. Let's get started."He turned and walked away.
Kieller turned to me with that same fire in his eyes. "What are you thinking, Lyra?"
"What do you mean?" I frowned.
"Nothing. Just... do whatever the hell you want. And next time, don't come running to me when you're in trouble. Handle it yourself."He didn't wait for my response. He spun on his heel and walked away.
"Kieller, what's wrong with you?!" I shouted behind him.
But he didn't stop.Didn't flinch.Didn't answer.
It was easier to decode a bomb than to understand that man.
Callie approached a few minutes later. "Ma'am, your photoshoot has been arranged at the CEO's private outdoor estate. It's a beautiful location—perfect for sunlight and scenic shots."
"Let's go," I said with a sharp breath. I needed the distraction.
Outside, a gleaming white Rolls Royce awaited me again. I slipped into the leather seat and let the silence comfort me this time.
We arrived at the estate, and it was beyond breathtaking—an elegant fusion of nature and architectural finesse, custom-built to flaunt NexaTech's premium line.
"Ma'am, please come with me to the changing area," Callie guided.
And oh.It wasn't just a changing room—it was a boutique.A whole gallery of the newest luxury collections—couture gowns, sharp silhouettes, heels that could make gods fall, and bags worth more than my old penthouse.
I picked a slate grey pencil-fit silk skirt, paired it with a luxurious cropped blouse, pencil Louis Vuitton heels, a Chanel bag, and my signature Prada shades. The perfect combination of elegance, arrogance, and unstoppable ambition.
I stepped out—and Gray was already waiting near the car setup, arms folded, gaze running over me unapologetically.
"Well," he said smugly. "Now that's a NexaTech-worthy disaster in diamonds."
"Careful," I shot back, walking past him. "You might start mistaking luxury for love."
He let out a low laugh. "So, ready to promote NexaTech?"
"Ever ready."
I moved into position for the shoot. The entire production crew looked like they were prepping for a royal appearance.
Good. I was royalty today.
Different dresses. Different poses. Backdrops. Lighting changes. Every click of the camera was a statement.
Evening set in.
"That's all for today. Pack up!" someone called.
And just like that—my exhaustion vanished.Finally.
"Tomorrow's a video shoot," Gray informed me, strolling up. "You'll be test driving our latest AI-driven luxury car."
"That sounds… interesting," I replied with a light nod.
"Callie will text you the location," he added.
"Alright."
As I walked toward the entrance, I realized—I hadn't seen Kieller all day. Was he okay? Should I call him?
My phone rang before I could decide.Kieller.
"Are you done with the shoot?" he asked, voice hard-edged.
"Why? Are you jealous of my lens time?" I smirked.
"Jealous? Of you?" he scoffed. "I just hope your brains didn't fall out with your poses."
"Well, at least I have both—beauty and brains. You might want to look in a mirror before making comments like that."
He hung up.
Typical Kieller Voss behavior.
But when I stepped outside—he was there.Standing near the car.Waiting for me.
"What happened?" I asked, confused. "Why are you here?"
Something felt wrong. Off.
And then—I saw him.A man in a white mask, emerging behind Kieller with a gun in hand.
No time to think.
I screamed—and ran.
Shoved Kieller with all my strength.
BANG.
Pain shot through my right waist like fire. My knees buckled, and the world tilted, but I watched as the masked man ran.
Blood pooled at my feet. My vision blurred.
"WHAT THE F**K, LYRA?!" Kieller's voice cracked with fury and panic as he dropped to his knees beside me.
I looked down. Blood. So much blood.
But the man was still there.Still aiming.This time—at Kieller.
No. Not again.
Not him.
I will not let him get hurt because of me.
I forced myself up—staggered forward. Every step felt like stepping on knives, but I kept moving. Chasing the shooter.
"You think I'm weak?" I whispered through clenched teeth."No. I'm stronger than you thought."
And tonight—I'll prove it.
End of Chapter 18