Chapter two:The Elegance of Danger"
We finally reached Vale & Co, one of the most influential fashion and business empires in the world — renowned for managing million-dollar contracts and launching global trends. The building itself stood like a fortress of dreams and power, all sleek glass and polished metal, gleaming under the afternoon sun.
The company was owned by Mr. Landon Vale, a man admired worldwide not only for his brilliance but for his unwavering kindness and quiet wisdom. People spoke of him like a legend, a man who rose from nothing and built an empire without crushing souls on his way up.
But standing there, looking at the name carved in gold on the entrance wall, I couldn't stop the thought that flickered across my mind like a shadow.
How does such a good man create a devil?
As the doors slid open, the chilled air of the lobby brushed against my skin like a whisper of warnings I was choosing to ignore. A young man in a navy suit walked over, his expression calm and professional.
"Hello, Miss Juliet," he said politely, giving a slight nod of respect.
"Hello, good evening," I replied.
"Good evening to you, ma'am. Mr. Landon is expecting you. I'll take you to him."
I nodded with a polite smile and followed him toward the elevator. The soft chime of the lift echoed through the silence as we rose higher. With each passing floor, my heart beat a little faster — not from nerves, but from the memories I was trying to suppress.
When we reached the top floor, he stepped out and gently knocked on the grand office door.
Knock knock.
"Come in," a calm, familiar voice replied from inside.
The door opened to reveal Mr. Landon Vale, seated behind his massive oak desk, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun through his window. Papers and files surrounded him like a fortress of responsibility, but his eyes sparkled with warmth when he looked up.
"Well, hello, Jules. You're quite welcome. I thought you wouldn't come today."
I smiled. "I'll always come to see you, sir."
He chuckled lightly. "I know you're wondering why I called you."
I stepped further in. "Yes, sir?"
He rose from his chair and walked around the desk.
"There's an important occasion coming up…" he began with a thoughtful tone.
I already knew where this was going. I smiled knowingly. "So, you want me to design the clothes for the event, right?"
He returned my smile. "Of course, Jules. I was even hoping you'd attend as well."
"Really, sir… I don't think I should come."
"Why not, Jules? You're not just a designer anymore — you're a businesswoman now, with several successful companies under your name. You should be seen. You should see how things work on the other side."
"I'd honestly love to come," I said softly, "but I'm flying back to Nigeria this week. It's my younger brother's birthday. I haven't seen him in months, and I promised I'd be there."
His expression softened. "Oh, of course, family always comes first. But I still insist you attend, even if it's just for a few hours."
He laughed gently. "So… how did the fashion show go?"
"It was amazing," I said with genuine pride in my voice.
"I'm glad to hear that," he replied, letting my heart settle a bit in his calm presence.
But peace never lasts long ,not around him.
Just then, the door behind me clicked open.
I didn't even need to look. I knew that sound.
I knew the scent of his cologne, sharp and invasive.
I knew the shift in the air ,the tension, the arrogance.
The monster had arrived.
I kept my eyes on Mr. Landon, as I said, "I'll take my leave now."
"Alright," he nodded. "I hope to hear your feedback soon."
I turned around and started walking toward the door, refusing to glance at the man now standing inside the room. But of course ,he wouldn't let me go that easily.
"Hello, Juliet," he said, his voice low, smooth, and full of mockery. That voice always felt like silk laced with poison.
He stepped closer. I could feel his icy blue eyes crawling over me from head to toe.
"You look quite sexy today, Miss Juliet."
I didn't respond. I didn't flinch. I just kept walking.
But of course, Aiden Vale, son of the great Landon Vale , the heir to the empire and the devil in designer shoes ,followed me like a shadow I couldn't escape.
"What do you want?" I snapped, finally turning to face him once we reached the hallway.
He leaned against the wall, smirking, his presence loud even in silence.
"Why are you always acting so hard to get?" he asked, stepping closer.
My eyes narrowed. "Don't come any closer. I swear, you don't want to see your end today."
He laughed .... loud, amused, almost unhinged. "You're such an amazement, Juliet. Always so… fierce. It's refreshing."
"Let's just end this tension with a drink at the bar, hmm?" he added, his voice suddenly softer, like he thought charm could erase everything.
I scoffed. "I'm fine, Aiden. And leave me alone, okay?"
He took a step back, still smiling, as if my coldness thrilled him.
I didn't give him another second. I turned and walked straight out of the building — my heels hitting the marble floor like a promise.
I was done playing nice.
Because monsters only grow when you pretend they're not real.