Chapter 20 - Veiled Desires

Ken found himself frozen in place, struggling to muster a smile. The rationality he had lost moments ago had returned, a powerful resurgence. He turned slowly, facing his boss seated nonchalantly on a red sofa in the expansive living room. Dressed in a brown T-shirt and black pants, Lucian exuded casual confidence, his neatly combed hair slicked back.

As dashing as ever, a lavish dinner spread before him, the two locked eyes briefly. Ken then exhaled deeply and retraced his steps.

"Ah, Sir, I thought you were upstairs," Ken said, his smile strained but present.

"Why would I be upstairs at this time of day?" Lucian inquired, observing his disheveled secretary. "And why do you look like you're about to commit murder?"

A fleeting pallor washed over Ken's face before he quickly adopted a feigned, innocent expression. "Like what, sir?"

"Like you're on the verge of strangling someone."

Ken blinked, pretending confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Despite his anxiety, h