LOGINThe first time ever, that Ryder came in late to work, all of this happens.“So not only has the information been leaked, the software Mr. Blaze gave us, has also been stolen?” He asked Sam, while his eyes remained fixed on the tech team. They were all furiously working at their respective computers, seeking ways to salvage the situation. All careful to avoid clashing eyes with Ryder. Although his face was impassive, it was impossible to miss the rage simmering underneath. “Yes sir. But we’re working to catch the person who actually did this—“But it’s been traced to me already.” Ryder interrupted, finally turning to look at Sam. The leak wasn’t what made Ryder’s blood boil. It was the fact that whoever had done it, was making it look like it came from him. They were setting him up.For now, only his team knew about this. The other board members, Rita and Rocco, hadn’t been alerted. At least, not yet. But he could only keep the situation under wraps for so long. It was bound t
After Victoria stood her ground before Rocco, she confidently strutted out of the place.But the moment she was out of his line of sight, her knees wobbled and she practically collapses unto the wall. “I really just did that. I really did just threaten a powerful billionaire.” She muttered, slowly rubbing a palm over her chest in hopes that it would calm her heart's erratic beating. She stayed there for a few seconds, staring at the floor as the reality of what she had done finally caught up with her.Rocco Lake was not some angry businessman she could ignore after a disagreement. He was the head of the Lake family, one of the most powerful men in the country, and a man who had spent decades getting people to do what he wanted. Victoria had just trampled on his pride, rejected his money, insulted his way of thinking, and told him to do his worst.“Okay.” She whispered to herself. “That might have been a little dramatic.”She pushed herself away from the wall and continued to
As Rocco said that, he lifted up a bag that had been by his side. Victoria had noticed it in the corner of her eye, but hadn’t paid anymore attention to it, asides from noting how large it was. He set the bag down on the table, and zipped it open.“This is the initial amount I’ll give you once you agree. The rest will be sent once the divorce is completed.” As he pulled the zip, Victoria was met with the sight of shiny raw cash.If she hadn’t been paid ten million dollars a few months ago, she would’ve definitely passed out at the sight. The bag was teeming to the brim with dollar bills. And she could fit into the bag!Perhaps he took her silence as her being won over by the proposition, because he continued, with a knowing smirk on his face.“Just leave Ryder, this much money and more will be yours.”When he added that, looking all smug, Victoria was more than mad. She was furious.Victoria looked at the bag, and a smile grew on her face. One would think it was a nice smi
The moment Victoria got into her room, she flung the door shut like it was on fire. “Ugh, I can’t believe I said that!” She groaned in absolute mortification. Now how was she ever going to face Ryder ever again? She had literally begged him to kiss her like a puppy in heat! Victoria pressed both hands against her cheeks as she paced around the room. Why had she said it? Actually, she knew exactly why. Because Ryder had been standing there looking unfairly attractive, and she had been enjoying the fact that she could make him lose his composure. She had only wanted to tease him. At least, that was what she had been telling herself. But somewhere between calling him cute and watching him pin her against the wall, the teasing had stopped feeling like a joke. And she had made it worse. “I dare you to kiss me.” She covered her face again. “Why would I say that?” She could still remember how close he had been. His face had been inches from hers, his body pressed aga
His phone began to ring. Of all the times, it was the moment Ryder’s lips were mere inches away from Victoria, that the loud sound rang through the air. Immediately destroying the haze both of them fell under.“I...” Ryder struggled to form coherent thoughts and slowly stepped away. His eyes were dark and hooded, focused on Victoria. Victoria on the other hand was taking deep breaths to calm herself down. She awkwardly cleared her throat. “Y-you should get that.” Before he had a chance to give a reply, she turned around and bolted up the stairs. Ryder watched her go, clenching his phone in his fist, so tight it was a wonder it didn’t suddenly snap into half. It felt like deja vu. Him getting so close to Victoria, at the brink of having an intimate moment, then someone, or in this case, some phone call disrupts it. While he’d be left to question if it were all in his head.But this time he was sure. He had heard her say clearly. “I dare you to kiss me.”He should have
Victoria was surprised by the look on Ryder’s face.“Julius was my business crush,” she explained.Julius, to his credit, looked moderately flattered.“She had good taste.”Ryder said nothing.He walked into the room, sat down in the armchair across from the sofa, and picked up his phone from the table.Julie and Julius exchanged a quick glance over Victoria’s head.Julie raised her brows.Julius fought a smile.Victoria, still focused on Ryder, missed it entirely.“Anyways, the point is, it was professional admiration, not a personal one. Julie just decided to weaponize it against me because she has no boundaries and no sense of appropriate timing.”“I’ve been doing that for eight years and counting,” Julie said cheerfully.“See.” Victoria pointed at her. “She’s evil.”Julius turned toward Julie, a smile spreading across his face.“I hope, for everyone’s sake, that the crush has transferred. Victoria is married, which leaves room for it to find a new home.”He gestured







