Chapter 1

On New Year’s Eve, Lilith Woods stole the office keys while I was meeting with a major client.

She went live with a stream titled [Gen Z Takes Over the Workplace.]

In front of a hundred viewers, she changed the team-building destination to Baline.

“Hi girls, tomorrow I’ll show you what a luxury hotel is all about.

“Let’s double the fun. I’ll get our elite boss drunk and savor every moment with him.

“The thought of watching the high-and-mighty bow down is too irresistible. I’ll record the whole thing. Let’s see if he dares scold me afterward.”

The chat erupted with cheers, begging Lilith to share her “dog-training” techniques.

Amid the excitement, a few discordant voices emerged.

The accountant was holding the team-building approval form, looking worried.

“Ms. Woods, are you sure this won’t cause trouble?

“Company rules say the team-building budget must stay under $100,000. That money isn’t even enough for the plane tickets. If we go way over, I’m afraid finance won’t reimburse us...”

Lilith snorted and said disdainfully, “What’s there to fear? My word is law!

“Everyone in the company knows Mr. Lucian Stone is my loyal follower. Forget the hundreds of thousands, even if it were in the millions, he’d have to bite the bullet and agree once I make the call!”

Seeing her unwavering certainty, the accountant hesitated but didn’t dare persuade her further.

This scene played out on the surveillance feed before my eyes. When I returned to my desk, a pair of worn stockings lay there, accompanied by a sticky note.

[Mr. Stone, here’s a special gift just for you. Hope you’ll look out for me in the coming year.]

There was a bright red lipstick kiss mark on the words.

This was not the first time Lilith had flirted with me to get me onboard with her.

However, I looked down on her, both on her character and her abilities.

She was utterly lacking in both.

After the dinner ended, I did not dare return to the hotel. Instead, I found a hostel to stay in temporarily.

The room key Lilith had forced on me went straight into the trash.

I thought she had given up. However, the next morning, cops burst through the door, dragged me out of bed, and hauled me to the hotel to settle the bill.

“Your total charges amount to $700,000. Your current balance is insufficient. Please settle the outstanding amount immediately.”

The air was thick with the scent of food. The table was strewn with empty plates and cups.

Before stepping into the private room, I did not believe the waiter’s claim. I thought he was trying to rip me off.

However, when I saw the plump king crabs on the plate, the half-empty bottle of Macallan Whisky, and the luxury shopping bags scattered everywhere...

I needed no other explanation.

“Hey, everyone! Mr. Stone is here to save the day! Quick, bring the bill!”

Seeing me arrive, Lilith showed no guilt. She called the waiter to bring five more bottles of whiskey and murmured gently, “Mr. Stone, this small sum shouldn’t be a problem for you, right?

“Let’s make a deal. If you make me happy, I’ll give you some sweet rewards. Don’t say it’s unfair. What can I say? You’re an old man. If it weren’t for the money, I wouldn’t bother with you.”