LOGINAMARA’S POVSince that meeting, Laxus has been a ghost to me. I’ve become distant too, mostly because my mind still hasn't processed the chaos of that night.But the most painful part? My desk. The spot inside his office where I used to watch his every move—from the way his brow furrowed in concentration to the way he sipped his black coffee—is gone.It’s been a week since he moved me. Now, I’m tucked away in the furthest corner of the floor in a cramped little cubicle. I’m forced to listen to the whispers and insulting laughter of the other employees every time I walk by. He’s making sure I know I’m no different from the rest of them.He’s proving that what happened in BGC was a mistake; that this is pure business, and nothing is personal.Stop being so entitled, Amara, I scold myself. He only saved you because you were his winning card.If it weren't for Diana, I don't think I could survive the blatant disrespect.“Marquez, I need my files NOW!”Laxus’s chilling voice boomed thro
AMARA’S POV:The drive to the venue was short—barely fifteen minutes. But the moment we stepped out, the atmosphere shifted. We were greeted by a sea of men in black and white tuxedos. They bowed in unison as we passed, their respect directed solely at the man beside me.“Boss, Mr. Saga is already here,” a tall, lean man with a clean undercut and a ponytail reported.He was charming, in a dangerous sort of way, but he couldn't hold a candle to Laxus. Even now, my loyalty remained with my arrogant crush.Speaking of the devil, a jolt of electricity shot through me when Laxus suddenly pulled me flush against his side, his hand gripping my waist possessively. I looked up at him and saw his jaw set in a hard, lethal line.“Most of my people are men. I don’t like the way they’re looking at you,” he whispered directly into my ear. His husky voice and that low, territorial growl hit me differently. I felt like a lamb caught in the protective, yet terrifying, grip of a lion.As we stepped in
AMARA’S POV:“Where are you going?”His voice stopped me dead in my tracks just as I was about to head out.“To fix myself up, Sir. Didn’t you say we have a meeting with a client?” I replied sarcastically, clutching the black shoulder bag Hershey had given me.“You’re coming with me, but...” Laxus paused, his eyes scanning me from head to toe as if he were running a full-body biometric scan. “Not in that faded blazer and those coffee-stained sleeves.”He reached into his wallet and slid a Black Card across the desk. “Find Diana. Tell her to take you to the boutique downstairs. Pick a dress that doesn’t scream ‘Province Girl.’ You have one hour.”I stared at the card before slowly picking it up. I suppressed a scowl at the ‘province girl’ remark; I didn't have the energy for another round of bickering. The card felt cold in my hand—maybe it was the office temperature, or maybe it was just the icy nature of its owner.“And Marquez...” he called out just as I reached the door. “Be ready
CHAPTER 4: HIRED“I must say, I am impressed by your skills, Ms. Marquez.”I suppressed a smirk. Who wouldn't be? Just an hour ago, he was insulting me like he owned the world, looking at my resume with pure disgust. But now, here he was—looking frustrated, probably because a "provincial girl" just bruised his ego.But before I could celebrate, his cold, professional mask returned.The dangerous gaze was back. Hershey was right; he looked like he was scanning your very soul. Even in silence, his aura was sharp enough to cut.“But don’t think I’ll let this slide,” he added, his voice dropping an octave.I was sitting across from him when he stood up and stalked toward me. “Do you have any idea how illegal it is to breach my private server without consent? In my world, that is a crime. A violation of every company rule. But since you saved my system... I’ll give you a choice. Jail—or you work for me.”I blinked. Jail? Was he serious? He’d lock me up for saving his skin? “Sir, I applied
CHAPTER 3: THE INTERVIEW“Unbelievable!” I hissed, my voice echoing off the cold tiles of the restroom.I’d been hiding in here for thirty minutes, unable to shake the humiliation burning through my veins. I felt safe enough to vent; no one had entered since I locked myself in.He’s a jerk. A total, arrogant BUSIT!I caught my reflection in the massive mirror. My face was flushed, the outrage still simmering beneath the surface. How dare he mock and insult me in front of everyone? Does he even have a soul?I set my resume on the edge of the sink, turned on the faucet, and splashed cold water on my face. It didn't help. The fire in my chest was still roaring.If we ever cross paths again, I’ll make him taste the Marquez wrath.My eyes drifted back to my white folder. In a fit of frustration, I tried to wipe the scuff mark off the paper with a dry tissue, but it only smeared the grime further.“Great. Just perfect,” I muttered.“Just apply, Amara. Don’t let your future be ruined by one
AMARA’S POV:“Bes, are you really sure about this?” Hershey asked, her voice heavy with concern as she helped me unpack.I nodded, determined.“Do you have any idea how toxic that company is based on the rumors I’ve gathered?”I paused, putting down the white blouse I planned to wear later. My curiosity was piqued. “Toxic? Why? Is it because of the workload?”“It’s not just the work, Bes. Word is, the CEO fires tech developers almost every single day. I know people who’ve worked there, and they say Laxus Morgan runs the place like a military black-op. One mistake—one line of code that doesn't belong—and you’re out. And the worst part? They get blacklisted. No one in BGC will touch them after they’ve been fired from Nexus.”I stopped mid-motion, staring at her. “Blacklisted? Why?”“No one can answer that. All they get told is, ‘The Nexus knows everything.’ Terrifying, right? So be careful, Amara. A friend told me the CEO’s gaze is so intimidating, it feels like he’s literally reading







