The Vosstech Tower gleamed under the mid-morning sun, its silver exterior reflecting the clouds like an untouchable fortress. Inside, Stephanie stepped out of the executive elevator onto the 40th floor, her heels clicking against the pristine marble. Her blouse was crisp, her confidence high—until she walked into the open-plan office space and felt the shift.
Whispers followed her like a shadow. The curious stares. The forced smiles. She knew this wasn't admiration—it was scrutiny.
She passed a few junior staffers, their eyes narrowing as she approached the sleek glass-walled office designated for the new Vosstech-Phoenix collaboration.
"Morning," she greeted with a tight smile.
They offered half-hearted nods before returning to their screens.
At her desk, Stephanie found a small bouquet of dried roses—clearly wilted. No note.
A petty prank.
She picked it up and dumped it into the nearby trash without flinching. If this is how they play, let's play.
"Look who thinks she's already the Queen of Vosstech," came a snide voice behind her.
Stephanie turned to see Nora, her boss from Phoenix Innovations, standing smug in a navy sheath dress, arms crossed.
"You're late," Nora said.
"I wasn't aware I report to you on this floor," Stephanie replied, straightening a file on her desk. "But feel free to check the logs. I clocked in early."
Nora's jaw clenched. "Enjoy the attention while it lasts, Quinn. You'll be yesterday's news once Nathan's is done using you."
Before Stephanie could retort, the door to the private boardroom opened.
Nathan Voss stepped out, as sharp and stoic as ever in a charcoal suit. His gaze found Stephanie immediately. He gave her a brief, unreadable glance—then looked away, addressing the assistant at the desk nearby.
Stephanie's throat tightened. Not even a "good morning." Not even a nod. Nothing.
So that's how it's going to be? Pretend the kiss didn't happen?
Nora noticed the tension and smirked as she brushed past Stephanie, hip-checking her slightly. "Careful, dear. You're not the first girl to fall for a billionaire."
Inside the boardroom, Nathan shut the door behind him and exhaled quietly. On the outside, he was calm and collected. On the inside, he was chaos.
Why did I kiss her?
Every time he closed his eyes, he remembered the way her lips trembled just before they gave in. How her fingers curled slightly when his hands found her waist. How for a moment—just one—they'd stopped pretending.
He clenched his fists and paced.
She was the daughter of the man who saved his life. A man his uncle had destroyed. She didn't know yet, and until she did, Nathan couldn't afford to feel anything. He had to stay focused. Detached.
There was a knock.
Samson entered—broad-shouldered, loyal, and sharp-eyed.
"Report," Nathan said.
Samson shut the door. "We found a hidden communications channel. Encrypted messages—Damien has been in contact with Victor."
Nathan's blood went cold.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir. They're using a private server hidden through shell companies tied to offshore holdings. All traced back to Victor."
Nathan's jaw tightened. "What are they planning?"
"Can't say yet. But they've been exchanging information about your accounts, security protocols, even your medical history. Victor's digging into your power of attorney files—the ones you signed underage after the accident."
Nathan rubbed a hand over his jaw. "He wants to declare me mentally unfit before I turn 28."
Samson nodded. "And take over Vosstech permanently. Damien's role is to keep you distracted."
Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Damien's working against me… my own cousin."
"Yes," Samson confirmed. "He's playing both sides. And it gets worse."
Samson handed over a photograph. It was grainy, but clear enough. Damien shaking hands with a man known for laundering assets.
Nathan tossed it on the table.
"We'll tighten internal security. Track every move Damien makes."
"Yes, sir."
"Make sure Stephanie is protected. If she gets caught in the crossfire—"
Samson paused. "You care about her."
Nathan looked up. "I owe her family a debt I can never repay. That's all."
Samson didn't believe it for a second, but he nodded.
Across the building, Damien sat in a private lounge, flipping through a file as he texted on a burner phone.
DAMIEN: He's pulling away. Becoming more paranoid. He suspects something.
VICTOR (TEXT): Stay close. Let him trust you again. We move when the board meeting is announced.
DAMIEN: Understood.
He looked up when Stephanie walked by the glass wall—hair pulled back, poised, confident despite the tension in the air.
Damien watched her for a moment too long.
He remembered the way she almost kissed him back in the gallery. The way her voice softened only when speaking to him. She was more than just a pawn in the game. And it was starting to complicate things.
Later that day, Stephanie stood before a digital presentation, pitching a revised approach to the project Nathan had assigned.
She spoke with clarity and confidence, outlining how Phoenix Innovations could integrate a dynamic energy management interface for Vosstech's upcoming sustainability unit—one that used modular infrastructure instead of AI-dependent systems.
"It minimizes risk," Stephanie explained. "And reduces dependency on third-party data sources."
When she finished, the room was silent.
Then Nathan stood. "Approved."
Nora sputtered. "But—but we haven't reviewed—"
Nathan cut her off. "It's already been reviewed. I asked her to submit a prototype draft. It's flawless."
Stephanie blinked, stunned. Nathan looked directly at her.
"Effective immediately, Phoenix Innovations has the deal. Stephanie Quinn will represent them as project lead."
Nora stood up sharply. "Excuse me? She's barely—"
"Either Stephanie represents you, or there is no deal."
Nora's nostrils flared, but she forced a smile. "Of course, Mr. Voss. She's our finest."
When they left the boardroom, Nora gripped Stephanie's arm tightly. "You think you've won? You're nothing, Quinn. I'll make sure this turns into your worst nightmare."
Stephanie yanked her arm free. "You've tried that already. Try harder."
That evening, Stephanie sat in the employee garden at Vosstech Tower, trying to steady her breath. The lights above twinkled softly. Her heart was still racing from the meeting.
Then she heard a voice.
"Nice presentation."
She looked up. Nathan.
Stephanie stood, awkward. "You… surprised me."
"You impressed me."
Their eyes met.
"About the kiss," she began.
Nathan stepped closer, just inches away now. "I haven't forgotten."
Stephanie whispered, "I didn't either."
But before anything else could be said, her phone rang—and she groaned. "One second."
As she stepped away, Nathan looked up at the stars, then down at the ground.
She's not just the daughter of a man I owe. She's the woman pulling me back to life.
But secrets still stood between them. And soon, they would come crashing down.