Amy entered the dimly lit office, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. She stopped a few feet from Lucian Miller’s imposing desk, hesitating slightly before speaking.

“Boss… Miss left with Master Felix,” she informed him softly.

Lucian, who had been reviewing some documents, merely nodded in response. His usual stoic demeanor never wavered, but there was a brief flicker of something in his sharp gaze.

Amy took a step forward, holding out a folder. “These are her reports,” she said, placing the file neatly on the table.

Lucian reached for the folder, flipping through the pages. His brow furrowed as his eyes skimmed over the numbers. “Expenditure…” he murmured, his frown deepening. He clicked his tongue in irritation. “You even recorded the money she spent all this time…”

Amy nodded hesitantly. “Yes…”

Lucian’s expression darkened. With an impatient sigh, he tossed the file aside. “It wasn’t necessary,” he said coldly. “I wanted to know her progress, not the money she spent.”

Amy swallowed, lowering her gaze. “I apologize, boss…”

Lucian exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Never mind,” he muttered. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk as he contemplated something.

Amy hesitated before speaking again. “So, boss, when can I start working here again?”

Lucian looked at her, his calculating gaze softening just a fraction. “Ms. Amy, since you’ve spent two years assisting Cordelia, I suppose you should continue doing that…”

Amy blinked in surprise, nodding. “Of course.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a brief moment before speaking again. “She must be comfortable with you, so I think it would be good if you stay and assist her.”

Amy remained silent for a moment, processing his words. Lucian didn’t often show concern for people, but his actions—especially regarding Cordelia—were starting to raise questions.

“Is that okay with you?” Lucian finally asked.

Amy straightened and nodded. “Yes, Boss.”

Late that night, Lucian finally arrived home. The rain had subsided, leaving a fresh, crisp scent in the air. The parking lights flickered off as he stepped inside, loosening his tie and exhaling a guilty breath.

He walked through the empty house, noticing the silence. Everyone had already gone to sleep.

Click.

Lucian switched on the lights to his room and froze.

There, sitting comfortably on his bed, was Cordelia.

Her expression was unreadable as she looked at him with those sharp, intelligent eyes.

“I thought I’d drift into sleep waiting for you…” she exhaled deeply.

Lucian sighed, tossing his blazer onto a chair. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone neutral.

“I was waiting for you,” Cordelia said, smiling mischievously.

Lucian raised a brow. “What for?”

She tilted her head. “Two years have passed…” Her voice was quieter now, almost hesitant. “I never got an answer to my question.”

Lucian, who had been loosening his tie, stopped in his tracks. He met her gaze. “Which question?”

“Why did you help me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucian looked at her for a long moment before answering. “As I said before—I wanted to send you away.”

Cordelia scoffed, shaking her head. “Is that really the reason?”

Lucian smirked, stepping toward her. “Yeah. Else what?” he asked, halting just in front of her.

Cordelia placed a hand dramatically on her chest, feigning shock. “That’s great! I thought you got attracted to me,” she teased.

Lucian chuckled and leaned in slightly. The playful tension between them thickened.

“I cage the things I desire,” Lucian said in a deep tone with a teasing smirk.

Cordelia frowned, leaning back instinctively, trying to create distance between them. But Lucian reached a hand behind her and—

Gripped the fabric of his robe that had been laying on the bed.

“You were sitting on my robe,” he stated dryly.

Cordelia blinked, realizing her mistake. “Huh?” she muttered.

Lucian picked up the robe and walked toward the bathroom, but just as he reached the door, he paused and looked over his shoulder.

“By the way,” he said.

Cordelia lifted a brow. “What?”

“Meet me in the gym at 6:00 AM sharp,” Lucian ordered, then disappeared into the bathroom without another word.

Cordelia sat there, staring at the door. “Wasn’t he supposed to be cold and bossy?” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. “What’s with the sudden personal trainer mode?”

Still, she smirked to herself.

The game had only just begun.