e soft hum of conversation filled the room as they discussed the latest mergers and acquisitions in the tech world. Num

vent-they were moments that should have faded from his mind by now, just blips in his otherwise struct

with a chaotic streak. The opposite

acquisition strategy?" one of the executi

tegy is sound, but make sure the regulatory hurdles are accounted

his chair, his fingers steepling in front of him as he stared blankly at the numbers. Normally, this wa

irk, his playful eyes daring him to let go

hat

, he wanted

-

n fire. The beat of the new track filled the space, heavy with bass and sharp, electric rhythms. His vo

mposed, unreadable. Atticus wasn't used to people being so unaffected by him. Usually, he had a way of getti

d. It was infuriating. And yet, it was also the most

round him, always trying to please him or stay out of his way. But Ivan? Ivan didn't care about any of

ntrigu

leaned back in his chair, staring

sliding into the chair next to h

ng out of his daze. "Ye

"About the track? Or so

ance, a small smirk forming on

you've been acting weird. You've got that look

ng a hand through his hair. "

nt. This is about that bil

arms above his head and walking over to the large window that overlook

his voice quieter than usual. "But there's someth

rms. "Maybe it's because he's the first person

orted. "Ye

rent kind of player. He's not one of your usual conquests. He's powerful,

t familiar mischievous glint. "And you kno

-

room was filled with the usual suspects-wealthy businessmen in expensive suits, all eager to ali

and closest confidant, pulled him aside. "You'v

back of his neck. "It's

t a bad liar isn't one of them. This isn't about work. This is a

"I don't know what y

ked at him. You were intrigued, wh

ndow, his hands in his pockets. "Atticus

ons like him don't come around often.

ecially to someone like Atticus-was unnerving. But deep down, a part of him was curious. At

t was d

-

at Ivan's name in his contacts. He had gotten the number from Jaxon, who ha

Ivan made him pause. It wasn't fear-Atticus wasn't afraid of anyone-but it was something clo

t, he t

call button

smooth, low voice came t

y recovered, his usual confidence returning.

van's voice, calm and collect

g back on his couch. "T

e could respond, Atticus added, "Unless, o

of the line, and then Ivan's reply came, smooth and ca

the game had of