*****Eventually, Xavier managed to convince the overly excited Little Lola... who was already mapping out elaborate games with her legion of “beautiful monsters” to leave him be for a while. After practically pushing her out of the room with a sheepish grin, he exhaled deeply and wandered into the bathroom.He didn’t remember much of the previous day. Either it had been too bland to retain, or something had scrambled his memory, though he leaned toward the first option.All he knew was that it involved shopping, clothes, and a small girl now in possession of enough stuffed dolls to start a revolution.Inside the washroom, Xavier stared at himself in the mirror for a long while. His bed hair looked like it had been electrocuted. Shadows clung under his eyes, and there was a hint of something wild in his stare… possibly existential dread.He sighed, grabbed a clipper, and after a short pause of inner deliberation, he gave himself a fresh cut. The Side Swept Undercut. Classic, st

*****The two ladies blinked upon hearing Xavier’s calm, gentle, and appreciative voice, and they became completely caught off guard.Subconsciously, their eyes met Xavier’s, and… their hearts skipped a beat.And then another.And another.Was this still the same man they’d met last night? The charming but slightly sleepy guy in worn clothes? Because the man standing before them now looked like someone who had just stepped off a billboard… still confident, but fresh, sharply dressed, and devastatingly handsome.They stared.Their cheeks flushed. Their breathing hitched.‘He’s… gorgeous!’Before they could stop themselves, their faces turned crimson. Amelia’s knees almost buckled. Aria clutched the bag in her hand as though it were a flotation device in a stormy sea.“You… You’re welcome, sir…” Aria stammered.“We… We’re only doing what we should do,” Amelia added, her voice barely a whisper.Xavier tilted his head slightly, a crease forming between his brows. ‘What’s wrong

*****Lucas paused the moment he heard the receptionist’s response, unable to react for a moment that felt like forever.He wasn’t used to hearing the word “no,” and certainly not in such an indifferent, professional tone.Still, he tried again.“I understand she’s busy. But please, would you mind calling to let her know I’ve arrived? We’re well acquainted, and I’m sure she’ll want to—”The receptionist cut in gently but firmly, her tone as polished as her manicured nails.“I do apologize, Mr. Virelli, but the directive is clear. Madam President is not to be disturbed under any circumstances. You may wait if you wish, or perhaps return at a later hour.”Lila gestured politely toward the lounge area.Lucas followed her hand and… he froze.Sitting just beyond the reception were a sea of powerhouses… men and women far more seasoned, far more fearsome than he.CEOs, venture capitalists, political patrons… all waiting. Some sipping water with the patience of monks. Others are scr

*****“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, but Madam President is currently in a confidential meeting and cannot be disturbed. If you’re not in a rush, please feel free to take a seat in our executive lounge. We will be offering complimentary refreshments… snacks, beverages, and if you’re hungry, our staff can prepare light meals for you.”A beat passed.Then two. Silence held.And then came a collective, subtle exhale.A few nodded their heads. One or two even cracked a smile. There was no trace of sarcasm, just… reluctant admiration.They were being treated with dignity. Respect. Hospitality.Ironically, this are the very qualities many of them had never extended to Sky Group or its leadership in the past.The realization stung.Back when Grace had been desperately pitching Sky Group like a wandering saleswoman, many of these same individuals had ignored her. Some had laughed her out of meetings, some hadn’t even returned her calls, and the rest had requested her

*****Grace didn’t say anything to Dorothy’s question. She didn’t need to. The smirk tugging at the corner of her lips said enough.Dorothy’s cheeks lit up with a furious blush at this. “Oh no… I totally did.”She scrambled for a response… an escape route, but none came. Eventually, she surrendered with a sheepish grin and stuck her tongue out in mock defeat.“Boss,” she said with a chuckle, “that bra… I mean, your husband is the luckiest man alive. Married to the goddess, Grace Sky? Pfft. His luck deserves a Nobel Prize.”Now it was Grace’s turn to falter.Her brows shot up, and a rare flush blossomed across her cheeks… a soft, rosy hue that made her look, for the briefest moment, not like the commanding Ice Queen of Sky Group, but like a young woman caught in a vulnerable slip.Dorothy stared.‘Did the boss… just blush?’She sat frozen, her lips parted slightly, her mind blanking.No way.Was this the same Grace Sky who had ev