The dark side (part2)

"But, what?"

He spoke coldly, as his smile gradually faded, replaced by a blank expression.

"Nothing, young master."

Sergei lowered his head and clasped his trembling hands together, as if trying to hide his anxiety.

"Please, make yourself at home."

Kaiser gave a slight nod, not sparing the butler even a glance. He walked steadily, his steps confident. Sergei, on the other hand, followed hesitantly, his pace uncertain.

"You can stop here."

Kaiser spoke calmly, but his tone carried an indisputable command. Sergei immediately halted, watching cautiously as Kaiser opened the door.

He entered without a backward glance, leaving the door to groan softly as it shut behind him.

Sergei's eyes widened in shock, a cold shiver running down his spine. For a moment, he stood frozen, but one ominous thought echoed in his mind.

"I must call the head of the family immediately… I can't let this go unchecked."

Barely had Sergei reached for his phone when the young master started shouting.

"Where is he?!"

Kaiser bellowed angrily as he stormed out of the dark room. The door slammed against the wall with a loud bang, and he rushed toward the butler like a raging storm. Grabbing Sergei by the collar, he stared into his eyes with a gaze as sharp as a blade.

"Where did he go?!"

He roared again, his voice filled with menace.

The butler stammered, his expression flustered.

"W-who… What do you mean, young master? Do you mean the second young master… isn't he inside?"

"Do you take me for a fool? Or are you playing dumb?!"

Kaiser yelled, shaking Sergei violently by the collar.

"Where did that lunatic go?!"

He continued, his furious voice echoing through the hall.

"I swear, young master, I know nothing!"

Sergei's voice quivered, his eyes avoiding Kaiser's fiery gaze, his face reflecting a mix of fear and confusion.

"You know nothing, huh?"

Kaiser's eyes narrowed at Sergei, his blazing anger simmering into a heavy frustration. Slowly, he released the butler's collar, as if the touch of it had become unbearable. Without another word, he turned and walked steadily toward the door.

Sergei stood watching the elder son's back until he disappeared, finally exhaling a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"Mr. Devin Zorin, how can I help you this time?"

"I want a new haircut."

The man with jet black hair and green eyes crossed his arms, studying his reflection in the mirror for a moment before adding.

"A haircut that won't make the woman I want to talk to run away."

Daniel raised his eyebrows in surprise, trying to suppress a faint, amused chuckle.

Four days ago, this strange man named Devin walked into the barbershop and demanded special attention. From hair to beard, Daniel had tended to everything personally.

"You're saying a haircut that won't scare a woman away?"

"Yes."

Devin replied calmly. His tone, as usual, was indifferent, but there was a hint of seriousness in his words.

Daniel studied him carefully, making an effort not to appear mocking in front of such an unusual client. After a few moments of reflection, he spoke with unwavering confidence.

"Honestly, you don't need another haircut, sir. You're already handsome!"

"Do you think so?"

Devin raised an eyebrow slightly, as though testing the sincerity of the statement.

He was already convinced of his own good looks, but Charlotte's sudden escape from him at the grocery store just hours ago left him wondering if his appearance was to blame.

"I don't just think so; I'm absolutely certain."

Forcing a smile, Daniel began showcasing his talent for flattery.

"Black hair, green eyes, and fair skin you're the epitome of beauty in this era! How about trying our premium hair care products? Or perhaps a special hair wash session?"

He tried to sound persuasive, closing his eyes with an overly polite smile. He was used to dealing with clients with peculiar tastes, but something about Devin's gaze made him feel exposed.

"No need."

Devin's reply was cold as he rose from the leather chair. His movements were calm yet decisive.

"If I'm, as you say, the epitome of beauty in this era, then I have no use for your deceptive offers."

"Deceptive?"

Daniel opened his eyes in surprise, unable to hide his confusion. Had this man seen through his intentions?

"Yes, deceptive~"

Devin smiled and stepped closer to Daniel. For a moment, Daniel felt a shadow looming over him, reminding him of someone he knew. But he quickly realized that the aura of the person before him was entirely different heavier, more mysterious, and colder than expected.

"Excuse me, sir..."

Daniel tried to speak, but his voice faltered under Devin's icy stare.

"Goodbye."

The smile faded from Devin's face as he turned and walked calmly toward the door. When he closed it behind him, Daniel felt an inexplicable weight lift from the room. Yet, the heavy, lingering sensation Devin left behind refused to fade easily.

After leaving the barbershop, Devin lit his cigarette with a calm motion, the scent of tobacco mingling with the cold night air. He walked steadily toward the apartment building where he had been staying for the past few days.

Taking slow, deliberate drags, his green eyes wandered cautiously over the street. The evening air was chilly, and the dim streetlights cast long shadows that seemed to dance around him.

As he approached the building, a faint smile played on his lips. His footsteps echoed softly on the pavement, and the cigarette in his hand burned steadily, ashes falling with every slight movement of his fingers.

He entered the apartment building and headed for the elevator. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and quiet. He pressed the button and waited silently. As the doors opened, another figure approached from the hallway.

Devin's green eyes met a pair of icy blue ones, staring straight into him, as if piercing his core. The newcomer was Leonid, who was late for dinner with Charlotte, though his gait and expression suggested he was lost in thought.

The two entered the elevator together. Devin, standing behind Leonid, kept his eyes fixed on him, his sharp gaze observing every move. He dropped his cigarette to the floor and crushed it underfoot, his eyes glinting with a dark, unsettling intent.

The elevator stopped at the eighth floor. Leonid stepped out first, heading toward Charlotte's apartment, while Devin continued to his own unit at the end of the hall.

Pausing in front of his door, Devin pulled out his key. Before inserting it into the lock, he cast a fleeting glance toward Leonid, who was still standing outside Charlotte's door. In that brief moment, Devin's eyes reflected a dark intention, and his lips curved into a faint smile, barely tinged with amusement.

He stood there briefly, as if time had stopped. Then, with quiet precision, he inserted the key and opened the door.

"Coincidences… how absurd,"

he muttered under his breath, his tone carrying an air of mystery and an unspoken threat as he shut the door behind him.

Leonid stood in front of Charlotte's door, knocking gently in hopes of catching her attention. A full minute passed with no answer, so he remained outside, hesitant.

He considered ringing the bell but didn't want to disturb her if she was already asleep. He sighed, rubbing his face.

If his father, Commander Kozlov, hadn't scheduled another meeting that evening, he wouldn't have been late for his first dinner with Charlotte.

"Charlotte…"

He called softly, knocking again. A few moments later, the door creaked open slowly, as if its occupant had been hesitant to answer.

Charlotte appeared from behind the door, dressed in a completely new outfit. A black turtleneck blouse hugged her figure elegantly, highlighting her quiet femininity, while a long white skirt gave her a more modest appearance.

"Leonid~!"

She greeted him with a soft smile, though it carried a faint trace of melancholy. Despite the exhaustion evident on her face and the fear she was trying to conceal, Charlotte did her best to suppress it.

Thanks to her past experience hiding her emotions something she had grown accustomed to during her time living with her family Charlotte found it easier to mask her turmoil in front of Leonid.

"I apologize for being late. I had to attend an evening meeting and—"

Leonid began, but Charlotte gently interrupted him.

"It's fine."

Her voice was quiet and somehow grateful.

Leonid's brow twitched slightly when Charlotte reached for his jacket and tugged it gently. He didn't notice the slight trembling of her fingers in that moment, as he was too focused on her eyes, which glimmered with mixed emotions feelings she was trying hard to hide beneath her long lashes.

"Um… I was waiting for you to have dinner together, but I didn't realize how late it had gotten, and I haven't cooked anything yet."

Thankfully, Charlotte had already disposed of the groceries brought by the strange man. She had poured the wine down the drain and tossed the bottle in the trash. The pack of steak had been safely stashed in the refrigerator to deal with later. She had also showered again and washed her previous clothes, ensuring Leonid wouldn't catch the scent of tobacco and uncover her secret once more.