Chapter :- 99

Arc 6: Rise of the Mogul

Chapter 4: New Love in the Shadows

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The city skyline stretched endlessly beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows of Kai's penthouse. The lights from the skyscrapers flickered like distant stars, but his mind wasn't on the view.

He leaned against the glass, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. The events at the gala played over in his mind—his victory over Victor Harrington, the whispers of Kai Ashton's meteoric rise, and the realization that Nexus would not sit idle.

He had made a move.

Now, they would make theirs.

A soft click echoed through the room.

Kai didn't turn. "If you're going to kill me, at least let me finish my drink first."

A low, sultry chuckle came from behind him. "Now, where's the fun in that?"

Kai finally turned, facing the intruder.

A woman stood in the shadows, her figure lean and lethal, dressed in a sleek black bodysuit that hugged every curve. A silver dagger rested against her thigh, and a faint smirk played on her lips.

Selene.

Nexus's deadliest assassin.

The one sent to kill him.

And the one who hadn't.

Kai set his drink down. "You know, most people knock before breaking into my home."

Selene stepped forward, the dim light catching the sharp angles of her face. She was beautiful—but in a dangerous way. Midnight-black hair framed piercing silver eyes, and every movement she made was calculated, controlled.

"Most people aren't me," she said smoothly.

Kai smirked. "I'll give you that."

She glanced around the penthouse. "You've done well for yourself. But Nexus doesn't like unfinished business."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "So, what? You're here to finish the job?"

Selene's fingers grazed the handle of her dagger. "That depends."

"On?"

Her silver eyes met his. "You."

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A Dance of Shadows and Temptation

Selene circled the room slowly, her boots making no sound against the marble floor. Kai didn't move, didn't take his eyes off her.

"You interest me, Kai Ashton," she said at last. "I've taken down politicians, warlords, and kings. But you…" She tilted her head. "You weren't supposed to survive."

Kai chuckled. "Yet, here I am."

"And now you're making moves that shake the entire financial world," she murmured, her gaze unreadable. "It's reckless."

"Or brilliant," Kai countered.

Selene smirked. "Maybe both."

There was a long silence.

Kai finally broke it. "So, what's your real reason for being here?"

Selene walked closer, stopping just inches from him. "I want to see what makes you so dangerous."

Then, in a flash, she struck.

Her dagger was a blur—aimed straight for his throat.

Kai reacted instantly.

His hand snatched her wrist mid-air, stopping the blade a breath away from his skin. Their bodies were close, his grip firm but controlled.

Selene's smirk widened. "Not bad."

Kai held her gaze, his heartbeat steady. "You wanted to test me."

"Had to make sure you weren't all talk."

Kai released her wrist, and she lowered the dagger. There was no tension—only an unspoken understanding.

She didn't want to kill him.

She wanted to know him.

"You're different from the men I've met," she admitted. "They fear me. But you…" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. "You intrigue me."

Kai's smirk didn't fade. "You intrigue me too."

She stepped back, twirling the dagger before sheathing it at her thigh. "Maybe that's why I haven't killed you yet."

Kai picked up his drink again. "Or maybe you like me."

Selene's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Maybe."

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An Unspoken Alliance

She walked toward the window, staring out at the city. "Nexus is watching you closely now. You embarrassed them, and that means retaliation is coming."

Kai set his glass down. "Let them come."

Selene shook her head. "You don't get it, do you? You're playing a dangerous game, Ashton. Nexus doesn't just lose. They erase threats."

Kai's smirk didn't falter. "Then I'll make sure they never get the chance."

Selene turned to face him fully. "You're bold. But boldness alone won't keep you alive."

Kai met her gaze. "Then maybe I need a bodyguard."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "Are you offering me a job?"

"No," Kai said smoothly. "I'm offering you a choice."

Silence stretched between them.

Then—she laughed.

It was a rare sound, unexpected, but genuine.

"You're something else," she said, shaking her head. "Alright, I'll play your game… for now."

Kai smirked. "Welcome to the winning side."

Selene leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear. "Just remember, Kai… I'm not easily tamed."

Then, as quickly as she had come, she vanished into the shadows, leaving only the lingering scent of her perfume behind.

Kai exhaled slowly, a thrill running through him.

He had just won over the deadliest assassin in the world.

And he had a feeling she wouldn't be the last.

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System Notification:

[New Companion Acquired: Selene – Assassin of Shadows]

[Relationship Level: 35% – Mysterious Attraction]

[Bonus: Combat Awareness Boost + Enhanced Stealth Skills]

Kai smiled.

The game had just changed.

And he was holding all the cards.

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End of Chapter 4.