3

The KM&C facility loomed, a dark silhouette against the pale morning light. Amon stepped out of the car, the faint hum of machinery from inside breaking the silence. The day was already in motion, but for him, it was just beginning.

Inside the building, Kay was a familiar presence—calm, precise, and already absorbed in the project timelines. His fingers swiped over his tablet, scanning through reports with practiced efficiency.

Amon approached with deliberate steps, stopping just short of Kay's desk.

"Change of plans," Amon said, his tone as clipped as ever.

Kay glanced up, his sharp gaze flickering with mild irritation. "What now?"

Amon adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. "I'm heading to HK.L Law Associates. You can handle Almeida for the day."

Kay's brow lifted faintly, his tone dry. "So I get the headache, and you get the pleasure of estate discussions?"

Amon smirked. "Don't be jealous."

Kay shot him a flat look but didn't press further. "Just don't let them drag this out. The estate developments need to move."

"I'll handle it," Amon replied, already turning toward the exit.

Kay muttered something under his breath as Amon disappeared through the doors. Left alone, Kay let out a slow exhale, gathering his focus as the day ahead began to unfold.

The law firm's marble floors reflected the muted glow of the overhead lights, a testament to the firm's understated prestige. Amon walked through the entrance, his steps purposeful, his expression unreadable. The staff at the front desk greeted him nervously—his reputation had preceded him.

"This way, Mr. Charoensuk," the assistant stammered, gesturing toward the main hallway.

Amon followed silently, his sharp gaze taking in everything—the polished doors, the quiet efficiency, the faint hum of conversations behind closed offices. It was all clean, controlled—everything Hiran Lunalilo-Sthirasuta represented.

The assistant opened a door at the far end of the hallway. Inside, the room was flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Hiran stood near the window, adjusting his cufflinks. At the sound of the door, he turned, his expression composed but betraying the faintest flicker of tension as Amon entered.

"Mr. Acainé," Hiran greeted, his voice polite but reserved. "Thank you for coming."

Amon took a seat without being invited, his presence settling into the room like a heavy weight. He set a slim folder on the table between them, his dark gaze locking onto Hiran.

"Let's make this quick," Amon said smoothly.

Hiran cleared his throat, moving to sit across from him. His posture was perfect—professional—but his hands lingered a little too long on the edge of the desk before he folded them in his lap.

"I understand Acainé Holdings is looking for legal oversight on the estate project," Hiran began, his voice measured.

Amon tilted his head slightly, his gaze unrelenting. "Not oversight. Collaboration. I need efficiency and precision. No setbacks."

Hiran nodded quickly, though the intensity of Amon's presence rattled something in him. "Of course. I'll personally oversee the documentation and legal structuring. My team will ensure everything meets your expectations."

Amon leaned back, crossing his arms. "Good. I don't tolerate delays."

Hiran's throat tightened faintly, but he kept his composure. He was used to dealing with powerful men, but Amon was different—his calmness was deliberate, almost predatory, and it made the air feel heavier.

"Is there anything specific you want prioritised?" Hiran asked, trying to regain control of the conversation.

Amon's lips curved into the faintest smirk. "I already told you. Precision. I expect perfection, Lunalilo. Nothing less."

The room seemed quieter as Amon stood, collecting the folder without another word. Hiran rose as well, his hands tightening at his sides as Amon moved to leave.

At the door, Amon paused, glancing back with that same cold smirk. "Don't disappoint me."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Hiran standing in the center of his office. His breath came slower now, his fingers flexing faintly against the desk as though trying to steady himself.

Amon Acainé-Saelau-Charoensuk was a force he hadn't been ready for.

Back at KM&C, the day stretched long and demanding. Kay moved through the facility like a commander on the battlefield, directing adjustments, reviewing designs, and issuing orders without hesitation.

He was inspecting a series of newly-arrived samples when he felt a presence behind him.

"You really don't take breaks, do you?" Khamron's voice drawled, breaking the quiet.

Kay turned, his sharp gaze meeting Khamron's smirking face. The designer leaned lazily against one of the tables, his sketchbook tucked under one arm and mischief dancing in his eyes.

"Some of us work for a living," Kay replied, his tone dry.

Khamron grinned, stepping closer. "And yet, you look so good doing it. Maybe I should take notes."

Kay's eyes narrowed faintly, though his expression remained calm. "Is there a point to this interruption, Almeida?"

Khamron shrugged, his movements casual but deliberate as he leaned in, invading Kay's space just slightly. "Just checking on you. You seem tense."

Kay tilted his head slightly, his voice dropping into something sharper. "You're pushing boundaries again."

Khamron's smirk faltered for half a second before returning, though it didn't reach his eyes this time. Kay's calm, unyielding dominance had a way of throwing him off balance.

Kay took a step forward, his posture straight and commanding. "Focus on your work, Almeida. I don't have time for games."

Understood, boss," Khamron said, his tone exaggeratedly compliant. "Anything for you."

Kay's gaze lingered for a moment longer, sharp and unreadable. Without another word, he turned and left Khamron standing there, his smirk returning as he watched Kay's retreating figure.

"You're fun, Kay," Khamron murmured to himself.

Later that evening, Kay's phone buzzed as he reviewed the last of the day's updates. Amon's name lit up the screen.

"Back yet?" Kay asked as he answered.

"I'm on my way," Amon replied. "Hiran agreed to the collaboration. He's competent, but there's something off about him."

Kay frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Amon's tone was steady. "Nothing obvious yet, but I'll keep an eye on him. Focus on Almeida for now."

Kay's brow furrowed faintly. "You think Prawan's moving pieces already?"

"It fits," Amon said bluntly. "Almeida's too chaotic to see he's being used, and Prawan knows it."

Kay exhaled slowly, his thoughts shifting. "We'll deal with it. If Prawan thinks we're not paying attention, he's already underestimated us."

Amon's smirk was audible in his tone. "Exactly."

Kay hung up, his sharp gaze lingering on the facility floor below. Khamron's teasing and Prawan's manipulation were becoming pieces of the same puzzle—one that he and Amon wouldn't let anyone control.

Kaímon was their game.

And they were going to win it.