Chapter 1: A Fateful Encounter
"The shipments need to reach Vladivostok by the end of the week," Lev said, his voice calm but carrying a weight that demanded attention. "No mistakes."
A chorus of "Yes, Boss" followed, but Lev was already distracted. His phone buzzed on the table, lighting up with a notification. He picked it up, his brows furrowing as he read:
Valerian Park — Exclusive appearance at the Maison de Lumière Gala tonight.
Lev's lips curled into a faint smirk. Valerian. The name alone stirred something in him—curiosity and challenge. The Omega had been appearing in his orbit lately, though not by design. Valerian's striking looks and confidence had drawn attention not just from Lev, but from his enemies as well. The Omega was a pawn in a game he likely didn't even realize he was part of.
"Mikhail," Lev said, addressing his right-hand man. "Prepare the car. We're going to the gala."
Mikhail hesitated, surprise flashing across his face. "The gala? Are you sure, Boss?"
Lev's smirk deepened. "It's not about being sure, Mikhail. It's about making an impression."
The Maison de Lumière Gala was a spectacle of wealth and power, held in a grand hall with glittering chandeliers and intricate gold detailing. The city's elite mingled, their laughter and conversation weaving through the soft notes of a string quartet. At the center of it all was Valerian Park—or Park Eun-woo, as he was known in his homeland.
Dressed in a sleek black suit with silver accents, Valerian radiated elegance. His jet-black hair was neatly styled, highlighting his sharp features. His dark eyes scanned the room with ease, a confident smile playing on his lips as he moved between conversations with politicians, CEOs, and fellow models. He carried himself with a grace that defied the stereotypes of his kind, making it clear he knew his worth.
But even amid the attention and admiration, Valerian felt a shift in the air. His instincts, honed from years of navigating high society, told him something was different. His gaze drifted toward the entrance, and then he saw him.
Lev Ivanov entered like a storm, his tall frame and commanding aura drawing every eye in the room. Dressed in a charcoal suit that seemed to absorb the light, he exuded danger and allure in equal measure. His piercing gray eyes locked onto Valerian, and the crowd seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own world.
Valerian's smile didn't falter, but his heart raced. He'd heard of Lev—who hadn't? The man was a legend in the shadows, a name spoken in whispers even among the powerful. And now, he was walking straight toward Valerian with the confidence of someone who always got what he wanted.
"Mr. Park," Lev greeted, his voice smooth and deep. "It's an honor to finally meet you."
Valerian tilted his head, his smile turning sly. "Mr. Ivanov. The honor is mine, though I'm surprised to see you at an event like this."
Lev chuckled, a low sound that sent a shiver down Valerian's spine. "Even a man like me can appreciate beauty." His gaze lingered, the meaning in his words unmistakable.
Before Valerian could reply, a commotion near the entrance caught their attention. A group of men in dark suits entered, their serious expressions disrupting the gala's polished atmosphere. Lev's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively moving to his jacket.
"Stay close to me," he murmured to Valerian, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Valerian raised an eyebrow but said nothing. As the tension in the room grew, he found himself intrigued—not just by the danger surrounding Lev, but by the man himself. For the first time in a long while, Valerian felt a thrill that had nothing to do with the spotlight.
And as Lev positioned himself protectively beside him, Valerian realized this night was about to change their lives in ways neither could predict.