16. Arthur Maximilian Lichoin

In his spacious yet quiet apartment, Karel sat with a serious expression at his study desk. The light from the desk lamp illuminated the open book spanning more than 300 pages before him.

Every so often, his hand moved to record important points in a small notebook. 

He knew that getting into the country's best university—and, of course, escaping his father's wrath, was his only way out.

The room was silent, filled only with the sound of a pen gliding across paper. The stillness was disrupted by the vibration of a cell phone resting beside his books. For a moment, Karel glanced at the screen and, without hesitation, pressed the green button as soon as Tristan's name appeared.

"Boss, I have good news" Tristan's voice came through clearly, slightly hurried, as if he were trying to contain his excitement.

Karel did not react immediately. Calmly, he closed his book and leaned back in his chair. He allowed the silence to fill the pause before finally speaking.

"Continue"

"Mirac Corp stocks just skyrocketed 15 percent this morning" Tristan reported quickly. "News about their collaboration project with the giant automotive company finally leaked to the public. Major investors have started coming in, and trading volume has surged"

Hearing that, a faint smile began to form on Karel's lips. His cold eyes gleamed for a moment, but he kept up his relaxed demeanor, as if the news was something he had already expected.

"Good" he said calmly, his voice steady. "Keep monitoring it. Ah, one more thing... did you manage to investigate Ashford Pharm?"

For a moment, the sound of typing could be heard on the other end before Tristan spoke again. "They're developing a new project. Since they're from the private sector, they can't access government research funds. I'll send you the full details via email"

"Alright, I'll be waiting"

Once the call ended, Karel set his phone down on the table and raised his hands in the air in a small victorious gesture. His usual blank expression vanished, replaced by a cheerful smile.

"Ahh, knowing the future is such a luxury" he murmured, sinking deeper into his chair, savoring the satisfaction of a success he had already foreseen.

Suddenly, something crossed his mind. He reached for his phone again, quickly typing out a few words before pressing it to his ear.

"Hello, Arthur"

"Good evening, dear. From the sound of your voice, it seems you're in a good mood"

Arthur's voice remained steady, as if he had no idea what was making Karel so happy. His eyes narrowed as he skimmed through the documents his secretary had just sent regarding the latest updates on Mirac.

"Are you free tonight? I feel like treating you to something"

Karel smiled at the thought of a warm evening with Arthur.

"I'm free whenever you need me" Arthur responded without hesitation, as if nothing in the world mattered more than hearing Karel's voice.

Across the room, Adrian, Arthur's personal secretary, who had been reviewing documents with dark circles under his eyes, gawked at the conversation.

His eyes darted between the stacks of papers and folders cluttering both his desk and his boss's, disbelief washing over him.

Free? His boss just said he was free?

Arthur, completely immersed in the conversation, seemed entirely unaware of Adrian's protesting gaze.

"Alright, I'm heading to your apartment now"

Without wasting a second, Arthur rose from his chair. His steps were firm against the cold marble floor as he strode toward the wardrobe filled with neatly arranged black suits.

With precise movements, he straightened the sleeves of his shirt, making sure every crease remained crisp before reaching for an elegant black jacket hanging perfectly on its rack. Without hesitation, he slipped it on and walked out.

Meanwhile, Adrian could only stare blankly at the door his boss had just walked through. Before him, an overwhelming stack of documents loomed, casting a long, menacing shadow over his already exhausted mind.

His right hand instinctively shot up, ruffling his hair in frustration.

"Overtime again. Overtime, again"

His tired eyes landed on the nameplate displayed prominently on his boss's desk. The words "Arthur Maximilian Lichoin" gleamed under the office lights.

With exasperation clear in every movement, he reached for the nameplate, gripping it tightly as if he were about to slam it against the floor to release all the pent-up frustration burning inside him.

But just as the plaque lifted, Adrian's expression shifted. The anger that had flared up just moments ago slowly faded.

He took a deep breath. Then exhaled. Another breath in. Another out. And again, and again.

Slowly, his fingers traced over the polished wooden surface, rubbing away an invisible speck of dust. Finally, with reluctant resignation written all over his face, Adrian reached for another stack of never-ending documents.

o0o

While Adrian was still taking deep breaths, exhaling heavily in his gloomy office, on the other side of the city, the park was filled with laughter and cheerful voices.

Karel and Arthur were enjoying their time together on a bench beneath a lush, towering tree. 

Under the glow of the park lights, Karel's bright expression looked even more captivating. Absentmindedly, he touched his chin with his index finger, as if deep in thought "Where should we go next?"

Hearing that, Arthur, already completely drawn to his lover's charm, felt an overwhelming urge to pull him into his arms. 

The sight of Karel's adorable face made his heart swell with affection, so much so that he wanted to plant a kiss on that soft cheek right then and there. But knowing they were in public, he held himself back.

"It's already late. Why aren't you in bed?"

"It's only nine. How about we race?"

Arthur's eyes widened in exaggerated disbelief, prompting Karel to quickly explain. "There's a bike rental over there" 

Without waiting for approval, Karel grabbed Arthur's hand and took off running. Their footsteps blended in sync against the sidewalk, damp with evening dew. 

Arthur, caught in the sweetness of Karel's pull, glanced down at their interlocked hands and smiled.

By the time they arrived at the rental booth in the eastern corner of the park, Karel eagerly stepped forward to pay for the bikes. Just as he reached for the cash in his pocket, Arthur swiftly stopped him.

Arthur pulled out his wallet—luxurious black leather with a sleek design—then took out a black card and handed it to the bike rental owner.

The man frowned, scratched his head, and stared at the card with a confused expression "Got any cash?"

Arthur's face fell in disappointment, much to Karel's amusement. Smirking, Karel casually pulled out two bills and handed them over.

"Keep the change" After saying that, he grabbed his bike and swung one leg over it.

"Let's gooo!" Karel shouted excitedly, pedaling forward with full force.

If he could dominate in motorcycle racing, a simple bike race would be nothing. He was confident he could win with ease.

"Arthuuurrr, you'll never beat me! Let's make a bet!"

o0o