Meeting at office 2

"You want to run?" Jazmine Harrison leaned back in her chair, amusement dancing in her eyes. "My guards are standing just outside. There are dozens of them. You can't fight them with your small technical gadgets."

She laughed lightly and returned to her seat, watching the tension in Lucian Smith's posture.

His timid act vanished.

"What do you want?" His expression hardened, sharp and alert. "Is this why you bought my mother's shop? Is this why you offered her that job? Was it all to lure me out?"

Jazmine smirked.

"You think very highly of yourself," she said, crossing her legs. "My acquaintance with your mother has nothing to do with you."

Lucian narrowed his eyes.

"Is it my father's doing then? Victor Smith? If this is about my family, I've already renounced my inheritance. I made it clear I wanted nothing to do with them. Why bring me here?"

Jazmine gestured toward the chair across from her.

"Sit."

Lucian hesitated.

But, given the circumstances, it was the only logical choice.

So he sat.

"As I said before, your mother has nothing to do with me wanting you in my company. And I have no connection to your father," Jazmine said. "You don't need to fear me."

Lucian's jaw tightened. "I don't trust you."

"Understandable."

"My father, Victor Smith, is one of the biggest investors in Tang Enterprise. Why would you want me here?"

Jazmine tapped her nails against the desk.

"I suppose you also know that your father is a mole—installed by David Anderson."

Lucian froze.

His breath hitched.

Then, recovering quickly, he masked his emotions. "Why are you telling me this? Is this why you want me in your company?"

Jazmine smiled slightly.

"I want you in my company because I recognize your potential."

Lucian remained silent.

"You've suffered a lot at the hands of your family," Jazmine continued, watching him carefully. "They've been after you for years. It's only natural that you don't trust anyone readily. You were the rightful heir, yet you were cast out.

"And they won't stop until you're gone."

Lucian's fingers curled into fists.

Jazmine leaned forward slightly.

"And I also know that with everything you've done as Cyber Knight, you've gathered quite the collection of powerful enemies."

Lucian's expression darkened.

He detected something in her eyes.

Amusement? Admiration? Interest?

Whatever it was, it unsettled him.

"But how long can you continue this?" Jazmine asked.

"You are one.

They are many.

You, along with your mother, will always be vulnerable."

Lucian stiffened.

His mother.

She was his greatest weakness.

He could risk his own life as much as he wanted.

But not hers.

"And who will protect us?" His voice was low. "You?"

Jazmine didn't hesitate.

"Yes. I will. If you accept my proposition."

Lucian exhaled sharply.

"And what exactly is your proposition? I expect it requires much more than just being your company's secretary."

Jazmine smirked.

"I'll have several jobs for you now and then. You must realize that the higher one climbs, the more enemies they gather.

"And I have a lot."

She leaned back, watching him.

"I need someone proficient. Someone trustworthy."

Lucian narrowed his eyes.

"And what makes you think I'm trustworthy?"

Jazmine's lips curled.

"A hunch."

Lucian stared at her.

She was crazy.

"I know you're still suspicious," Jazmine admitted, "but with my protection, you'll have nothing to fear.

"You can grow without restraint.

"And most importantly…"

She met his gaze, her green eyes unreadable.

"You will have the chance to avenge those who wronged you and your mother."

Lucian's breath hitched.

That was it.

That was the one thing he had been fighting for.

Every night, he planned out ways to bring them down.

The Heng family.

His father.

All of them.

The intense hatred he carried had kept him going through everything.

And now…

Now, she was dangling the perfect opportunity in front of him.

Lucian took a slow, measured breath.

Then, finally—

"I accept your offer."

Jazmine smiled.

"Good."

She picked up a document and slid it across the desk.

"The first thing I need from you—find out who is tracking my every move."

Lucian frowned.

"You mean David Anderson's spies?"

Jazmine shook her head.

"I tried to track them down myself," she admitted, "but whoever it is… they're one level above me. I can't trace their origins.

"I don't know who they are or where they're from."

She met his eyes.

"But you might be able to."

Lucian let out a slow breath.

Then, after a moment, he smirked.

"Consider it done."