Irritation

The convoy of black luxury cars pulled up to the entrance of Voss Entertainment, their presence alone enough to make heads turn. The sleek vehicles came to a smooth halt, and before the first door even opened, the security team had already moved into position.

Victor stepped out first, adjusting his cuffs before walking briskly to the back door of the lead car. With precise efficiency, he pulled it open.

Adrian Voss emerged.

The moment his polished shoes touched the ground, the atmosphere shifted. Employees lingering in the lobby straightened instinctively, their hushed conversations dying in their throats. Some bowed slightly out of respect, others simply lowered their gazes, unwilling to meet his eyes.

Chris was already waiting inside, standing at attention near the grand marble entrance. As Adrian stepped through the doors, Chris greeted him with a professional nod, keeping his posture carefully neutral. He had always known where the line was—he was playful, but not foolish. Disrespecting this man was equivalent to ending one's career.

Victor and Chris flanked Adrian as they made their way to the private elevator. Victor reached out, pressing his fingerprint against the biometric scanner. A soft beep confirmed their access, and the doors slid open.

The three men stepped inside.

As Victor keyed in their floor, Chris stole a glance at Adrian, who stood as composed as ever, his sharp gaze fixed straight ahead. The man barely needed to speak to command a room—his mere presence was enough to make everyone tread carefully.

The elevator ascended in silence.

When the doors opened, Adrian strode out without pause, heading straight down the long hallway toward his office.

Victor followed, but just as he was about to step in, Chris grabbed his arm.

"Tell me, man," Chris muttered under his breath. "What the hell is going on?"

Victor turned, his expression as impassive as ever.

"What do you mean, sir?" he asked, his tone smooth, detached.

Chris scoffed. "Don't play dumb with me. What sir? You earn more than most CEOs and chairmen out there—drop the act." He narrowed his eyes. "Now tell me why he's here again."

Victor held his gaze, unbothered. "The boss is simply here to observe the company."

Chris clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Yeah, right. You love this, don't you? Watching me die of curiosity while you withhold info."

Victor said nothing.

Chris groaned. He knew he wouldn't get anything out of him. No matter how many years they'd known each other, Victor's loyalty to Adrian Voss was ironclad. On company grounds, he was nothing but a soldier.

Chris exhaled sharply, frustration buzzing under his skin. "Come on, man. We both know Voss Entertainment is the last thing on his priority list." He gestured vaguely around them. "He built this company on a whim because he was bored. Wanted to see how the entertainment industry worked, built an empire overnight, and then tossed it to me like he was throwing a dog a bone."

Victor didn't deny it. They'd had this conversation before—too many times, in fact.

"So, good luck convincing me that he suddenly cares enough to step into this building twice in three days," Chris concluded, arms crossed, as if he had just won the argument.

Victor remained unreadable. "How can we ever guess his mind?"

Chris groaned, throwing his head back. "Ugh, I hate you. I hate your ancient, cryptic antics. We are not in some period drama, man. At least give me a hint!"

Victor smirked—an actual, damn smirk—Which, for him, was practically an entire speech. Before turning toward the office. Just as he reached the door, he paused and looked back.

"You're free to come inside and ask him yourself," he said, his tone teasing, before disappearing through the doorway, shutting it firmly behind him.

Chris clenched his jaw.

"Ugh. I hate that man," he muttered under his breath.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, he turned toward the elevator, still trying to calm himself as the door closed. 

The elevator doors slid open, and as he stepped out into the lobby, a voice called out to him.

"Excuse me, Sir."

Chris turned, running a hand through his hair as he tried to shake off the frustration Victor had left him with. That man was insufferable.

But the moment his gaze landed on the woman standing a few feet away, his irritation slipped into curiosity.

She was petite, with long, dark hair that framed her face and dressed in a crisp white blouse tucked neatly into a black pencil skirt. The delicate sheen of her stockings only added to her polished, no-nonsense look. Yet, despite the composed exterior, Chris could tell—she was nervous.

"Ah, Miss Eve," he said, flashing a charming smile as he approached her.

Of course, he had heard about her.

The office had been buzzing about her for the past few days. The woman who had managed to catch the attention of Adrian Voss—a feat not even the brightest stars of Voss Entertainment had accomplished.

Chris had been around long enough to know that Adrian didn't notice people. If he did, it was because they served a purpose. And if they served a purpose, it meant one thing—they belonged to him, whether they knew it or not.

"So," Chris said, studying her, "what can I do for you, Miss Eve?"

Her expression remained neutral, but he could see the slight stiffness in her posture.

"I heard the boss is coming today," she said, keeping her voice steady. "I wanted to confirm if that's true."

Chris let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh, it's very true. He just walked in a few minutes ago."

Eve's fingers curled slightly at her sides, so quick and subtle that most people wouldn't have noticed. But Chris wasn't most people.

"Something wrong?" he asked, tilting his head.

She hesitated. "No. Just… unexpected."

Chris hummed, slipping his hands into his pockets. "That's the thing about Adrian—he is the unexpected."

Eve didn't respond, but he could see the way her thoughts were racing behind those sharp eyes.

Chris smirked. This was going to be interesting.

"So, do you need something, Miss Eve?" he asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.