‘Why is his smile scarier than his stoic face?’
Alu felt a chill snake down his spine as he watched Kendrick scroll through the photos. That slow, unreadable curve of his boss’s lips was far more terrifying than any icy glare. His palms were damp, his heartbeat loud in his ears. Still, another thought crept in, stubborn and hopeful.
'Being able to see my boss smile… that’s a privilege, right?'
Kendrick finished sending every photo to his own phone. With a few precise taps, he deleted all traces from Alu’s device, ensuring nothing remained that could ever circulate beyond his control. He handed the phone back without ceremony, his voice calm and even, yet carrying absolute authority.
“Your bonus this month has tripled.”
Alu froze.
“…Sir?”
Kendrick was already walking away, the sun gl
