Episode eight
991 Words
NHC Empire
The Audi R8 rolled smoothly into the expansive parking lot of a magnificent glass-and-steel building that towered above its surroundings like a silent ruler. The structure reflected the morning sun, its sharp edges and sleek design screaming power, wealth, and authority. Bold letters were engraved at the entrance, impossible to miss.
NHC EMPIRE.
The car came to a stop.
The door opened, and Rhon stepped out first. His presence was imposing, his sharp eyes scanning the environment out of habit rather than necessity. Security was already tight, but Rhon trusted nothing completely. Satisfied, he moved around the car with long strides and opened the door on the other side.
Kylen stepped out.
He looked every inch the formidable business tycoon the world knew him to be. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his pencil-cut trousers accentuated his long legs, while his crisp white shirt and dark tie sat flawlessly against his frame. His hair was neatly brushed to the side, every strand in place, his expression cold and unreadable. There was no hint of the chaos beneath the surface—only control.
He adjusted his cuffs once and walked toward the building without a word.
The glass doors slid open automatically.
Inside, the effect was immediate.
The receptionist stood up at once, bowing deeply. Conversations died mid-sentence. Typing slowed, then stopped. Staff members straightened instinctively, heads lowering in respect as Kylen passed.
“Welcome, sir,” voices echoed softly.
Kylen acknowledged no one. He simply nodded once, his gaze fixed ahead.
Rhon followed closely as Kylen headed straight for the private elevator reserved exclusively for the CEO. Rhon pressed the button for the 47th floor, the highest level of the building.
As the elevator doors closed, the tension in the lobby finally released. Employees exhaled breaths they hadn’t realized they were holding. Kylen Alexander had that effect; his presence demanded silence, precision, and fear disguised as respect.
The elevator ride was quiet.
When the doors opened, Kylen stepped out first. Rhon moved ahead, opening the large office doors for him before bowing slightly and stepping aside.
Kylen’s office was a reflection of the man himself.
Elegant. Minimal. Powerful.
The large desk gleamed under the soft lighting, documents arranged with meticulous precision. No clutter. No excess. On the desk sat a sleek nameplate:
KYLEN ALEXANDER
CEO
The glass wall behind the desk revealed a breathtaking view of the city skyline, buildings stretching endlessly beneath him as though the world itself bowed at his feet. Another door beside the window led to a private inner office off-limits to almost everyone.
Kylen took his seat, resting back in the chair with natural authority. He removed his phone from his pocket and dialed a number.
“Come to the company now,” he said the moment the call connected. “It’s urgent.”
He ended the call without waiting for a reply.
A knock followed shortly after.
The door opened, and Aria stepped in.
She was a plump woman, not overly chubby, but full in all the right places. Her posture was professional, her expression neutral, her movements precise. She placed a cup of coffee gently on Kylen’s desk.
“Good morning, sir,” she greeted.
Kylen picked up the cup and took a slow sip, his eyes lifting briefly to her face.
“The file by your side is the proposal from Amal Company,” Aria continued. “They’re requesting a partnership review.”
Kylen nodded once.
“Anything else?”
“You have a business dinner scheduled with ”
“Cancel it,” Kylen cut in calmly.
Aria paused for only a second before nodding. “Yes, sir.”
She turned and exited quietly, closing the door behind her.
Almost immediately, the door banged open.
Andrew stormed in.
“What’s up?” Andrew demanded, throwing Kylen a sharp look. “You nearly ruined my sweet morning dream.”
Rhon excused himself silently and stepped out, closing the door.
Andrew continued mumbling under his breath as Kylen calmly sipped his coffee, not sparing him a glance.
“You know,” Andrew went on, dropping into the chair opposite Kylen, “some people actually value sleep.”
Kylen finally spoke, his tone casual but edged.
“So… were you playing around with some bitches, or were you enjoying your beauty sleep?”
Andrew’s expression shifted instantly from irritation to seriousness.
“Yeah, you got me,” he admitted. “Just a little flirt. Nothing serious.”
He leaned forward. “Now talk. Why the urgent call?”
Kylen set the coffee down slowly. His gaze lifted, locking onto Andrew’s.
“I have work for you.”
Andrew straightened slightly.
“There’s someone who needs therapy,” Kylen continued after a brief pause. “And you’re the best at what you do.”
For a moment, Andrew stared at him. Then he burst into laughter, his chest shaking as the sound filled the office.
Kylen didn’t blink.
Andrew laughed harder. “You’re joking,” he said between breaths. “You? Sending someone to therapy?”
The laughter slowly died when Kylen’s expression didn’t change.
Andrew frowned. “Wait… you’re serious?”
“If I finish reviewing these reports,” Kylen replied calmly, “we’ll head to my place.”
UseAndrew was silent now.
His mind raced.
Kylen wasn’t a man who made casual requests. If he was involving Andrew professionally, then whatever or whoever this mattered.
And that alone was unsettling.
“Who is it?” Andrew finally asked.
Kylen didn’t answer.
Andrew leaned back, studying his friend carefully. He had known Kylen long enough to recognize that look of controlled calm masking something far more dangerous.
“Whoever it is,” Andrew said slowly, “they must be broken enough for you to intervene.”
Kylen’s fingers tightened slightly against the desk.
“Yes,” he said quietly.
Andrew exhaled.
“Well,” he muttered, standing up, “this just got interesting.”
- Writer
