Wolfe stared at Serena who just remained quiet then returned his focus back to Kyren who was still speaking on the call.
"Someone died?" Wolfe blinked.
"I just sent you the photo, check it out" Kyren replied.
Wolfe clicked on the pic and zoomed in, it's Nick, the man Serena just killed.
"What the fuck? How come?" Wolfe asked.
"Nothing was found, nobody,no gun....."
"Probably done by a skilled assassin" Wolfe muttered, zooming even more.
Serena blinked.
"Assassin? Don't assassins use violence??" Kyren questioned.
"No, not these days. He was obviously poisoned" Wolfe replied and Serena's heart skipped a beat.
"Oh wow, I was thinking about that also. But I think his drink was tested and nothing was found,just before he was taken out" Kyren replied.
That one calmed Serena down a little bit until Wolfe spoke up again.
"There are different type of poisons" Wolfe muttered.
"True though, just wanted to give you the full gist of what happened, later man"
"Yeah bye" Wolfe hung up the call and glanced up at Serena.
"I actually went for a walk, since I don't really know this place, I didn't go out of the estate tho." Serena said, super calmly.
Wolfe maintained his gaze on her and she raised her brows.
"Do you need me for anything?" She asked.
"No" Wolfe said softly.
"Something happened? I'm talking about the call" Serena spoke up again.
"Yeah, the club I went to. Someone died...oh..yeah. Do we have a long day tomorrow?" Wolfe asked.
"I will have to check, I will come over to your suite after changing"
Wolfe nodded and walked away.
Serena breathe out and entered her room.
She threw her bag on the bed and roughed her hair.
"Fuck you Seren, you should have wore something different" She sighed out.
She quickly took off her outfit and entered the bathroom to have a very quick and short bath, after putting on her nightie, she threw on a simple fluffy jacket on it on cover her chest. She took her tablet and left the room.
--
Serena entered the suite as the door opened, she guessed it wasn't locked because of her.
Inside, Wolfe was in the small balcony just at the other opening of the suite, he stood there,smoking and the night breeze blowing crazily inside.
Serena blinked...so he smokes? He wouldn't stop amazing her right?.
"Come closer when you're done staring" Came Wolfe's voice.
"I wasn't staring" Serena snapped before she could stop herself.
She bit her lip and walked over to him.
"You like talking back don't you?" Wolfe looked at her and stood up properly,covering up the height difference that she had to lift her whole neck to see him.
"Are you showing off that you're so tall?" Serena asked inwardly and chuckled.
"I'm not showing off, it's not my fault you're short" Wolfe said and her eyes grew wide.
"How...how did you...."
"I don't have super powers, don't be scared. You said it out loud" Wolfe smirked and puffed the smoke into the air.
"Oh" Serena sighed.
"And I'm not short, I'm 169cm tall" She added.
"I'm 184" Wolfe replied.
"Huh?!" She gasped.
"You must have dated short guys a lot" Wolfe crossed his arms.
"Never, I don't do short" Serena rolled her eyes.
"Are you rolling your eyes at me right now?" He arched his brows.
"Oh...." She bowed.
"I'm sorry sir" she mumbled.
Wolfe scoffed and disposed his smoke before going inside, Serena sighed and followed him.
The door closed automatically behind them, she watched him sit on a couch and crossed his legs.
"Start" He uttered and Serena started scrolling through her tablet.
"Tomorrow's schedule isn't that packed," she spoke up.
"But we still have a few things to cover."
She scrolled down and began to talk, telling him everything for tomorrow.
She glanced up at him after she finished.
"That's all sir"
Wolfe leaned back slightly, finally looking up.
"Anything I need to prep for after that?"
Serena shook her head.
"Not really. All emails and reports are already sorted. If anything changes, I'll update you in the morning."
She locked the tablet's screen and stood still, waiting for whatever will come next from him.
"You can go, Miss Serena" Wolfe muttered and she glanced at him.
"I would prefer..just Serena sir"
He looked up.
"You're twenty eight? For real?"
Serena smiled and nodded.
"Why? I look younger than my age?" She asked.
"I didn't ask to get a smile from you, it's suspicious" Wolfe snapped and Serena's smiled disappeared.
"Suspicious? What have I done wrong? So you suspect me so much and that's the reason you didn't eat the food I got for you? You gave it to Zayne" She snapped back.
Wolfe stared at her without saying a word.
"What do you want me to do to gain your trust?" Serena asked.
"Trust?" Wolfe chuckled.
"I don't trust anyone, except Zayne...."
"I could be another Zayne ....."
"Goodnight, leave" He cut her off.
Serena stared at him, before walking away.
"Really? You only trust Zayne? He can't betray you?" Serena chuckles as she walked, only to end up bumping into Zayne.
"He's not sleeping yet?" Zayne asked.
Serena frowned.
"Why not go in and check by yourself? I bet he will wake up and attend to you even if he's sleeping" she snapped and Zayne raised his brows.
"Goodnight" She rolled her eyes and left.
Zayne stared at her back till she was out of sight.
"The fuck?" He scoffed.
--
[NEXT MORNING, THE HAYES HOUSE]
The quiet of the morning wrapped around the mansion like a soft blanket, broken only by the faint clink of cutlery from the dining room.
Ezren came downstairs with his bag slung over one shoulder, dressed in a crisp black hoodie and dark jeans. His hair is still slightly damp, just all over his face like he hadn't really cared but still looked good anyway especially with the band around it.
He barely stepped off the last stair before Granny Hayes called out from the dining table.
"Ezren Hayes. Don't you dare think of driving yourself today."
Ezren paused, then sighed lightly.
"Gran, I'm fine. How many times do I have to tell you I will be careful, I'm not sixteen anymore for heaven sake" he groaned.
She looked up from her teacup calmly.
"Coming from someone who almost drove through the gate last week trying to answer a call. I let it slide once. Not again."
He gave her a soft look, one that said I'm not in the mood, but he didn't argue.
"I'll be careful." He repeated.
"You'll let the driver take you." She placed her cup down with quiet finality, then called toward the hallway.
"Charles!"
The house driver stepped in seconds later, already straightening his coat like he'd been waiting for the call.
Ezren shook his head and muttered, "Overprotective much?"
Granny raised a brow at him.
"That's my job. And since your brother thinks he's too busy to check in on you, I'll keep doing it until you're thirty."
Ezren couldn't help the soft laugh that slipped out. He dropped his bag by the nearest chair.
"How about forty?" He asked.
"Whatever, young Hayes" Granny said and Ezran chuckled again.
"At least eat," she added, more gently this time.
"There's no excuse for skipping meals."
He walked toward the table and sat down without arguing.
Toast, eggs, fresh juice–simple, clean. Everything neatly plated, he could feel the maids eyes on him and when he looked up,they immediately turned away.
Granny gave him a look from across the table.
He picked up his fork and started eating quietly.
After eating, he got up from his seat and pecked her cheek.
"Bye gran"
"Call me if you wanna come home late"
"Cool, see you later. Do you have anything to do today?" Ezran asked as he picked up his bag.
"I'm going to check on the company it's been a while. I will see how the staffs are doing and return home"
Wolfe's parents company is being managed by some official managers right now and Granny Hayes is the one in charge, just until Ezran will be old enough to take over fully.
Ezran nodded after she finished explaining.
"Bye" He said one last time before going out.
--
The grey car pulled into the lot, slowing near the student garage like always.
Ezren stepped out, pulling the strap of his bag onto one shoulder, the soft morning wind brushing past his face.
He shut the door without looking back and soon he was walking through the hallway.
It took only seconds for the whispers to start. Heads turned. Girls at the lockers started nudging each other. A few of them pulled out their phones. Some didn't even try to hide it.
Ezren just walked–his eyes forward, calm, like the world around him wasn't moving at all, like it was just him.
Then a familiar voice cut through the buzz.
"Ezren!!!"
Hazel appeared from the right hallway, adjusting the strap of her shiny pink bag and walking fast to catch up with him. Her skirt, super short, her lips glossy, and her smile way too bright for 8 a.m.
According to the students, she's the prettiest girl in the whole school,but not to Ezran anyway.
The students ship them a lot. Hottest boy and hottest girl dating? Iconic!!
They are both in 12th grade(senior year)
"Ugh, I've missed this place," she said, falling into step beside him.
"You wouldn't believe how boring my life was in California. I swear, I was going crazy."
Ezran opened his mouth like he was gonna say something but nothing came out.
She kept going anyway.
"I was hoping I'd see you first, to be honest. It's been, what–Four weeks? I'm sure you missed me a little.Right? Huh?"
He didn't look at her.
Hazel grinned, biting her lower lip like she was waiting for a reaction. But she didn't get one.
They reached the classroom doors.
Before they could enter fully, two of Hazel's friends came flying through the hallway.
"Hazeeeeel!" one of them screamed, running straight for her.
Hazel gasped and ran toward them, her voice even louder.
"No way, you guys look so different! What did I miss?!"
The three of them screamed again, laughing and jumping like they hadn't seen each other in a year.
Ezren walked past them, calm as ever, and went straight to his seat.
From the desk beside him, Benjamin turned slightly.
"Hey." He called, nervous.
Ezren looked over.
"I just… wanted to say thanks," Benjamin said.
"For yesterday–I don't know what they would've done if you didn't show up."
Ezren nodded.
"It's nothing."
"No, it's not. I thought...you don't even know me" Benjamin muttered.
Ezren shrugged, turning back to his desk.
"You didn't deserve it."
That was all he said.
Benjamin looked like he wanted to say more, but didn't.
He stared at Ezren once more before looking away.
--
[VOTURE,CEO OFFICE]
VOTURE is a global fashion and beauty brand founded by Kyren Cade. Known for its bold designs, luxury fragrances, and elite skincare, the brand works with a tight circle of models and ambassadors, only the best, one of the most expensive brands in the world right now.
At the top floor of the building, inside the CEO office, Kyren sat behind a black desk, his sleeves pushed up, one hand on his phone while the other scrolled through a campaign layout.
The door opened without a knock.
"Really?" a voice said.
Clara stepped in, with her long legs, flawless skin, soft makeup. One of VOTURE's most visible faces, she's a model and also one of the top ambassador.
"You left, came back, and no one even saw you," she said, walking in fully.
"What's the point of having security if you keep ghosting through the building?"
Clara and Kyren have been working together for years and it's healthy to say they are close, because she's the only one who can conversate with Kyren this way, other ambassadors hardly see him.
Kyren didn't look up. He just smirked.
"Security's not for me."
"Then who's it for?"
"People who need to feel important."
Clara dropped into the chair across from him.
"And what about meetings? You just disappear and expect us to play guesswork?"
"I said I'd reschedule."
"You said nothing," she corrected.
"You vanished."
Kyren finally glanced up, leaning back in his chair.
"Clara, you're still in the shoot. Nothing's changed."
"Except the entire date."
"You have five campaigns lined up. I figured you'd enjoy a breather."
Clara rolled her eyes.
"I don't take breathers. I love my work"
Kyren gave her a look, his lips twitched a little.
"That why you barged into my office like you own the brand?"
She crossed her legs slowly.
"Someone needs to check on the man running it like a ghost."
"You missed me, just say it Lara" Kyren groaned.
Clara laughed.
"Please. I just want my photos approved."
"They're on the server."
"And the campaign theme?"
"Same as before."
She tilted her head.
"You're being way too calm."
"I don't panic in front of pretty girls."
Clara smirked, leaning forward just a bit.
"You're lucky you're hot"
"No, you're lucky I didn't decide to be a model instead" He smirked.
"Oh gosh, I thought you changed" Clara tapped her forehead.
Kyren chuckled.
--
[2PM, HAYES GLOBAL]
Serena walked a few steps behind Wolfe, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. The day had been long–back-to-back meetings, site checks, business calls and everything.
Serena could see as she walked at the back that Wolfe was tired, really.
His pace had slowed, his shoulders tense. Even his suit jacket looked slightly wrinkled, like he hadn't bothered to fix it after the last meeting.
They reached his office.
He pushed the door open and walked in, heading straight for his chair without a word.
Serena followed, tablet in her hand, but paused when she saw him sit back and close his eyes for a second.
"You look exhausted," she said softly.
He didn't respond.
She stepped forward.
"I'll make you something cold. A smoothie maybe?"
Wolfe opened his eyes and looked at her, one brow slightly raised.
"I'll do it myself," she added.
"Not the kitchen staff."
He still didn't say anything.
Serena sighed.
"Unless you don't even trust me enough to make you a smoothie, you think I'm gonna poison you or something?"
A quiet beat passed.
Then Wolfe muttered, "Go ahead."
She nodded once and slipped into the small kitchen attached to his office suite. It's modern and spotless, with a silver blender already on the counter.
She opened the mini fridge and started pulling things out.
Banana.
Green apple.
Blueberries.
A few chunks of watermelon.
Pineapple slices.
And cold almond milk.
She tossed everything into the blender, then added a handful of ice blocks and blended until smooth.
When it was done, she added three more cubes–extra cold, just how she knew he'd like it.
She wiped her hands on a napkin, picked up the glass cup, and walked back into the office.
Wolfe was still in the same position, his head leaning slightly back and his eyes half-open.
Serena walked to his desk and placed the smoothie down gently.
He looked at it, then took it without saying a word.
A small sip.
Serena blinked, expecting his reaction at least.
Then he nodded.
"It's good."
Serena blinked,looking surprised.
A soft smile slipped onto her face before she could stop it.
She quickly turned, walked out of the office, and closed the door behind her.
She kept watching him through the glass anyway, she saw him finished everything and she smiled shortly.
--
[LAVUE BISTRO]
The rooftop breeze was light and warm, brushing over the white umbrellas and soft gold tablecloths of Lavue Bistro–one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.
Avianna sat with her legs crossed, phone in one hand, mimosa in the other. Across from her, Her two friends, Vera and Zoe.
Vera was snapping pictures of their table, angling the plate just right.
"Don't move," Vera said.
"The sunlight is hitting this salad too good." She smiled softly.
Zoe leaned in with her iced lemonade.
"Make sure you get mine too. That pink drink's not just for show."
Avianna rolled her eyes but smiled, resting her cheek in her palm.
"You two treat food like it's an award show."
"Because it is," Vera said, taking one last shot.
"This is what rich, soft life looks like."
The waiter came and refilled their water without a word. Jazz played softly from a hidden speaker above.
They started eating–casually and relaxed, just girls enjoying a perfect Chicago afternoon.
Until Vera leaned in a little.
"By the way… we heard Wolfe has a new PA."
Avianna didn't look up.
Zoe took over.
"Yeah. She started just recently or something. We heard she's pretty."
Avianna picked up her glass and took a long, slow sip.
She didn't say a word but obviously she was looking pissed already.
Vera and Zoe exchanged a quick look, both half-smiling.
Zoe raised her brows.
"You okay?"
Avianna put the glass down gently.
"I'm fine."
She picked up her fork, her eyes sharp now. That soft girl vibe? Gone.
"Pretty doesn't mean anything. Not when he's already mine."
"Hmm, are you sure baby? You guys haven't even kissed yet not to talk of fucking" Vera smirked and Zoe chuckled.
"I told you Wolfe is too busy right now, I can't force anything on him...."
"Well I think you should, lots of girls are waiting. When are you gonna start dating? Act fast babe" Zoe scoffed.
Avianna drank from her cup again, whoever the fuck that PA is, she better not try shit with Wolfe.
--
[6:00 P.M,VALENCIA MALL]
The mall lights reflected off the polished floors, soft music echoing through the air. The third floor held most of the designer stores, and that's exactly where Serena is right now.
She walked into the boutique, her eyes scanning the racks.
She picked up a black leather mini-skirt, then a wine-red crop top. Paired with high heel boots, it would be perfect. She kept moving, her finger trailing along silky fabrics, her other hand already holding two hangers.
Then she spotted it.
A lit black facecap on the display table near the wall.
Simple, clean, bold.
And there is only one left.
She stepped closer, reaching for it–when another hand touched it at the exact same time.
Serena looked up.
The girl standing across from her had soft brown skin, wide lashes, and long waves tucked under a light hoodie. Her face is almost too perfect, like it belonged on a magazine cover.
"Oh...sorry," the girl said quickly.
"I didn't think anyone else would want this one."
Serena let her hand drop slightly, still looking at her.
"Same here."
The girl smiled a little.
"I really need it… for, um..."
She looked around suddenly.
"Hold on."
She grabbed the facecap gently, slipped it on, then pulled out a black mask from her bag and fixed it over her nose and mouth.
In seconds, her face was almost fully hidden.
Then she ducked behind one of the tall shelves just as a group of girls came walking by.
"Wait, wait, wasn't that Magnolia?" one of them whispered.
"I swear I just saw her face...right over here!" The second girl screamed and jumped.
"Right? Right?" They asked Serena.
Serena shook her head casually.
"Nope. You're probably wrong."
The girls looked around one more time, then wandered off toward the other end of the store.
A moment later, the girl stepped out from behind the shelf.
She took off the mask, letting out a breath.
"You're a lifesaver."
Serena raised an eyebrow.
"You always hide in stores?"
"Only when I don't feel like being followed."
She held out her hand.
"I'm Magnolia."
Serena blinked, still not getting it.
"Okay."
Magnolia laughed softly.
"That's it? No 'oh my God'? No selfie?"
Serena blinked.
"I don't know who you are." She spoke softly.
That made Magnolia laugh louder. A real one this time.
"I love that." She pulled out her phone.
"Here. Let's change that. You're pretty. I hope we meet again."
They exchanged contacts.
Magnolia tucked her phone back into her pocket, gave Serena one last smile, and slipped out of the store like she'd never been there.
Serena stood still for a second.
"Who the hell is she?"
But she saved her contact anyway, she continued shopping and soon her curiosity won over. She paused her browsed through her phone the name..'Magnolia'
And there it is, Magnolia a actually an artist, not just that, a very popular one with over 200million followers on Instagram.
Serena shook her head, once you work in tge syndicate,it's almost like living in mars. The only updates they focus on is their clients and also their targets, nothing else.
So now, why would someone like Magnolia decide to exchange contacts with her?
And the craziest part? Aside her fellow team back in France,this is the first time she would have another person's contact on her phone.
Serena sighed and went to pay for everything she bought.
--
[4PM, MONARCH CROWN]
The sun poured through the tall windows in warm strips of light, landing across the floor of the west courtyard–just outside the sophomore wing.
Rose held a cup of strawberry milk in one hand and her phone in the other, trying not to laugh too hard as Grace spun around with her arms out.
"You're gonna fall," Rose warned, giggling.
Grace grinned, spinning again.
"Not before Ava does!"
Ava, who was trying to balance her bag, her water bottle, and her iced coffee at once, rolled her eyes. "Y'all are mad."
They were just a few minutes away from heading home, walking slowly toward the front gate where their drivers usually waited.
Rose is not rushing. She never really did anyway.
She's soft in every way, small frame, delicate features, and big brown eyes that always looked like they were thinking of something sweeter. Her dark hair is in a half-up clip, soft curls brushing her shoulders.
A typical pretty girl, but the quiet kind.
Then it happened in a blink.
She turned the corner laughing, and walked right into someone.
Her cup moved fast, the milk spilled everywhere.
All over a black hoodie.
She gasped, her eyes going wide as she looked up.
Straight into a calm, unreadable face.
Ezren Hayes.
Tall, dressed in black pants and now an almost ruined hoodie,thank gawd it's actually black, he stared down at her for a second with zero expression.
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
She couldn't speak. Couldn't breathe.
Ezren didn't say a word either.
He took a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped his hoodie once, then walked past them without looking back. Straight to the school parking lot.
And into his car, the driver already waiting so he just drove off.
Silence.
Then....
"ROSE!" Grace screamed, her hands flying to her head.
Ava dropped her cup, her eyes still wide.
"You just spilled milk on Ezren Hayes?!"
Rose blinked.
"Who?"
"Who???" Ava grabbed her arm. "Girl, he's a senior!"
"That's Wolfe Hayes' brother!" Grace said, eyes wide.
"He's, like… monarch-level royalty here. No one even talks to him."
"And did you see the way he looked?" Ava added.
"He looks like a damn model. No. He is the model. I'm convinced."
They all turned to stare after the car that had already disappeared through the gate.
Rose stood still, her heart still thumping.
"Oops." She mumbled.
Grace and Ava burst out laughing.
As they headed toward the driveway where Rose's black car waited, Ava suddenly turned.
"Wait, do you realize your sweet sixteen is in two months?"
Grace screamed.
"Shut up! That party is going to be insane!"
Rose just smiled softly, brushing her hair behind her ear as they walked.
"Not really, I'm actually waiting for my eighteenth. Not sixteen, still no freedom" She rolled her eyes.
"Oh please whatever, it's just two years away now. And....."
"We can finally have boyfriends!" Grace cut Ava off.
Ava and Rose laughed.
"Imagine dating a Senior" Ava grinned.
"Oh gosh" Grace blushed.
"You're so silly, bye" Rose shook her head and entered the car.
"Bye baby!"
--
[8PM, WOLFE'S ESTATE]
The room was quiet except for the soft clicks of Serena's fingers on the tablet.
She stood near the edge of Wolfe's bed, organizing tomorrow's schedule. Wolfe sat on the couch across the room, also busy with his laptop.
Serena busy glancing at him every minute, like does he even rest at all?
Then they heard a loud knock at the main door.
Wolfe didn't move or even looked up.
Serena looked at him once before walking out to answer it.
She opened the door and saw a familiar feminine face...oh...it's the girl she saw with Wolfe at the club last night.
Avianna frowned as she entered the room.
"Hi...." Before Serena could finish, cold water splashed all over her chest
Serena gasped as the water wet her all over.
"What the hell are you doing in his room?!! What!!'
Her eyes wild and twisted in rage.
Serena stood frozen, soaked, blinking at the girl in front of her.
"What is wrong with you?" she said coldly.
Avianna dropped the empty glass and reached like she was going to push her again...
But Wolfe was already there.
He grabbed Avianna by the wrist.
"Enough."
"Wolfe..."
"Go home." He cut in.
"No! You're letting her..."
"I said go home."
She pulled back and stormed outside toward the driveway. Wolfe followed.
By the time she reached the car, she turned sharply and grabbed his face, and kissed him forcefully.
Wolfe didn't kiss back.
He pushed her off and turned to the nearest driver.
"Take her home."
"Hey!! Wolfe!!!" She screamed.
Avianna stood there, breathless and embarrassed as the guard opened the car door. She got in without another word.
Wolfe walked back into the house, shutting the door with force.
When he stepped into the room, Serena was still standing there, her hair dripping,the shirt soaked and sticking to her skin.
She turned to him, angry and wet.
"First you don't trust me," she said. "Now your girlfriend's pouring water on me in your house? So she got no idea you insisted I stay in your almighty estate?"
Wolfe stared at her.
"She's not my girlfriend."
"You think that makes it better?"
He walked further in, unbothered.
Serena stepped in front of him.
"You can't keep treating me like I'm nothing. You don't talk. You don't trust. You don't care. And now....."
"Stop talking," Wolfe said sharply.
But she didn't.
"You're the one who wanted me here. Not like I'm homeless or something to deserve a fucking disrespect from..."
"You want me to shut you up myself?" Wolfe's voice dropped, low and dark and at the same time cold.
"What are you gonna do then?" Serena glared.
"Try me....another word from you and I will show you" Wolfe said, calmly sliding his hands into his pockets while looking down on her as she also stared up at him.
Serena swallowed, wait what?
She's supposed to shout back at him, the normal her...but why is she quiet?
"Good girl" Wolfe muttered and walked out of her sight.
She stood there and batted her lashes.
No, can't be. This is just because of her mission,nothing else.
Right?