CHAPTER 3 – The Ice King
By the third day, Elara understood why people whispered his name.
Alexander Blackwood was not cruel in the loud way. He never raised his voice. Never insulted anyone directly. His power came from something far more frightening—his silence.
The boardroom was filled with executives that morning. Elara stood at the side, notebook in hand, heart racing as she tried to keep up.
A man across the table was presenting a new investment strategy. His voice trembled slightly.
Alexander listened without expression.
When the man finished, the room held its breath.
"This projection is flawed," Alexander said calmly.
The man swallowed. "Sir, I triple-checked the—"
"You assumed market stability," Alexander continued, his tone icy. "In a volatile economy."
Silence.
"That's not analysis. That's optimism."
The man's face turned pale.
"I suggest you revise your work," Alexander added, "or reconsider your position in this company."
No shouting. No insults.
Just destruction in a single sentence.
Elara felt sick.
She glanced at the man's hands. They were shaking.
The meeting ended quickly after that.
As people filed out, no one spoke. The atmosphere was thick with fear.
Back at her desk, Elara couldn't stop thinking about it.
Was this what she had walked into?
Miranda leaned over quietly. "Now you see why they call him the Ice King."
Elara frowned. "Does he ever… get kinder?"
Miranda gave her a strange look. "Not to people who stay."
That afternoon, another assistant made a small mistake with scheduling. It delayed one of Alexander's calls.
The girl was called into his office.
Ten minutes later, she walked out in tears.
Elara watched her go, chest tightening.
When the phone rang again, Elara answered.
"Yes, sir?"
"Come in."
Her legs felt heavy as she walked into his office.
He was standing by the window, looking out at the city.
"You witnessed the boardroom meeting," he said without turning.
"Yes."
"What did you think?"
She hesitated. Lying felt easier. But she didn't.
"I thought… you were very cold."
He turned slowly.
Most people feared that look.
Elara met it.
"Cold keeps things efficient," he said.
"But it also hurts people."
Silence stretched between them.
"You're not afraid of me," he observed.
"I am," she said honestly. "But I don't think fear makes people better."
Something unreadable passed through his eyes.
"You'll learn," he said. "Or you'll leave."
Elara nodded. "Maybe. But until then, I'll try to understand."
He watched her carefully.
No one had ever said that to him before.
As she left, Alexander remained standing by the window.
For the first time in years, someone had looked at him not with admiration or terror—
—but with concern.
And that unsettled him far more than anger ever could.