CHAPTER 11: THE STORE OF SILK AND TEETH
Zeyna Roman never did anything without intention.
That was something Juno had learned very early on long before she became his boss, long before she started moving pieces on boards most people didn't even know existed. Every step she took had weight. Every smile carried calculation.
Which was why Juno knew something was off the moment she asked him to join her.
"Clear your afternoon," Zeyna said, standing at the glass wall of her office, city sprawling beneath her like a conquered map. "We're attending a social visit."
Juno looked up from his tablet. "A meeting?"
"No."
"Negotiation?"
"No."
She turned, her expression unreadable. "Shopping."
Juno blinked once.
"…Shopping."
Zeyna smiled faintly. "Of grandeur."
That explained nothing and everything.
The boutique occupied an entire corner of the upper district, a place where architecture existed purely to intimidate.
Floor-to-ceiling crystal glass. Gold-threaded signage written in a script older than the nation itself. Guards at the entrance wearing suits that cost more than most people's homes.
Inside, the air was perfumed with subtle arrogance.
Every rack held clothing that wasn't merely worn it was declared. Power tailored into silk. Authority stitched into fabric. This was where politicians' spouses shopped when they wanted to remind the world they were untouchable.
Zeyna walked in as though she owned the place.
Juno followed half a step behind, hands in his coat pockets, posture relaxed. Anyone watching would have assumed he was an assistant. Or a bodyguard. Or nothing of consequence at all.
They were wrong on all counts.
As attendants rushed forward, Zeyna waved them off with practiced indifference. "We'll browse."
"Yes, Miss Roman," several voices said in near-unison.
She moved between displays, fingers brushing fabric, eyes sharp.
"You look tense," Juno said quietly.
Zeyna didn't slow. "I didn't invite you for fashion advice."
"I know," Juno replied. "You invited me because something unpleasant might happen."
She glanced at him. "You're perceptive."
"I survive."
They turned a corner...
....and Zeyna stopped.
Just for a fraction of a second.
But Juno noticed.
Across the store stood a man in a tailored ash-gray suit, laughing softly as he held up a dress against a young woman's figure. He was handsome in a polished, predatory way. Hair perfect. Smile effortless.
Kingsley Arden.
Juno recognized him instantly not from memory, but from data. Old money. New influence. A family whose name opened doors and closed mouths. The kind of man who never lost because he never played fair.
The woman beside him clung to his arm, smiling brightly, eyes scanning the store as though daring anyone to challenge her claim.
Zeyna's jaw tightened.
"Previous lover?" Juno murmured.
She exhaled slowly. "Unfortunately."
Kingsley noticed them.
His smile widened.
"Well," he said loudly, stepping forward, "if it isn't Zeyna Roman herself."
Zeyna turned, her expression cool and composed. "Kingsley."
He looked her over deliberately. "Still breathtaking. I see success agrees with you."
"And I see replacement didn't improve your taste," Zeyna replied, glancing at his girlfriend.
The girl stiffened.
Kingsley chuckled. "Sharp as ever."
His eyes flicked to Juno. "And who's this?"
Zeyna didn't hesitate.
"My boyfriend."
Silence.
The word hung in the air like a blade drawn slowly from its sheath.
Juno raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly.
Kingsley laughed outright. "You?"
He looked Juno up and down. "This is the upgrade?"
Juno inclined his head politely. "Pleasure."
Kingsley ignored the gesture. "What do you do, kid?"
"Manage things," Juno said.
Zeyna shot him a warning look.
Kingsley smirked. "Manager," he repeated. "How quaint."
His girlfriend giggled.
"Zeyna," Kingsley said smoothly, stepping closer, "you really don't need to pretend. If you're lonely, you could've called me."
Zeyna's eyes hardened. "I don't recycle mistakes."
Kingsley's smile sharpened. "Still prideful."
Then his gaze turned cruel.
"Tell you what," he said, raising his voice just enough for nearby patrons to hear. "Let's have some fun."
A Public Humiliation, Carefully Framed
Kingsley snapped his fingers. "Bring everything we picked."
Attendants rushed over, arms full of luxury.
He turned to Juno. "You're her boyfriend, right? Then you won't mind paying."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the store.
Zeyna stiffened. "Kingsley, don't..."
"Or," Kingsley continued, voice dripping amusement, "if you can't afford it… you can kiss my shoe."
Laughter.
Some sharp. Some uncomfortable.
A woman whispered, "That's cruel."
Another muttered, "He's dead."
Others simply watched, hungry.
Kingsley leaned in. "Your choice."
Zeyna grabbed Juno's arm, voice low. "Don't. He's baiting you. He knows you don't have that kind of money."
Juno looked at her.
Calm. Almost amused.
"I do," he said.
Her eyes widened. "Juno..."
He stepped forward.
"Counteroffer," Juno said.
Kingsley tilted his head. "Oh?"
"If I pay," Juno said evenly, "you kneel. You bow your head. And you call me grandfather."
The store went silent.
Then...
Kingsley laughed.
Hard.
Full-bodied, genuine laughter.
People snickered. Some shook their heads in pity.
"Delusional," someone whispered.
"The Arden family owns half the district," another murmured.
"This guy's finished."
Zeyna felt cold creep up her spine. "Juno," she whispered urgently. "Please. Back out."
Juno didn't look at her.
Kingsley wiped a tear from his eye. "Deal," he said quickly. "I already know who you are."
That made Zeyna freeze.
Juno smiled.
The Black Diamond Appears
Juno turned to the racks.
He selected six outfits for himself each more expensive than the last. Precision choices. Old-world tailoring. Modern authority.
Then he chose several dresses for Zeyna.
Elegant. Commanding. Regal.
He brought them to the counter.
"Total?" he asked.
The clerk swallowed. "That will be… seven figures."
Juno nodded and reached into his coat.
He placed a card on the counter.
Black.
Not glossy. Not matte.
It seemed to absorb light.
The symbol etched into it was subtle but unmistakable.
The Black Diamond Card.
The clerk's face drained of color.
The manager appeared instantly, bowing deeply. "Welcome," he said hurriedly. "It is an honor. Please forgive us if any offense has occurred."
The entire store erupted into whispers.
"That card..."
"Only sovereign-tier figures have tha...."
"Who is he?"
Zeyna stared, stunned.
Kingsley's smile faltered.
His girlfriend's grip tightened on his arm.
Kingsley stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Let's talk privately."
Juno didn't move.
"You don't want to do this," Kingsley said, forcing a laugh. "My family"
"....doesn't scare me," Juno replied calmly.
Kingsley's eyes hardened. "I can make this ugly."
Juno leaned in slightly.
"I already did."
The manager cleared his throat nervously. "Sir… the agreement...."
Kingsley clenched his fists.
The store held its breath.
Juno straightened. "Kneel," he said softly.
"And call me grandfather."
Closing Beat
Kingsley's jaw worked.
For the first time in his life...
.....he hesitated.
Zeyna watched, heart pounding, realizing something terrifying and awe-inspiring all at once.
She hadn't set Juno up.
She had underestimated him.
And the world was about to watch someone powerful learn what that mistake cost.