Vergas stood in the Tainted Black Glass room, his gaze fixed on the retreating figures of the executives. The meeting was over, but the tension remained, a silent current pulsing between him and Kian. He had seen a glimpse of Kian's ambition, his ruthlessness, his vision. And he was still wrestling with the realization that he was now a pawn in that ambitious game.
"So," Vergas finally said, his voice low and hesitant, "what now?"
Kian leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "We start with a simple task," Kian said, his eyes gleaming with a calculated glint. "We gather intel. We find out who's responsible for Lila's disappearance. And we build our network. We need to bring down Immortal, Vergas."
Vergas scoffed. "You think I'll just hand over my connections like some kind of charity case? I've built this empire for years."
"It's not about charity, Vergas," Kian countered, his voice soft but firm. "It's about leverage. You need me to find your daughter. And I need you to open up those channels, those underworld connections you've built for so long. It's a partnership, a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Vergas considered Kian's words. The boy was right. He needed Kian. And Kian needed him.
"Alright," Vergas growled. "But don't expect me to be your lapdog. I'll be watching you, Kian. Every move."
"That's the spirit," Kian said, a subtle smile gracing his lips. "I promise, you won't regret this, Vergas."
Kian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw Cassiopeia's name. He felt a pang of guilt, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. He had promised himself he would keep his double life hidden from her, but the reality was far more complex than he had anticipated.
He answered the call. "Hey Cass, what's up?"
"Where are you?" Cassiopeia's voice was laced with curiosity. "I thought you were at school. I called your teacher, she said you weren't there."
Kian's mind raced. He had to come up with a quick lie. "Oh, right! They moved us to a different project today. We're working on a presentation, it's a big one."
"A presentation? You're never in the mood for school projects. What is it about?"
"Oh, you know… the usual stuff," Kian said, his voice lacking conviction. "I'm going to be on the way home soon. Don't wait up for me. Maybe I'll grab some takeout."
"Okay, see you later. I'll leave the door unlocked," Cassiopeia said. "Don't worry about anything. Love you!"
Kian hung up the phone, a wave of relief washing over him. He had managed to pull it off, at least for now.
But the relief was fleeting. He glanced at Vergas, who was staring at him with a mixture of suspicion and amusement.
"I suppose your schoolwork is more demanding than I expected," Vergas said, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Kian shrugged. "It's a tough course load."
Vergas' gaze shifted to Zianna, who was leaning back in her chair, her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Don't tell me you're surprised," Vergas said, a challenge in his voice.
Zianna shook her head. "It's just a phone call, Vergas. I've learned to accept the unexpected with this one."
Vergas let out a low chuckle. "You're too generous, Zianna. Or perhaps you've simply learned to accept that he is not what he seems."
Kian leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "You know, I'm starting to think you two are becoming quite the pair. Are you two conspiring against me already? Let me in on the fun."
Zianna's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Just a little something to keep you on your toes, Kian," she said, her voice a soft purr. "We've all learned to expect the unexpected from you."
Kian frowned, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. "What do you mean?" He was used to being in control, to holding the reins of the conversation, but Zianna's cryptic remark had thrown him off balance.
Vergas let out a low chuckle, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "It seems Zianna has learned your secrets, Kian. She's become quite the observer."
Kian couldn't help but feel a prickle of irritation. He didn't like being the subject of their amusement. He was in control, he was the one who was calling the shots. They were supposed to be on his side.
"You both are testing me, aren't you?" Kian said, his voice laced with a hint of a threat. "You think you're smarter than me. You think you can see through me. Well, let's see how well you play the game."
He leaned back in his chair, a glint of steel in his eyes. "Zianna, you're going to handle the acquisition of Mt. Vernon. I want that mountain sealed in my name by the end of the week."
Zianna nodded, her gaze unwavering. "As you wish."
"And Vergas," Kian continued, his voice low and deliberate. "I need you to find something for me. A book. It's called 'The Codex.' Its contents are highly classified. The pages are numbered, but only the first twenty are written in. Large letters, with no punctuation, no paragraphs, just letters. It will be in the underworld, in the hands of someone who knows its true value."
Kian handed Vergas a small, folded piece of paper. "This is a description of the Codex. I believe you can find it. If not, find someone who can."
Vergas accepted the paper, his eyes narrowed. He knew this was no ordinary task. He could sense Kian's urgency.
"And what happens if I fail?" Vergas asked, his voice a low growl.
Kian smiled, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Then you'll find yourself playing a different game."
Vergas knew he was being threatened, but he wasn't intimidated. He had been a predator, a king, for so long. He wouldn't be easily broken.
"You'll get your book, Kian," Vergas said, his voice laced with a promise. "But I want my daughter back. And I want those responsible for her disappearance to pay."
Kian nodded, his eyes fixed on Vergas, his mind already racing ahead, planning his next move.
The tension in the room had dissipated, replaced by a strange sense of camaraderie. Vergas, ever the pragmatist, was already making plans to contact his underworld sources. Zianna, with a knowing smile, was no doubt already setting the wheels in motion for the acquisition of Mt. Vernon.
And Kian, for a fleeting moment, felt a sense of relief. He had his team. He had his pawns. The game was on.
But then, as if a switch had been flipped, Kian's CEO persona vanished, replaced by a youthful energy that was at odds with the ruthless businessman he had presented to Vergas and Zianna. He grinned, his eyes sparkling.
"Alright, I gotta go! It's my birthday, remember? Cassiopeia is probably getting antsy about celebrating."
Vergas looked at Kian, his brow furrowed. "You really are a kid at heart, aren't you?" He couldn't help but feel a tinge of amusement. The boy was a paradox: a ruthless CEO who could command an empire yet still clung to the innocence of childhood.
Kian laughed. "I guess I am. A kid playing with a big sister and an uncle." He winked at Zianna, who chuckled in response. "You know, Vergas, I'm a kid. I'm just a kid with a big job and a bigger ambition."
Vergas shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I suppose I can't argue with that. Go on then. Enjoy your birthday."
Kian stood up, a spring in his step. "Thanks, Vergas. And thanks, Zianna. See you two later."
With a final wave, he turned and left the room.