"What's going on here?"
The voice cut through the tension in the air like a whip.
Lianna didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The deep, commanding tone was unmistakable. But it wasn't Damien who appeared in the doorway.
It was PA Jin, Damien's ever-present and stoic personal assistant, stepping forward like a shadow.
The secretary immediately straightened, a wave of anxiety washing over her face as she realized who had arrived.
PA Jin, with his imposing presence and sharp, calculating gaze, was a man who commanded respect without uttering a word. His features were sharp and angular, with dark brown eyes that could pierce through anyone with a single glance. His black suit was immaculate, a stark contrast to the secretary's overly casual attire. Without hesitation, he spoke, his voice calm yet firm.
"Ms. Black is here to see Mr. Hawke," PA Jin said, and his gaze never wavered from the secretary, who now stood frozen, realizing the gravity of the situation.
The secretary, visibly flustered and caught off guard, didn't dare argue. With a nervous glance, she stepped aside, allowing Lianna to pass. PA Jin's cold demeanor left her no room for protest. Lianna was granted access, and no one was going to stop her now.
Lianna walked past the secretary, her presence undeniable. The air seemed to hum with power as she crossed the threshold of Damien's office. PA Jin followed closely behind, his footsteps silent.
"Mr. Hawke is expecting you, Ms. Black," Pa Jin said, his voice quiet but firm. The heavy door to the office opened with a soft click, and the assistant gestured for her to enter.
Inside, the room was everything Lianna had imagined — sleek, modern, and imposing. The consortium's logo was subtly etched into the walls, with dark metallic accents that gleamed under the low lights. The space was bathed in a dim glow, the large windows showcasing a breathtaking view of the city below.
Damien sat behind a desk that looked as if it were carved from the finest obsidian stone, his posture straight and unyielding, his presence almost palpable.
Lianna stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the room and the man behind the desk.
Damien Hawke, the ruthless hidden billionaire, was a figure that exuded power. His eyes, hidden behind his signature black mask, were impossible to read, but there was something in the air that made the entire room feel as though it had been charged with electricity.
For a moment, the two of them simply stared at each other. The silence was thick and heavy, and Lianna could feel the weight of his gaze on her. She didn't move, not even a muscle. Damien was studying her, just as she was studying him.
But before either of them could speak, there was a cough from the back of the room. The sound was soft, but it shattered the tension in an instant.
Lianna turned to see three men seated around a glass conference table in the corner of the room. Their presence was undeniable, and though they had been silent up until now, it was clear that they were an essential part of Damien's world, but she easily recognised all of them.
The first person was Alexander "Xander" Cortez* aka The Brooding Strategist
Xander was the tallest of the group, standing at 6'4", with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. His dark brown hair was neatly combed back, though it always carried the faintest wave, adding a rugged touch to his otherwise polished appearance. His dark brown eyes were like a storm — intense and calculating, always analyzing, always thinking. His facial features were sharp, with a defined jawline and a scar that ran along the side of his neck, a remnant of a past fight that he never talked about.
Xander's clothing was always pristine — tailored suits in deep shades of charcoal or midnight blue, with a tie that was always perfectly knotted. His tall, imposing figure radiated power, but it was the stillness of his demeanor that made him the most dangerous. Xander didn't need to speak much; when he did, it was with purpose. And right now, his gaze was fixed on Lianna, calculating her every move. He said nothing but observed, his eyes flicking briefly to Damien before returning to Lianna.
The second person was Sebastian "Seb" Blake aka The Charming Rebel
Sebastian, or Seb, was the one who immediately stood out for his charismatic and easy-going nature. He was a couple of inches shorter than Xander, standing at 6'1", with a lean, athletic build. His dark hair was unruly, styled in a way that seemed effortless, though it took a lot of effort to look that carefree. His eyes were a striking hazel, with flecks of gold that made them seem to glow in the right light. His smile was disarming, and he used it frequently — often flashing it when he didn't know what else to say.
Seb's style was more casual than Xander's, yet still exuded wealth and sophistication. He wore a dark green leather jacket, a white shirt that clung to his toned physique, and black boots that gave him a rebellious edge. He was the playboy, the one who was always looking for a good time, but beneath the surface, there was a sharp intellect and a dangerous unpredictability.
When Lianna entered, Seb's eyes immediately locked onto her, his grin widening.
"Well, well, well," he murmured, leaning back in his chair, "Damien, you've been hiding a treasure."
The last but not the least was Dante Montgomery aka The Quiet Enforcer
Dante was the most reserved of the three, and yet, there was something about him that made people wary. He stood at 6'2", his dark hair cropped short, his face clean-shaven. His features were angular and sharp, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones that gave him a predatory look. His eyes were icy blue, cold and piercing, always scanning the room, always on alert.
Dante's attire was dark and understated — black suits that fit him perfectly, with a deep burgundy tie that added a touch of color to his otherwise somber look. He didn't speak unless necessary, preferring to observe. When he did speak, his voice was low, gravelly, and always carried weight.
Right now, Dante was studying Lianna, his eyes narrowing slightly as if sizing her up, trying to figure out what she was really about.
As Lianna stood there, the weight of their attention was palpable. These men, who had been silent up until now, were now watching her with intensity. They were Damien's closest allies, and they were sizing her up.
But before anyone could speak, Damien's voice rang out, cold and commanding.
"Enough," he said, turning his gaze to his friends. "Let's keep this professional."
Lianna's eyes flicked to each of them, noting the way their expressions changed from playful to serious at Damien's words.
"Allow me to introduce you," Damien said, his voice growing colder. "This is Lianna Black, my fiancée." The words hung in the air, and the tension in the room grew even thicker.
At the mention of her being Damien's fiancée, the secretary's face went pale. She had no idea who Lianna was, but the moment Damien had spoken, she realized her mistake.
Seb leaned back in his chair, his grin wide, but there was something dangerous about it now.
"So, Damien's been holding out on us, huh?" he said with a wink at Lianna. "Glad to know the rumors are true."
Damien's gaze was sharp and cold as he turned to Seb.
"Watch your tongue," he warned, the icy tone in his voice enough to silence the room.
Lianna stood there, her emotions a whirlwind. She had just entered a world of power, mystery, and danger — a world where she was no longer just a pawn in a game, but a queen.
And Damien Hawke, for all his coldness, was the one who had claimed her.