Sabi woke up, feeling very positive and was certain she would have a great day.
She had dreamt of fulfilling her mandate in Jupiter, she dreamt that she had seen Jupiter hotel crumbled down and Levi in the streets of men, begging for alms. This made her very happy. She couldn't wait for it to come to reality. As she prepared, she overheard conversations from her colleagues. She had silly colleague and they were all funny. They all made her laugh, except one of the girls who seemed very secluded and was always alone. Sabi wondered why she was also quiet and all alone but decides to find out later, or never. She didn't come to Jupiter hotel to try to help everybody. She just wanted to fulfill what she feels is best for her.
Finally, she resumed work. Another day at Jupiter Hotel began with the usual chaos of staff bustling about, ensuring everything was immaculate for the wealthy guests who graced the establishment. Sabi moved through the halls, carrying her mop and cleaning supplies, keeping her head low. The less attention she attracted, the better. She was here for one reason only, to bring this empire down, not to stand out. But her plans to remain insignificant crumbled the moment she heard the murmurs ripple through the staff.
"He's coming."
Levi Callahan.
Unlike the others who scattered, fixing their postures and ensuring nothing was out of place, Sabi stood where she was, pressing herself into the corner, gripping the mop. If she just stayed still, he would pass her by. But then, to her utter disbelief, he stopped.
"Why did he stop?" Sabi asked herself, her heart started racing. What is this demon up to today?
A chilling silence followed. Everyone around her pretended to mind their business, yet she could feel their eyes flickering toward them, watching in secret anticipation. Sabi kept her eyes down, heart pounding as she heard the sharp click of his expensive shoes approaching her.
"Hello, Sabi Carter."
She stiffened. What did he just say? Her name. He remembered her name. She swallowed hard and lifted her gaze, locking eyes with his. Levi stood in front of her, tall and exuding raw authority, dressed in an impeccable black suit that hugged his frame. The smirk on his lips was laced with amusement, and something else, something unreadable.
"Who's your supervisor?"
Sabi's brows furrowed. Was this about last time? Was he still holding a grudge? Was he seriously that petty?
"Sir?"
Levi's smirk deepened as if he enjoyed the confusion on her face.
"Who is your supervisor?" he repeated, tone firm but not angry.
Sabi hesitated, her grip tightening around the mop handle. What was this about? Had she done something wrong? Was he looking for an excuse to fire her?
"Mrs. Martha," she finally answered, trying to keep her voice steady.
As soon as the name left her lips, Mrs. Martha, who had been watching nervously from a few feet away, stepped forward hastily.
"I am sorry, sir," she said immediately, lowering her gaze. "She is new and isn't very familiar with the system yet, but I will ensure she does better from now on."
Sabi turned her head in disbelief. Was this woman seriously apologizing for her when she hadn't even done anything wrong? The way she sounded, so weak and pathetic, infuriated her. It was like she was willing to throw Sabi under the bus just to keep Levi pleased.
Then, to Sabi's utter horror, Levi laughed. A deep, rich laugh that only infuriated her more.
"She didn't do anything wrong," he said, voice dripping with amusement. "I only wanted her to be re-delegated."
Mrs. Martha blinked, looking confused. "Sir?"
"I want her to be in charge of cleaning my office from henceforth."
A hushed murmur spread through the bystanders, and Sabi's breath hitched. What? Why?
"Oh," Mrs. Martha said, taken aback. "Okay, sir."
Levi's eyes flickered back to Sabi, and he smirked again. "She must start today."
And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving a room full of stunned workers and one particularly outraged Sabi.
She clenched her jaw. This was not good. Not good at all.
***
Mrs. Martha gave her a sympathetic look. "Listen, just do your work and keep your head down. He's unpredictable. Some days he ignores you, some days he plays mind games. Whatever you do, don't get on his bad side."
Sabi didn't respond. Instead, she smiled and continued mopping the floors. Ignoring the eyes on her.
She moved quickly, grabbing her supplies and getting to work. The last thing she needed was for him to walk in and start toying with her again. She wiped down surfaces, swept, and polished, anything to get her mind off the unwanted attention he was suddenly giving her.
But no matter how hard she tried, a single question kept swirling in her mind.
Why her?
***
Levi sat in a meeting with Mateo, his attention half-invested in the conversation. Mateo had been rambling on about new business strategies, expansions, and hotel logistics, but Levi's thoughts were elsewhere.
More specifically, they were on Sabi.
Her fiery defiance, the way she had dared to walk past him as if he were insignificant, had sparked something in him. It had been a long time since someone had looked at him without fear, without trying to please him. And now that she was going to be working in his territory—his office—he had all the time in the world to study her.
He wanted to test her limits.
"Levi?" Mateo's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
Levi tilted his head lazily. "What?"
Mateo sighed, clearly irritated. "Are you even listening?"
"Barely."
Mateo scoffed. "What's got your attention today?"
Levi smirked but didn't answer. Instead, he stood, straightening his tie. "Send me the reports later. I have something else to attend to."
And with that, he walked out, anticipation thrumming in his veins. He had a certain maid to check on. Sabi Carter.
***