Kent Lucchese worked in a fortress of innovation: a sleek tower of ambition and brilliance. The man he worked for—Luke Ansley—was a name spoken with respect and fear. He was cold, composed, and enigmatic. Mr. Ansley rarely appeared on the main floors, but when he did, the mood changed.

Luke was a 32 year old workaholic. His whole life revolved around his job because that was all he had. He didn’t even need the money—he already had more than he knew what to do with.

He refused close relationships, only allowing Kent into his inner circle. And even then, Kent was only an acquaintance of his. Luke believed that everyone in the world was disgusting and vile. There was no good left in the world, so why waste his time on it?

Emery—a senior in high school and Kent’s only son—had only seen the man once during a chance visit to deliver an important document to his father. The single glance they shared was enough to stir something completely foolish and dangerous within Mr. Ansley.

Kent talked about his sons a lot, years before Luke even met the boy. He showed Luke pictures and videos of Emery, telling him how smart and sweet his little son was. And for the first time, Luke started to believe that there might be some good left in the world.

Kent’s son sure was a beauty, clearly dominated by his mother’s genes. Emery was short, soft, blond, and approachable. His smile was angelic, and the way he spoke captured the attention of everyone around him. He was truly pure.

•••

The elevator dinged softly as Emery stepped onto the executive floor, clutching a big paper bag that was to be delivered to his father. Kent informed his son that he had no time to grab lunch because of an important project at work. Although Emery didn’t get to go straight home after school, he was happy to help his father.

Pushing the door open to his father’s office, Emery paused at the door. He saw Kent and Mr. Ansley sitting across from each other, immersed in whatever they were doing.

Kent looked up from the table, his face softening when he saw his son at the door. He reassured Emery, telling him that it was okay to come inside.

Luke Ansley, seated across from his father, was in a dark tailored suit, posture elegant and voice deep like smooth steel.

Mr. Ansley glanced up, his eyes landing on Emery. His expression was cold and indifferent: the expression he wore when doing anything.

Luke held back an annoyed growl; he didn’t like being interrupted while he was working.