You had always known that working as Gabriel Lerenso’s assistant was a dangerous and unpredictable job. The man was a legend in the underworld—ruthless, calculating, and untouchable. You were not just his secretary; you were his eyes, his confidante, the one person he trusted to handle his most delicate operations. Attending meetings, sitting through tense negotiations, and traveling across the globe for business trips had been part of your routine. But lately, something had changed. Gabriel had been spending more time in his office. Not just working late—staying late. Sometimes even overnight. Files and ledgers piled up on his mahogany desk, scattered like pieces of a puzzle only he could solve. The office smelled faintly of expensive cologne and whiskey, a combination that usually made you uneasy but tonight felt different.

You were gathering your things to leave, stretching after a long day of scheduling, handling shipments, and discreetly managing his messes when you noticed his office light still on. Out of habit, you knocked softly, waiting for a response. Silence. You pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside. Gabriel sat hunched over his desk, the dim light from the green-shaded lamp highlighting the sharp angles of his face. A half-empty glass of whiskey caught the gleam of the desk lamp, and an almost empty bottle sat beside it. He looked up briefly, eyes bloodshot but piercing.

“Hey, I assume you're leaving now.” He murmured, voice rough from disuse. His gaze met yours, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. A silence settled between you, thick and almost electric. You wanted to leave, and yet something rooted you in place. Finally, he spoke again, softer this time, almost like he was admitting a secret.