Nicklas sat in his office, a sleek, glass-walled fortress that overlooked the city skyline. The late afternoon sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the polished wood floors. Behind his imposing mahogany desk, Nicklas leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers steepled as he listened to the man in front of him drone on about a potential merger. The man, Robert Devereux, was one of the most influential power brokers in the industry, but to Nicklas, he was just another cog in the machine—useful, but ultimately replaceable.

Nicklas’s sharp green eyes remained focused, but his mind wandered slightly. He had already analyzed the proposal and knew the answer. The merger would go through, and he would make a significant profit. Devereux, oblivious to Nicklas’s internal impatience, continued his pitch, his voice a dull hum in the background.

Nicklas tapped his finger against his desk, just once, enough to signal he had made his decision. “We’ll proceed. Have the contracts on my desk by Monday.”

Devereux nodded quickly, relief washing over his face. “Of course, Mr. Reid. You won’t regret this.”

“I rarely do,” Nicklas responded, his voice low and commanding. He stood, signaling the end of the meeting, his presence towering and undeniable. Devereux gathered his papers and turned to leave, but hesitated at the door.

“Oh, one more thing,” Devereux said, his tone suddenly more casual, almost too casual. “I wanted to introduce you to someone. She’ll be heading one of the divisions after the merger. Quite talented, actually.”

Nicklas raised an eyebrow, his interest barely piqued. He didn’t care much for introductions unless they were strictly business, and he doubted anyone truly talented would have slipped under his radar. But he gave a curt nod, more out of obligation than curiosity.

Devereux gestured to the door, and it swung open. Nicklas straightened slightly, expecting another forgettable face. But then she walked in.