CHAPTER 13
ALEXIA P.O.V
"Alexia, baby!! How have you been?!" he shouted.
I didn't even flinch.
"I hope you're aware we're in a company," I said coldly, "and you're making a scene."
"Oh, come on. You don't have to be so stiff."
He literally jumped down from his car—like an absolute maniac—and planted a kiss on my cheek.
"You came back to the city and didn't even call me?" he pouted dramatically. "Is this how you treat your best pal? 🥺"
I sighed.
Of course.
Tyler.
Not exactly famous… but for those who knew him—he was a name you didn't ignore.
A prodigy in the underworld.
Dangerous.
Unpredictable.
And completely unhinged.
He never showed interest in underworld affairs, but that didn't make him harmless. If anything—it made him worse.
People called him the Untamed Lunatic.
And honestly?
They weren't wrong.
Behind those warm brown eyes and charming smile…
Was something darker.
Something violent.
Something that could snap at any moment.
And somehow—
We were friends.
I still don't know how that happened.
We met at military camp.
He wasn't even a student—probably there on some shady "business."
That day, I was hiding under a tree, skipping training as usual, when I heard shouting nearby.
Curious, I looked up—
And there he was.
Bullying a new cadet.
Over a lollipop.
A lollipop.
I was furious.
So I marched right up to him—completely unaware of who he was—and yelled,
"Give it back!"
He looked at me.
Then completely ignored me.
And kept arguing like I didn't exist.
Bad move.
I punched him.
Hard.
He spat out blood.
Then slowly stood up… staring at me.
I froze.
Then—
He smiled.
"You really think that little punch will hurt me, sweet cheeks?" His voice was low, dangerous. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood… otherwise those cute cheeks of yours would pay for that recklessness."
He squeezed my cheeks—hard.
Then just…
Walked away.
I stood there confused.
Shaken.
Terrified.
After that, I avoided him.
But somehow…
We still became friends.
"Says the guy who disappears whenever he likes," I shot back.
"Still holding a grudge?" he smirked.
"No. You're not worth my time."
I turned and walked toward the company building.
"Ouch," he clutched his chest dramatically. "You really know how to break a man's heart."
I ignored him.
"Alright, alright—how about this?" He suddenly blocked my path. "Dinner tonight. My treat."
"Not happening. Move."
I tried pushing him.
Didn't work.
Of course it didn't.
"Say yes," he grinned, "or I stand here and scream your name until you do."
I paused.
…He would actually do it.
"Fine," I muttered.
His grin widened. "I knew you'd—"
"On one condition," I cut in.
He raised a brow.
"Take back all these flowers and banners. I don't need them. You're causing unnecessary attention."
"Aww… since when were you scared of attention?"
"I'm not scared," I snapped. "This is a workplace, not a carnival. You're giving the wrong impression."
He chuckled. "As you wish, my lady. I'll pick you up at 11."
"Eleven?!" I frowned. "What kind of person picks a girl up at 11?"
He winked.
"Me. You know I'm anything but normal."
Then he drove off—
Taking his chaos with him.
"Idiot," I muttered.
"I didn't know a reputable company condoned such behavior."
That voice.
Cold.
Sharp.
Annoying.
I turned.
Asher.
Of course.
"It doesn't, Mr. Slade," I said professionally. "I assure you, nothing like that will happen again."
"I hope so," he replied coolly. "Or I might begin to question the seriousness of this company."
I forced a smile.
"If I may ask… what brings you here, Mr. Slade?"
"I'd like a report on the company's progress and achievements so far."
I blinked.
That was… unexpected.
"Have we made a mistake?" I asked carefully. "Or is there something unsatisfactory that prompted this request?"
"I simply like to stay informed about companies I partner with. Is that a problem?"
"No," I said slowly, "but it's unusual for you to come personally. You could've sent your assistant… and you've already reviewed our history before signing."
Outside, by the car…
Felix leaned against the door, sighing.
"What exactly is making him act like this?" he muttered. "We were supposed to be at the office by now…"
"Miss Williams," Asher's voice cut through my thoughts, "the things I do may be too complex for you to understand."
My expression froze.
"So I suggest you prepare the report," he continued, "and stop asking unnecessary questions."
My blood boiled.
Did he just call me dumb?
"Then perhaps," I said tightly, "you should've simply said you came here to insult me."
"Does it bother you?" he smirked slightly. "I assumed someone who enjoys speaking behind people's backs would understand."
My eyes narrowed.
"I never thought the great Asher Slade would stoop so low," I said calmly. "Eavesdropping is considered quite rude… how shameless."
His gaze darkened instantly.
"Miss Williams," he said slowly, "is preparing the report going to be a problem?"
"Not at all," I replied. "My secretary will send it to you."
"No."
I paused.
"I want you to prepare it."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because I prefer working with experts." He tilted his head slightly. "And the customer is always right."
"You're not a customer," I corrected. "You're a partner. And Nadia is more than capable."
"No," he said firmly. "I want you."
"Why?"
His patience thinned.
"Do I need to explain every request I make?"
A headache began forming.
"Fine," I sighed. "You'll have it by tomorrow."
"I want it by 11 p.m. sharp," he said.
My eyes widened.
"And deliver it to me personally."
"What?! That's almost midnight! I'm busy!"
He turned away.
"Don't care."
And just like that—
He got into his car and drove off.
I stood there, fuming.
"How can someone be so heartless… so inhuman… so arrogant?" I snapped. "I can't stand him! And he didn't even give me his address!"
Any guilt I had toward him?
Gone.
Completely gone.
"Um… Miss, are you okay?" Nadia asked cautiously.
I exhaled.
"I'm fine. I'll be heading home. Send anything urgent to my email… and also send me Mr. Slade's address."
"Of course, ma'am," she said hesitantly. "But… why do you need his address?"
I turned away, a dangerous smile forming.
"Something he's going to regret."
I muttered it under my breath as I walked off.
And for the first time—
I almost looked forward to seeing Asher again.