Alright—this is your clean novel version with ALL scenes intact, no cuts, just polished, intensified, and layered with subtle prophecy tension where it fits naturally.
CHAPTER 36
ALEXIA P.O.V
The next day, I had to attend a meeting between Nexus Company and ours.
Even before stepping into the building, I could already smell it.
Asher.
That strong sandalwood scent hit me instantly.
I froze for a second.
Is it just me… or has it gotten stronger?
Maybe it was just my enhanced senses—but lately, being around him had become… harder. My body reacted before my mind could catch up, and I hated it.
I pushed the feeling down and walked in.
Nadia was explaining the issues we were facing, but my mind was elsewhere.
The stolen project.
The unknown enemy.
The constant feeling that something was closing in on me.
Who would want me dead… and why?
The thought kept looping in my head until everything else faded.
I didn't even realize everyone had gone silent until Nadia touched my shoulder.
I flinched.
"Miss, are you alright?" she whispered.
"Umm… yeah. I'm fine. Where are we?"
"Mr. Slade asked what your next step is regarding the stolen project."
I looked up at him.
For a brief moment—just a second—I thought I saw worry in his eyes.
But it vanished just as quickly.
I forced a professional smile.
"I'm doing everything I can regarding the issue. The purpose of this meeting is transparency with our partners. As for the project…" I paused slightly, steadying myself. "I will handle it."
Nadia took over.
And once again… I drifted.
The moment the meeting ended, I left immediately and headed to my office.
Not long after, Nadia walked in.
"Miss, someone requests to see you."
"Tell them to make an appointment," I said dismissively.
"I'm afraid I need to speak to you now."
That voice.
I stiffened.
"Asher."
"Mr. Slade," I corrected, masking my reaction. "To what do I owe this visit?"
Nadia and his assistant quietly left.
He stepped closer.
"Are you alright?"
The question caught me off guard.
"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
He studied me.
"Try harder than that when lying to me."
I frowned. "Why are you here?"
"To check on you."
"Why?"
"Because your mind wasn't in that meeting. And we can't have that, can we?"
"I'm fine," I said firmly—even though I didn't believe it myself.
His expression hardened slightly.
"Then get your act together. You don't look like someone who has everything under control. And the project is still missing."
Something inside me snapped.
"Fuck you, Asher."
The words came out before I could stop them.
"So that's all you have to say? You really are the robot I called you before. I was an idiot for thinking otherwise!"
My chest heaved as everything poured out.
"Whatever happens to that project—let it happen! I'm tired of overthinking like an idiot. There's someone out there who wants me dead, and I don't even know why!"
My voice broke.
"I'm not just worried about the project—I'm worried about my life. And the worst part?" My throat tightened. "I'm completely helpless… and alone."
Tears slipped down my face.
I didn't stop them.
"So no, Mr. Slade," I said quietly, "I'm not fine."
Before I knew what was happening, I was pulled into him.
My face pressed against his chest.
His scent—warm, deep, overwhelming—wrapped around me.
A soft, involuntary sound escaped my lips.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice gentler than I had ever heard it. "You were going through all that alone… and I made it worse."
His hand rested on my head, slow and comforting.
"I promise you—you're not alone anymore. I'll help you find whoever's behind this. And whoever is after you."
Something in his tone…
It didn't sound like a casual promise.
It sounded… certain.
For a moment, I wanted to stay there.
Just a little longer.
But then—
Julia.
The thought hit like cold water.
I pulled away quickly.
"You don't have to, Asher. Really."
"But I want to."
His gaze locked onto mine, intense and unwavering.
"Why are you helping me?" I asked.
"Because I don't want anything to happen to you."
My heart skipped.
The way he said it…
It wasn't casual.
It wasn't polite.
It felt… deeper.
Too deep.
I quickly turned away so he wouldn't see my flushed face.
What is wrong with me?
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
His voice.
That scent.
This was dangerous.
"Um—yeah. I mean—I'm fine. I just remembered I have somewhere to be."
"I can drop you off."
I shook my head quickly.
"No. I'll take my car. Have a nice day, Mr. Slade."
And before I could embarrass myself further—
I ran.
Inside my car, I let out a long breath.
"What is wrong with me…"
Why did I tell him everything?
Why did I let my guard down like that?
And why did it feel like…
He already knew more than he was saying?
I gripped the steering wheel tighter.
That feeling from earlier…
It wasn't like the others.
Not like the heightened senses.
Not like the thirst.
Not like the strength.
This was different.
It felt…
Older.
Like something buried deep inside me had stirred—and for the first time…
It wasn't reacting.
It was observing.
Whoever stole the project…
Whoever was after me…
They felt connected.
And powerful.
Too powerful.
If I involved anyone…
They could get hurt.
Tomorrow was Hayden's wedding.
I needed a gift.
Something meaningful.
Something… useful.
At the mall, nothing caught my attention—until a boutique did.
Inside, everything was stunning. I bought a few things, shaking my head.
"This is going to be Clara's second home."
But nothing fit what I wanted.
So I left and entered a watch store.
One watch immediately caught my eye.
I reached for it—
Another hand grabbed it first.
I looked up.
Julia.
Of course.
I rolled my eyes.
Was it for Asher?
I didn't care.
I turned away.
"Oh? You liked this watch?" she asked smugly.
"Not anymore. You can have it."
"Don't act like you could afford it."
"Believe whatever you want."
She looked me up and down.
"What are you even wearing? A clerk's uniform?"
I sighed. "Something you'll never be."
I turned to the salesgirl.
"I need a men's watch. Something special."
"Of course, Miss."
"Oh—and give her the cheapest one," Julia added. "So she doesn't spend her yearly salary."
The girl hesitated.
I met her eyes calmly.
"Show me your most expensive pieces."
Julia scoffed.
"I heard you have exclusive collections not on display. I want those."
The watch revealed was breathtaking.
But not what I needed.
Still—
"I'll take it."
Julia's expression?
Priceless.
After purchasing it, I turned to the saleswoman.
"Are you married?"
She froze. "Yes… how did you know?"
"You removed your ring. But the mark is still there."
She hesitated.
"My job doesn't allow married women."
I already knew more than that.
Her sick children.
Her debt.
Her desperation.
"I want you to keep it."
"What?!"
"Keep it. Sell it if you want. Use it."
Tears flooded her eyes as she dropped to her knees.
"Thank you… thank you so much!"
"Hey—no, don't do that," I said quickly, embarrassed.
"What's your name?"
"Mila."
"I'm Alexia."
"I owe you my life."
I laughed nervously. "Please don't make it sound that serious."
"Or maybe it's fake," Julia snapped.
Mila turned sharply.
"I have watched you insult this woman repeatedly. And now you question our authenticity because you can't afford it?"
The manager stepped in.
"Miss, please leave."
Julia's face burned with humiliation.
"This isn't over, Alexia."
She stormed out.
Later, I found the perfect gift.
Something meaningful.
Something that could actually help Hayden and his future wife.
Back home, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
My mind… empty.
For once.
Even Snowy stayed away, sensing the shift.
But deep down—
That feeling remained.
Like something was coming.
Something I couldn't stop.
Something already set in motion.
And somehow…
I was right at the center of it.