As Seraphina settled into her office, she pulled out her notes and began reviewing everything she had written. Every detail mattered. The manipulation, the information she had gathered from Celeste and Mara—it all needed to be pieced together perfectly. She tapped her pen against the desk, deep in thought, her mind racing with connections.
Everything was pointing in the same direction. Elias was involved, and now she had enough proof to push further. But she couldn't rush—one wrong move and everything would crumble.
As Seraphina pieced everything together, the weight of the truth settled in. Elias wasn't just corrupt—he was a facilitator in something much bigger. From Celeste, she confirmed that he had been making secret transactions, moving money under the radar, but the real revelation came from Mara. One of the missing researchers hadn't just been killed—he had been given away in a deal. The tampered footage only cemented her suspicions. The two missing hours revealed Elias handing over the researcher to a fully covered man, who in return transferred the payment. The disappearances weren't random; Elias was targeting specific researchers and delivering them to someone outside Horizon Initiative. This wasn't just about internal corruption—it was about an external force pulling the strings, powerful enough to erase evidence and manipulate things from the shadows. Seraphina clenched her fists. Elias was working with someone dangerous, and now, she was closer than ever to uncovering the truth.
Seraphina calmly closed her notebook, her expression unreadable. She had just finished compiling everything—the transactions, the erased footage, the connections.
Celeste stood by the door, her usual indifference in place. "Boss wants to see you in his office."
Seraphina gave a small nod, slipping the notebook into a locked drawer before standing up. "Did he say why?"
Celeste shrugged. "Something about discussing your progress."
Seraphina smirked slightly. She expected this. Elias wasn't suspicious—he was confident. He believed she was just another employee, doing her job. Good. That made things easier. Without another word, she adjusted her posture, smoothing her expression into something more neutral before heading toward his office.
As Seraphina entered Elias's office, he was leaning back in his chair, exuding an air of control and amusement. His gaze swept over her, lingering just a second too long before he gestured for her to sit.
"So," he started, lacing his fingers together, "how's the case coming along? Any breakthroughs?"
Seraphina met his gaze with practiced ease. "Some progress," she said smoothly. "I've been reviewing the evidence and making connections."
Elias chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "That's what I like about you—so focused, so determined." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make the atmosphere shift. "But I wonder… do you ever take a break? Relax a little?"
Seraphina didn't react, though she recognized his intent immediately. He's getting bolder. She tilted her head slightly, feigning mild curiosity. "I take breaks when necessary."
Elias smirked, his eyes dark with something unreadable. "You know, Valerie, you don't have to be so formal around me. I don't bite."
She let out a small, amused breath, playing along just enough. "That's good to know."
He chuckled, eyes watching her closely, as if waiting for a crack in her demeanor. "Maybe when this case is over, we should celebrate. Somewhere… quieter."
Seraphina held his gaze, her expression unreadable. Inside, her mind worked quickly, cataloging every word, every shift in tone. If he thought he could distract or unsettle her, he was mistaken.
"I suppose that depends on how this case turns out," she said finally, her tone perfectly measured.
Elias's smirk widened slightly. "Then I'll make sure it ends well."
Seraphina merely nodded, waiting for him to steer the conversation back to business. Let him think he's in control. For now.
Two days passed by in a blur, filled with careful calculations, subtle manipulations, and relentless analysis. Seraphina had spent every moment refining her findings, ensuring every detail in the file was precise. Now, she stood in Elias's office, the completed file in her hands, her expression calm yet unreadable.
Elias leaned back in his chair, watching her with that same amused glint in his eyes. "Efficient as always," he mused, reaching for the file. His fingers brushed against hers as he took it, lingering just enough to test her reaction.
She didn't flinch, didn't waver. Let him play his little games. It won't change the outcome.
"Let's see what we have here," he murmured, flipping through the pages. His expression remained neutral at first, but as he read further, a flicker of something passed through his eyes—surprise? Annoyance? It was gone before she could place it.
Seraphina watched him carefully. "Everything is verified. If you need additional clarification, I can provide it."
Elias shut the file, tapping his fingers against the cover. "You really don't miss anything, do you?" He smiled, but there was something sharp beneath it. "Impressive."
She didn't respond to the compliment. Instead, she waited. He's testing the waters, gauging how much control he still has.
Elias leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "So, tell me, Valerie. After all this work, do you ever feel the need for a distraction?"
Her lips curved into the faintest smirk. "Distractions are a luxury I can't afford."
Elias chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Shame. You strike me as someone who'd enjoy a challenge outside of work."
She tilted her head slightly. "Work is enough of a challenge."
He let out an amused breath, watching her for a long moment before finally leaning back. "Well, I'll review this in detail. If I have any questions, I assume you'll be available?"
"Always."
With that, she turned and left his office, her steps measured, her mind already working on the next move. The game had only just begun.
As she sat in the chair of her office, Celeste appeared again and said, "Boss wants you to go somewhere with him today."
Seraphina raised a brow. "Where?"
Celeste shook her head. "He didn't say. You should be ready in an hour. Your dress will be here shortly." With that, she left.
Seraphina leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers lightly against the desk. Interesting. Elias wanted her to go somewhere without giving details. That meant either it was something he didn't want others knowing or he wanted to catch her off guard.
Her smirk deepened. Let's see who surprises whom.
An hour. That was enough time to prepare—mentally and strategically. If Elias was taking her somewhere without prior notice, she had to use this opportunity wisely. Information, power shifts, weaknesses—whatever could be extracted from this outing, she would make sure to get it.
Moments later, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. A staff member entered, carefully placing a sleek black garment bag on the couch before leaving without a word.
She stood and walked over, unzipping it. The dress inside was elegant but not overly extravagant—a deep shade of emerald, form-fitting yet sophisticated. So, he wants me to look the part.
Her gaze flickered with amusement. Fine. Let's play.
Seraphina got ready in her office at Horizon Initiative, her reflection staring back at her in the mirror. The emerald dress hugged her frame perfectly, the fabric smooth against her skin. It was more revealing than what she usually wore—strategically designed to capture attention. Elias wanted a distraction? Fine. She would give him one, but on her own terms.
Her makeup was subtle yet striking, enhancing her sharp features. The soft waves in her hair cascaded down her back, adding to the effortless allure she carried. As she glanced at herself one last time, a smirk played on her lips. She looked ethereal. Untouchable. Dangerous.
Without wasting another second, she stepped out of her office and made her way to Elias' office. There was no hesitation in her stride, no uncertainty in her expression. If Elias thought he held control, she would let him believe that—for now.
Elias led Seraphina outside, where a sleek black car was already waiting. As they slid inside, she kept her expression neutral, though her mind was already working. A private club? This wasn't just a social outing—there was something more to it.
The drive was silent, aside from Elias occasionally glancing at her with a smirk, as if amused by something only he understood. Seraphina pretended not to notice, gazing out the window as the city lights blurred past.
After a while, the car pulled up in front of an exclusive, high-end club—the kind that didn't need a name, because only those who mattered knew of its existence. The entrance was discreet, guarded by men who didn't bother checking Elias' credentials. He was expected.
As they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed immediately. Dim lighting, deep red and gold hues, expensive liquor, and a carefully curated crowd of elites. But what caught Seraphina's attention the most was the air of secrecy—as if every conversation held something illicit beneath the surface.
Elias placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her deeper into the club. "Welcome to Veritas." His voice was smooth, dripping with amusement. "A place where only those who know how to play the game are allowed."
Seraphina let out a small chuckle. "And what game would that be?"
He leaned in, his lips dangerously close to her ear. "Power, control, and secrets."
Her smirk didn't waver, but inside, she was already analyzing everything. Why had he brought her here? Was it to test her? To flaunt her? Or was there something much bigger happening in this place?
Either way, she intended to find out.
Elias led her toward a secluded VIP section, where a group of well-dressed men and women lounged in plush velvet chairs, swirling expensive liquor in crystal glasses. Their eyes flickered toward Seraphina, assessing, curious—but there was something more. Recognition. Some of them knew who she was, or at least, they had heard of her.
She maintained her composed expression as Elias pulled out a chair for her. "Sit," he said smoothly, as if he were offering her the world. She did, crossing her legs, her gaze sharp.
One of the men, older with graying hair and a calculating gaze, smirked. "This is the one you've been talking about, Elias?"
Elias chuckled, placing a hand on the back of her chair, his fingers barely grazing her shoulder. "She's impressive, isn't she?"
Seraphina felt the possessiveness in his touch, the silent claim he was trying to make in front of these people. She hated it. But she let out a soft laugh, tilting her head toward him as if she were comfortable in his presence. Play along. Get what you need.
"Impressive how?" she asked, feigning curiosity.
The older man leaned forward. "Smart, capable, and now... part of our world."
She kept her smile in place, but her mind sharpened. Their world. So, this wasn't just about showing her off—this was a test.
Elias handed her a drink. "You should enjoy yourself, Valerie."
She took the glass but didn't drink, swirling the liquid instead. "And what exactly am I supposed to enjoy?"
Elias' smirk deepened. "Everything."
Then, he leaned down, his lips barely grazing her jawline as he whispered, "You're mine tonight."
Her stomach twisted in disgust, but outwardly, she smiled, tilting her head slightly toward him. If he thought he had control, he was mistaken.
Seraphina let out a soft laugh, as if his words amused her. "Is that so?" she murmured, swirling the untouched drink in her hand.
Elias smirked, leaning closer. "You'll see soon enough."
The conversation around them shifted to business, to numbers and transactions she had no doubt were illegal. She absorbed every word, every name, while pretending to be nothing more than a beautiful distraction at Elias' side.
Then, he stood, offering his hand. "Dance with me."
She hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his, allowing him to guide her toward the dance floor. The private club had a dark, intimate atmosphere, the soft hum of music filling the space.
As soon as they reached the center, Elias pulled her close—too close. His hands rested on her waist, his grip firm, possessive.
"You're full of surprises, Valerie," he murmured against her ear. "I didn't expect you to blend in so easily."
She smiled, her fingers resting lightly on his shoulder. "I learn quickly."
His grip tightened. "I like that."
She let out a soft hum, watching him carefully. "And what else do you like?"
Elias chuckled. "Clever. Always trying to get information, aren't you?"
He spun her suddenly, making her back press against his chest, his breath against her neck. She suppressed the shudder of revulsion, keeping her expression controlled.
"Maybe I just like to know what I'm dealing with," she replied smoothly.
His lips almost brushed against her skin. "Then you should know I always get what I want."
Seraphina turned her head slightly, her lips curving in a smirk. We'll see about that.
He turned her again.
The moment Elias' grip on her waist tightened, Seraphina felt a shift in his demeanor. His hand slid up her back, pressing her closer, his breath hot against her neck.
"You really are something," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to her skin.
Seraphina forced a chuckle, tilting her head slightly as if she wasn't bothered. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Elias' fingers traced her spine, his touch lingering too long. Then, without warning, he leaned in, his lips grazing her neck.
A chill of disgust shot through her. She stiffened, forcing herself not to react. Not yet.
"You don't seem like the type to shy away," he whispered, pressing his lips fully against her skin this time.
Seraphina's fingers curled into his shoulder. "I don't," she said, her voice smooth, teasing. But she shifted slightly, angling herself just enough to make it seem natural—enough to slow him down.
Elias smirked, mistaking her controlled resistance for coyness. His teeth grazed her pulse, then—he bit down.
A sharp sting. A mark.
Her stomach twisted, but she let out a breathy laugh, masking the fury burning beneath her skin. He wants to play? Fine.
She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her own dark with feigned amusement. "You're bolder than I expected."
Elias' fingers trailed down her arm, his arrogance seeping through his smirk. "You'll get used to it."
Seraphina forced herself to smile. He would regret this.
After some time, Elias finally loosened his grip, satisfied with the control he thought he had over her. Seraphina stepped back, carefully adjusting her dress as if unaffected, though her skin burned where his lips had been.
Elias smirked, his gaze lazily running over her. "You really do know how to keep a man entertained," he mused, brushing his fingers over the faint mark on her neck.
Seraphina let out a soft laugh, tilting her head slightly. "And you seem to enjoy leaving reminders."
His smirk deepened. "Consider it a claim."
Her stomach churned, but she kept her expression smooth, her lips curving into something playful. A claim? He truly thought he was in control.
"Then I suppose I'll have to return the favor one day," she murmured, stepping past him toward the exit, her movements slow, deliberate—as if she wasn't planning his downfall.
Elias chuckled, watching her go. "I'll be waiting."
Seraphina didn't look back. She could still feel his touch lingering, the weight of what had just happened pressing against her. But none of it mattered. Because now, she had something to use against him.
As she left the room, a wave of pure disgust crashed over her, stronger than anything she had felt before. The air around her felt suffocating, tainted with his scent, his touch—his claim.
Her fingers instinctively brushed against her neck, where the mark burned like a brand. How dare he? Her jaw clenched, and before she even realized it, she was cursing him under her breath, each whispered word sharper than the last.
The entire ride home, her anger simmered beneath the surface. She gripped the edge of her dress as if she could wring the feeling of him off her skin. The city lights blurred past, but all she could think about was the way he had looked at her—as if she was something to be owned.
He thinks he has the upper hand.
A bitter smirk tugged at her lips. Let him believe that.
Because soon, he'd realize just how wrong he was.
As she entered the apartment, the moment the door shut behind her, she grabbed the fabric of her dress and tore it off in a frenzy, the sound of ripping cloth echoing in the silence. The expensive material was nothing but a reminder of his hands, his touch, his audacity.
She stormed into the bathroom, twisting the knob until scalding water poured down. Stepping under the stream, she let it burn her skin, but it wasn't enough—it would never be enough. She scrubbed her arms, her shoulders, her neck, her stomach—especially that spot—until her skin turned raw, but she could still feel him.
The water mixed with her ragged breaths, the steam clouding the mirror, but the disgust inside her didn't fade. Her fingers trembled as she pressed them against the cold tile, her jaw tightening.
Never again.
This wasn't just about endurance anymore. It was about control. And soon, she'd make sure Elias lost every bit of his.
She hadn't realized it would end like this.
Anger, frustration, and disgust twisted inside her like a storm she couldn't contain. She scrubbed her skin until it burned, but the feeling of his hands, his breath, his presence wouldn't leave her. And then—without realizing—tears mixed with the scorching water, slipping down her face as silent rage turned into something raw, something unbearable.
An hour passed, but the fury didn't fade—it only grew. She stormed out of the bathroom, her wet hair clinging to her skin as she moved toward the dressing table. And then she saw it—the mark.
Dark. Unforgivable. His.
A fire ignited inside her, hotter than the water that had scalded her skin. Before she could think, her hands reached for the glass vase on the table—and she threw it with all her strength. It shattered against the wall, fragments raining down like jagged pieces of her control.
Her knees gave out, and she collapsed onto the floor, her breathing heavy, her body trembling. But then—a sharp sting.
She looked down. Blood seeped from her palm where the broken glass had cut deep, crimson staining her skin, a painful reminder of just how much she despised this moment.
Her vision blurred, not from pain—but from rage.How dare he?
Her fingers curled into a fist, the wound stinging, but she forced herself to move. She would not let this consume her. She glanced at the clock—4:30 PM.
No more breakdowns. No more weakness.
She stood, treated her wound swiftly, covered the mark, and dressed with precision—ensuring not a single trace remained on her face.
By the time the car arrived, she was ready.
It was time to return to Oblivion Division.
As Seraphina stepped into Oblivion Division, she had composed herself well—or so she thought. She wore a high-collared shirt, makeup concealing every trace of weakness, and her usual unreadable expression. But Ezrin was already there, waiting.
The moment she entered, his gaze swept over her.
Her slightly swollen eyes.
Her stiff posture.
The faint tension in her movements.
And then—her hand, wrapped in a fresh bandage.
Ezrin's jaw ticked, but he said nothing.
Kieran stood beside him, arms crossed, watching her just as intently.
Seraphina acted as if she hadn't noticed. She placed a USB on the table and met their gazes with unwavering composure.
"The footage from Horizon Initiative was tampered with," she said, her voice steady. "Two hours were removed. And in those missing hours, Elias handed over a researcher to an unknown man—someone fully covered. The exchange was planned. He even mentioned that the payment was already sent."
Ezrin's expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened.
Kieran picked up the USB and smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Looks like you've been busy," he remarked, before his gaze flickered to her bandaged hand. "And reckless."
Seraphina remained silent.
Kieran leaned against the desk, tilting his head slightly. "What happened to your hand?"
She knew the question was coming.
"A minor accident," she replied smoothly.
Ezrin, who had been silent until now, finally spoke—his voice dangerously low.
"And your eyes?"
Seraphina's breath hitched for half a second.
Kieran's smirk faded.
Ezrin took a slow step forward, his gaze sharp, unyielding. "You don't look like someone who had just an 'accident,' Seraphina."
She met his gaze head-on, masking every emotion beneath a veil of indifference.
"It's nothing."
Ezrin didn't believe her. And she knew—he was about to prove it.