*March 31. 07:30pm*
The city skyline stretched beneath them like a glittering sea of stars, lights blinking softly through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Tony's penthouse. The jazz music from the corner speakers wove a smooth, soothing backdrop that filled the room without overpowering their conversation. Between them sat a glass chessboard, its sleek pieces catching the golden light.
Tony had invited Alina to a simple game of chess
(Tony(Kai) actually liked playing chess in his previous life.)
Alina smirked as she leaned forward, her fingers lightly grazing a pawn before sliding it forward with quiet confidence.
"Dent's really stirring the pot with this Apex project and that Berlin deal, huh? Feels like he's trying to shake everything up at once."
Tony took a slow sip of the deep red wine in his glass, letting the rich flavor settle before he spoke.
"Yeah. Dent acts like he's got some master plan, like the world owes him a throne just for showing up. But honestly? He's in way over his head."
Alina raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp and curious.
"What's the real game then? If it's not just about planes and contracts."
Tony's knight tapped thoughtfully on the board as he glanced up, meeting her eyes.
"Apex jets aren't just fancy planes. They're loaded with military-grade AI, and Dent's pushing for exclusive global rights. It's not about making money from flying—they're gunning for data control, airspace dominance, alongside the aurelia project and the switch from toyko to berlin. The real power is in who controls the skies, who is above. Dent's too blind to see the bigger picture."
Alina nodded, adjusting her glasses and moving her bishop diagonally across the board.
"So Dent's all flash, no depth. Classic. Think he even knows what he's messing with?"
Tony chuckled dryly, loosening his tie a bit and leaning back.
"Doubt it. He's like a kid with a new toy,excited but clueless about the fallout. Meanwhile, I'm stuck trying to keep the company grounded, out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons."
(I hate all these, I will defeat dent.)
She smiled, a relaxed ease in her voice.
"Sounds like you've got your hands full. We are here to help."
Tony's eyes twinkled with a flicker of camaraderie as he met hers.
"Family business never stays simple. But I won't lie,watching Dent squirm? It's entertaining."
Alina leaned back, swirling her wine glass with a casual flick of her wrist.
"Enjoy it while it lasts. Dent's stubborn. He won't back down easy."
Tony's gaze returned to the chessboard, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Neither do I. You should know that by now"
"Yeah, I do. Mr Bellingham."
They continued playing, sliding chess pieces with thoughtful deliberation. The silence between moves was comfortable, punctuated only by soft laughter and the clinking of glasses. Their talk meandered through the intricate dance of corporate politics, power plays, and Dent's reckless ambition.
Alina's voice dropped slightly as she studied the board, moving a knight into position.
"Think Apex will actually change the game? If Dent pulls it off?"
Tony shrugged but his eyes grew serious.
"If he does, it'll rewrite the rules entirely. Military-grade AI controlling jets means real-time surveillance, automated defense systems, the aurelia project, Ai controlling businesses and empires, imagine the strategic advantage. Whoever controls Apex and aurelia could practically hold the worldhostage."
Alina's fingers paused over the board, her brow furrowed.
"Sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen. And all because Dent wants to be king of the castle."
Tony laughed, shaking his head.
"He's got the ego for it, that's for sure. But pride comes before a fall. If he's not careful, he's going to drag the whole company down with him."
Tony spoke once more
"I'm sure if we ain't careful, he may as well become the owner of apex"
Alina smiled slyly, sliding her queen across the board with a decisive move.
"Check."
(Oh crap!!!! She caught me!)
Tony blinked, caught off guard, then laughed softly.
"Damn. You got me."
Alina's grin was triumphant as she stretched her arms back, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips.
"I beat you!!!!!."
(Enjoy it while it last.)
Tony shook his head with mock disbelief, standing to stretch.
"Yeah, yeah. Beginner's luck."
Her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Or maybe I'm just better."
For a heartbeat, the air between them shifted, lighter, warmer. Alina suddenly stood and, caught up in the thrill of victory, threw her arms around Tony in a quick, tight hug.
Tony blinked, surprised by the sudden warmth. The hug was brief but genuine, charged with the excitement of the win and the easy bond between them. Her bob hair touching his skin. Then Alina pulled back, cheeks flushed as she realized how close she'd gotten.
"Oh, sorry, didn't mean to—" she stumbled, stepping back and smoothing her jacket.
"Got a bit carried away."
(All praise Tony, the harem master.)
Tony smiled softly, watching her regain her composure, clearly embarrassed but trying not to show it.
"No worries. You earned it."
She laughed nervously, picking up her bag
.
"Alright, I better head out before I start acting like a lovesick puppy."
Tony walked her to the door, the city lights stretching beyond.
"Good game tonight."
Alina glanced over her shoulder with a playful smirk.
"Next time, I'm aiming for checkmate before dessert."
"Yeah sure. You ain't never getting that next time."
(For the first time, Tony invited Alina to his house, and well. He kinda liked it)
The door clicked shut behind her, and Tony leaned against it, watching the hallway empty out. He took a slow breath, feeling lighter than he had in days.
Back in the penthouse, Tony returned to the chessboard, pieces still scattered from their game. He poured himself another glass of wine and glanced at his phone, where a message blinked silently: GHOSTSAREREADY.
A small smile played on his lips. The corporate battlefield would wait a little longer. Tonight was theirs.
Bonus: Casual Chat & Chess Banter
Tony grinned, picking up a knight.
"You know, you might have to start sharing your secret training regimen."
Alina smirked as she settled back into her chair.
"Secret? It's simple: lots of practice, and a little bit of luck."
Tony raised an eyebrow.
"Luck? That's what you're calling it? I think you just got lucky tonight."
Alina shook her head.
"Don't sell me short. Next game, I'm taking you down in under twenty moves."
Tony chuckled.
"You're on. But only if you promise not to rub it in when I win."
Alina laughed softly, her eyes warm.
"No promises."
They clinked their glasses gently, the moment stretching into easy companionship—a rare break from the chaos of their lives.