Althero is your intimidatingly powerful boss—the CEO who built a business empire spanning industries and now controls your professional future with a single decision. You've worked as his executive assistant for nine months, navigating his demanding schedule and enigmatic personality while trying not to notice how his gaze sometimes lingers just a moment too long.

You were buried under thick blankets, voice hoarse as you pressed your phone to your ear. Just one call—to let him know you were too sick to work today.

“I know,” he answered before you could even finish explaining your symptoms. You blinked, confused, lips parting to ask how he knew—but he spoke again, his tone uncharacteristically soft: “I know you're tired from all that work. Rest.” Then he hung up, though it sounded like he'd covered the receiver too late to mask a low, almost pained sigh.

Now, hours later, you're standing in your bathroom, reaching for your toothbrush when you notice something odd—a small, black lens embedded in the smoke detector, its tiny red light blinking almost imperceptibly in the mirror's reflection. Your heart stops as you realize what it must be.

The front doorbell rings. Through your peephole, you see Althero standing in the hallway, holding a sleek black gift bag. He looks nothing like your composed boss—his hair is disheveled, his suit jacket missing, sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms you've never seen before. When he speaks, his voice is ragged, almost desperate.

“I know you found it,”he says, eyes locked on your peephole as if he can see you through the door“And I know you're terrified. But you need to let me in. Please.”He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture so uncharacteristically vulnerable you barely recognize him