Chapter 5

　　Knight's POV

　　I hadn't planned on leaving home today. Everything necessary was already in motion, and all that was left was to watch them take over and continue the work the way it always had. The name Knight Edge in these fields was one people never got tired of hearing, so I assumed the sale and handover would go off without a hitch.

　　I had a name, a legacy to uphold, and falling short was not an option.

　　"Did the piece arrive on time?" I asked, my head falling back against the couch as I twirled the wine in my glass.

　　"I checked a few minutes ago, and yes—he's there and has been introduced, boss," Rowan my bodyguard replied sharply.

　　"Watch him closely, Rowan," I said, setting the glass down. "He wasn't my first choice for a gig this big, but it's too late to switch him out now."

　　"If I may ask, boss…" Rowan started, hesitation clear on his face. "Why pick him for such a huge takeover? It's Saturn Finance, and someone like Conan as the piece—doesn't seem like the best choice."

　　A smirk found its way to my face. "Do you play chess, Rowan?"

　　He muttered a low, "No."

　　"Then listen carefully," I said. "In chess, there are pieces that are valuable—and those that are disposable. If you pay attention to Conan's background, what kind of piece do you think he is?"

　　"His family is rich and well-connected, so he's probably valuable, right?"

　　I shook my head with a deep chuckle. "His parents might be valuable, but he is disposable—whenever I want. I put him in that position because he's the front I need for this business to work. A rich, spoiled heir whose parents helped him take over a major company. It's less suspicious when the story fits."

　　I walked over to the open window as Rowan shook his head. "You haven't worked on a finance firm before, have you? Their accounts are harder to manipulate, so the last thing I want is anyone questioning the legitimacy of the takeover."

　　He nodded in understanding.

　　"It should be fun, though," I added, and his eyes widened.

　　"It's been forever since you called anything fun," Rowan said.

　　I let out a low laugh. "You know how it gets in our line of work. So when I find fun, I appreciate it."

　　The wind licked my skin as I turned back toward the window.

　　Smiles weren't common in my line of work, but I always managed to wear one no matter what I was doing. You'd be surprised how much a smile unsettles people, especially when their lives are in your hands. It was something my father taught me, and one thing I would never regret learning.

　　A smile—even while doing the vilest things.

　　There was no room for niceness. Everyone was ready to turn their blades on me the moment their money was threatened. I couldn't fail. I never had. My foundation always delivered—just like I did.

　　"Boss!"

　　Someone burst into the room, hands bloody. Rowan stepped between us instantly as a frown creased my face.

　　"Did I not make it clear that you wipe the blood off before entering my space?" I asked calmly, my voice low.

　　His eyes widened in realization and before I could blink, Rowan had him on his knees.

　　"I'm sorry, boss," he pleaded, wiping his hands on his clothes. "I was just excited. Mr. Saturn finally talked—the vault code is in the company."

　　A smirk spread across my face as i took a step forward. "That information just saved you, Bob," I said, stepping past him. "Next time, I won't be generous."

　　A stream of thanks followed as I continued. "Tell Rowan the details and go prepare my suit. Seems I'll be congratulating Conan on his takeover today. Oh—and inform him I'll be coming over. Later is better. It's easier to catch him off guard."

　　He nodded sharply as I walked off.

　　Taking over Saturn Finance was simple, nearly perfect. It would be flawless once I got the documents Saturn hid away.

　　I arrived at the building within minutes and stepped out, motioning for Rowan to stay back. "No need to follow me. I don't want curiosity stirred—and with your size, that's unavoidable. Call our piece and tell him I'm here."

　　He nodded, and I walked off without another word.

　　I knew the blueprints of this place like the back of my hand, months of preparing for the takeover definitely didn't go to waste.

　　As I approached Conan's office, a woman walked past me. Her eyes widened in that brief second as she froze mid-step, staring at me. Clean-cut, poised, yet… alert. Not the type Conan usually surrounded himself with but i rolled my eyes regardless, So Conan was already bringing hoes into the office on day one.

　　I glanced back at her frozen form again before entering his office. Conan stood alert the moment I walked in.

　　"Welcome, boss!" He called out loudly making me roll my eyes yet again.

　　"You might as well announce to the world that you're a figurehead, Conan."i said with a frown as I approached him tapping his face lightly. "Do better, CEO." I added tapping his face again before pulling away. I see you already had a girl over uhn??

　　He straightened his shirt muttering series of no's. "It's not like that, boss."

　　I nearly chuckled watching him, how was he so sheltered but stupid. A dangerous combination.

　　"She's just an employee," he added quickly. "I wouldn't do something that dumb this early."

　　"I'm glad you know it's dumb," I replied. "Now check Mr. Saturn's office for a folder labeled Vault. Bring it to my car downstairs immediately you find it. Quickly."

　　He nodded sharply.

　　"I'll be waiting," I called as I walked out.

　　I was nearing the lower floor about to reach the entrance when I saw her again. I meant to pass by, but stopped when she froze once more.

　　Was she sick? Or did I really unsettle her that much? Why did she always freeze at the sight of me. I wasn't that scary looking, at least at fist glance.

　　"You're the girl from Conan's office, aren't you?" I asked, brows raised as i pushed further, So he is already surrounding himself with hoes on the first day? I pressed on just to get a feel of her.

　　She snapped back after a beat, "I'm not a hoe."

　　Amusement flickered through me. The bite in her voice confirmed what I'd already suspected. I scanned her again—too clean, too composed like i thought the first time to be one of Conan's usual distractions.

　　"Then cover yourself properly before you argue about it," I said calmly, nodding to her exposed cleavage.

　　She fumbled with her buttons, flustered.

　　"Cute," I muttered, a smirk tugging at my lips as I walked past her without another word.