secret lover 369

At Apex Tower, the CEO’s office.

Morning sunlight poured through the wall–length windows.

Axel Knight relaxed on the black leather sofa, one ankle crossed over his knee, his hands resting on the armrests, gazing at the blue sky as if lost in thought.

Across from him, Dylan and Collins waited with their tablets and files, prepared for a discussion that never truly began.

Several minutes passed.

Axel did not move. He did not speak. His eyes were focused on nothing at all.

Dylan leaned toward Collins and whispered, careful not to draw their boss’s attention.

“Collins, tell me honestly. Why does the boss look like he is communing with spirits? This is the third time this week he has gone silent like this. Did you curse him?”

Collins exhaled a slow sigh, rubbing his temple.

“Two days ago, we already identified the person who tried to find his weakness. That person even attempted to hire a top hacker from the underground network. But the attempt failed. Miserably,”

Dylan frowned, “Then why does the boss still look like someone stole his favorite weapon? Shouldn’t he be relieved?” he asked.

He glanced at Axel again. The man remained unmoved, expression unreadable. Dylan shivered, “I swear, he summoned us here just to practice brooding. Maybe it is 40s hobby”

Collins shook his head. “Because that person suddenly stopped. Dropped every No more attempts to gather information. No more probing. As if the ba

threat”

Dylan blinked, “I don’t get it. Who the hell can make our boss look wife like this? Collins leaned closer and whispered, as if saying the name too loudly might sunn trouble, “Blake Martinez

“Hell…” Dylan’s jaw dropped. “That old man again? He is really bold. Now he wants to

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369 They Abruptly Stopped!

head–to–head with the boss?”

“Exactly,” Collins replied with a humorless chuckle. “And that is why the boss is thinking hard… He does not trust silence from a man like Blake. Silence means planning.”

Dylan smoothed his suit before whispering again, “Man, you should ask Boss whether we can go now or if we are trapped here until he finishes his meditation session.”

Collins nods slightly, about to speak. However, the sudden ringing of Axel’s phone on the coffee table stops him.

Axel’s eyes flickered toward the screen. In one smooth motion, he stood. He did not need to say a word. A single glance was enough to send Dylan and Collins scrambling to gather their things.

Dylan mouthed a silent prayer for freedom as he slipped out of the office.

Collins shook his head at Dylan as he followed him and closed the door behind them.

Axel picked up the phone from the coffee table.

He walked behind his desk and sat in his CEO chair, turning it toward the glass wall overlooking the city. Only then did he check the caller ID.

My Queen.

“Hello,” he said, his voice calm and low. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “My wife, he said smoothly. “Did you miss me already? Calling me this early is rare.”

On the other end of the line, Evelyn inhaled quietly.

“Axel, there is something I need to tell you.”

Her tone was different. Worried. Tight. Controlled but trembling beneath the surfac

The smile on Axel’s face faded. His back straightened. The playful warmth in his cyes sharpened into focus.

“What is it, dear?” he asked, keeping his voice steady even as his cheat tightened.

Axel already knew. When Evelyn’s voice sounded like this, something serhitis hand happened. He listened in silence as Evelyn spoke, bis phase pressed against him can

“Axel, I got information from my friend,‘ she said. There was a pause Ax dad t interrupt. He waited, patient and still

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369 They Abruptly Stopped!

She continued, “Someone is trying to find your weakness. Someone is trying to harm

you.”

His expression did not change, but his mind sharpened instantly. Blake Martinez. The name surfaced without effort. Collins had already confirmed the man’s movements, their preparations ready, their countermeasures planned. Yet yesterday, Blake had abruptly stopped. No more probing. No more digital footprints.

And now Evelyn knew.

‘Interesting.‘

“Who?” Axel asked, keeping his tone steady, calm, unreadable.

“Blake Martinez,” Evelyn answered softly. “He’s trying to hire powerful hackers to uncover your dark past. Or your weakness.”

Axel leaned back in his chair, turning it slowly. “Blake Martinez?” he repeated, letting a faint note of surprise enter his voice. “How sure are you about this information?”

“I’m sure,” she replied quickly.

“May I know the source of this information?” he asked again, this time with quiet amusement curling at the corner of his mouth.

Silence settled between them.

Axel chuckled softly, already knowing the answer. His wife was smart. Cautious, And protective of her own sources. He admired that about her, even as curiosity nudged at him.

“Axel, I’m sorry… I can’t tell you my resource, Evelyn admitted, guilt lacing her voices

“It’s fine” Axel said gently. “Don’t apologize.” He could sense her unease through the line, and the thought of her blaming herself irritated him more than Blake Martinca ever could.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered again, even quieter this time

Axel straightened in his chair, his fingers tightening briefly around the phone. He knew that tone. Too soft. Too fragile it pulled the worry inside hin

“Eve” he said, his voice warm and steady. I understand if you can’t share the shetails with me. I’ll wait until you’re ready”

There was a small breath on the other end. Relief

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369 They Abruptly Stopped!

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice lifting just slightly.

Axel allowed himself a faint smile. Then his tone shifted, gentler but firm. “But Eve… promise me something.”

“What?”

“Make sure the person helping you get this information isn’t dangerous. I don’t want anything happening to you because you’re connected to someone with a hacker background.”

Silence again.

”

Axel closed his eyes briefly. He knew he was right to worry. The world they lived in was not gentle. One wrong connection, one careless trust, and everything could collapse.

“I know,” Evelyn said at last. “Alright… I won’t disturb your work. Bye.”

“Bye,” Axel replied softly.

The call ended.

Axel lowered his phone and gazed out at the city. His reflection in the glass looked back at him, sharp and composed, yet a lingering unease remained within

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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.