Chapter 21. Ice Melting

Sienna

“I hate this,” I muttered as I walked into that massive, stupid building. And by “massive,” I didn’t just mean impressive—I meant palace-level overkill. I’d always mocked Dad for showing off in his office, but this? This was ridiculous. Computers and paperwork didn’t require chandeliers and marble floors. What the hell is this place?

Grayson Industries—or rather, Alexander Grayson, the man under whose command every employee moved, spoke, and breathed like a puppet—had clearly spared no expense. Media called him a billionaire. Media lied. He wasn’t just rich; he owned opulence, wielding it like a weapon. One snap of his fingers, and he could buy loyalty—or fear.

After giving my name as an “employee” from Adriano Corporation, I was led to his office. Jackpot: his secretary was at her desk. Perfect. I could drop off the file and vanish before even glimpsing the devil in his domain.

I approached her, plastering a cheerful smile on my face. “Hi! This