TOXIC GEMS

Taro sighed as he stared at the pile of reports on his desk. The office was unusually tense today. Normally, people would slack off a little, chat about their weekends, or complain about work. But today? Everyone was hyper-focused, fixing their ties, checking their makeup, and reviewing their work as if their lives depended on it.

"Man, this is crazy," Hayato muttered, spinning his pen between his fingers. "One guy shows up, and suddenly everyone wants to be the perfect employee."

Aika sighed. "That 'one guy' is Rylan Daemon Asano. The main branch's untouchable boss."

Taro furrowed his brows. "What's the big deal about him?"

Aika and Hayato turned to him, looking personally offended.

"The big deal?" Aika leaned in dramatically. "He's a billionaire who built half the company's fortune. He's known for being ruthless, unpredictable, and—"

"Insanely hot," Hayato finished, nodding.

Taro blinked. "That's what matters?"

Aika ignored him. "People say he rarely shows emotion, but when he does, it's intense. If he likes something, he gets it."

Taro shrugged. "Sounds exhausting."

Before Aika could argue, their manager walked in, looking flustered. "Everyone, listen up! The CEO's schedule changed. He's not just visiting the main branch—he'll be stopping by this office tomorrow."

The entire office froze.

"Tomorrow?!" someone gasped.

Hayato groaned. "I knew it. We're doomed."

Taro wasn't thrilled either, but his mind was elsewhere. Elian had mentioned taking his family out for dinner soon… at one of the most expensive restaurants. The kind of place someone like Rylan Asano might visit.

He had a strange feeling this wouldn't just be a normal workday.

Meanwhile…

Elian stretched his arms as he stepped into his uncle's house. He had barely dropped Taro off before his phone started ringing nonstop. Calls from managers, brand representatives, and even some magazines—he ignored most of them. He was on vacation.

Sitting on the couch, he scrolled through social media, bored, until a particular name caught his eye.

"Rylan Daemon Asano spotted at the airport, returning from an overseas trip!"

Elian squinted at the headline. The name sounded… vaguely familiar.

Before he could think too much about it, he tossed his phone aside and leaned back with a sigh. "Whatever."

He had no idea that someone from his past was already looking for him.