As the clock approached 3 p.m., Miles turned the wheel smoothly, his car gliding into the heart of the city.
And there it was—Cinder Square.
The pulsing heart of Star Harbor's commercial empire.
Skyscrapers soared like steel titans into the sky, their glass facades catching the sun and shattering it into a thousand reflections. Digital billboards glowed with seamless animations—luxury fashion brands, upcoming tech expos, celebrity endorsements—flashing and flowing like a living river of light across the upper skyline.
The entire district buzzed with momentum. Businessmen in tailored suits walked with purpose, holding sleek tablets and phones; fashionistas posed under architectural marvels; delivery drones zipped above traffic like tiny guardians of the square.
Luxury cars purred as they parked beside curbs lined with palm trees and marble planters. High-end restaurants and designer boutiques gleamed behind floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Cafés spilled into the sidewalks, shaded by designer parasols, where the elite sat with minimalist coffee cups and million-dollar deals on their lips.
Towering in the center was the Cinder Axis, a modern obelisk of brushed black stone and chrome edges, engraved with golden inscriptions of the founding companies who once built the square. It was more than just a plaza—it was a symbol of power, ambition, and wealth.
At the far end stood a structure slightly apart from the glassy modernism: a beautifully preserved heritage building, now converted into an ultra-exclusive private club. The contrast only made the area more elegant.
A young violinist played a hauntingly beautiful tune at one corner of the plaza, her melody blending with the distant hum of the city and the laughter of tourists snapping pictures beside a cascading, programmable fountain that danced to symphonic cues.
Miles slowed the car and pulled up near the valet station.
People instinctively moved aside, the sleek car and the aura he carried turning a few heads—not because they knew who he was...but because some presences simply commanded the air around them.
He stepped out, straightening his coat.
Unbothered. Calm. As if he already owned every inch of this empire.
And as far as Cinder Square was concerned—he now did.
Miles stepped through the towering glass doors of the Cinder Square Building, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished marble beneath him. Above, carved in gleaming steel across the topmost facade, were the proud letters:
CINDER SQUAREThe crown jewel of Star Harbor.
He paused, hands in his pockets, and looked up. The twin spires above reached for the clouds, and on the highest floors—the 31st and 32nd—were the executive offices that oversaw every inch of this thriving empire.
Just inside the lobby, where crystal chandeliers hung like stars frozen in mid-fall and sunlight poured through floor-length windows, he spotted someone he knew—sitting alone in the waiting lounge, legs crossed, tablet in hand, dressed in elegant businesswear.
Celina Wraithbourne.
Hair tied in a sharp ponytail, minimalist makeup, a navy-blue suit perfectly tailored to her figure. Confident. Regal. Effortlessly poised.
Miles smiled and walked over, voice low and teasing.
"Hey Miss Celina, you already look like some kind of corporate queen."
Celina looked up, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly replaced by amusement. "Miles? What are you doing here?" Her eyes narrowed, taking in his outfit. "And wow… you look like a young CEO today."
Miles chuckled. "I heard there were some floors available for lease. Thought I should come check one out."
Celina tilted her head. "Really? We already have the 14th floor here—our PR division. Are you planning to open a Reaper Entertainment branch?"
A knowing smile curved Miles's lips. "Not quite. I'm opening a new business altogether."
She raised an eyebrow. "What kind of business?"
He turned slightly, gaze flicking to the ceiling as if imagining it already."A revival," he said. "I'm opening the Sterling Enterprises office. Right here."
Celina blinked—almost like she hadn't expected him to actually say it."Seriously?"
He nodded.
Her lips curled into a grin. "That's incredible, Miles. I wish you the best for it."
He gave her a modest nod. "Thanks. And you? What are you doing here—business queen already working overtime?"
Celina sighed and gestured toward the reception desk. "I'm supposed to meet the new owner of Cinder Square. My dad wants me to introduce myself and establish a working relationship—networking, PR, that whole deal."
Miles tilted his head, pretending to scan the lobby. "So? What's the hold up?"
"The owner hasn't arrived yet," she said. "The building manager, Mac, said he'd be here by three sharp. I guess he's running late."
Miles checked his watch. 3:02 p.m.
He smiled.
"Well then," he said, slipping one hand into his coat pocket, "maybe it's time we go meet him together."
Celina stood, confused. "But… the owner isn't here yet—"
Miles turned toward the elevators and gave her a wink over his shoulder."Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that."
Then, with a soft smile and a brush of her hair, Celina leaned closer and whispered, "Wait here for a moment, I'm coming back from the washroom… I need to fix my makeup."
Miles raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "This girl…"
She disappeared down the corridor, her heels tapping rhythmically against the polished floor.
Miles leaned casually against a pillar in the spacious lobby of the Cinder Square building, his hands tucked into his pockets. The grand atrium buzzed with activity—elevators humming, suits passing in calculated strides, murmured business deals happening over calls and coffee.
Then—thump.
Someone bumped hard into his shoulder.
Miles turned, eyes narrowing.
The man spun on his heel, clearly offended. "Don't you have eyes, you idiot?"
Miles said nothing—he simply looked at the man. One sharp glance, calm but cutting.
"What are you staring at?" the man barked. "Do you know who I am?"
Miles remained still.
"I'm Ross Nile. My father owns seven floors at the top of this building," the man added with emphasis, puffing out his chest.
Miles gave the faintest nod. "So?"
That single word, said so quietly yet backed by an unshakable presence, made Ross hesitate.
Regaining his pride, Ross sneered, "You must be here to get a floor, huh? I'll make sure you won't get one. Not a single square foot. I'll talk to the new owner myself."
"If they've got space to rent," Miles replied coolly, "they won't deny it to me."
Ross scoffed. "We'll see. The new owner is coming here today. I've got a meeting with him. But remember my face… I'll see you around."
With that, he stormed off into the lift, a trail of irritation behind him.
Miles chuckled faintly and pulled out his phone.
"Manager Mac," he said once the call connected, "I've arrived. I'm in the lobby."
"Chairman Miles!" came the excited voice from the other end. "I'll be right down with my team."
"Alright," Miles replied, ending the call.
A few moments later, Celina returned, adjusting her hair and slipping her phone back into her purse.
"Shall we go?" she asked brightly.
"Wait," Miles said, glancing toward the elevator. "Someone's coming to receive us."
Celina blinked, confused. "Receive us? Who?"
Before Miles could respond, the elevator chimed.
The doors parted.
Out stepped Manager Mac—an older man with a dignified face and glasses that reflected the polished floors—and two professionally dressed employees behind him. His eyes scanned the lobby, and the moment he saw Miles and Celina standing together, he hurried forward.
Stopping just in front of them, he gave a respectful bow.
"Mr. Miles," he said warmly, "Welcome."
Miles and Celina stood together as Manager Mac approached with respectful formality.
"Hello, Manager Mac," Miles greeted with calm confidence.
Celina offered a polite nod, a gentle bow of acknowledgment.
Mac returned it with a courteous smile. "Ah, I see you've already met Miss Celina. Thank you for keeping him company, Miss Celina."
Celina blinked. "Keeping him company?" she echoed softly, the confusion flickering briefly in her eyes.
Miles chuckled, stepping in. "She's my classmate, Manager Mac. I already know her."
"Oh," Mac nodded with a pleased expression. "That's even better. Let's head upstairs then. Miss Celina, you're welcome to join us."
Celina glanced at Miles for a second longer—then the pieces fell together. Her smile curled knowingly. The puzzle was almost solved now.
In the elevator, silence settled like velvet. Only the soft hum of movement filled the space.
Celina turned to glance at him, and when their eyes met, she gave a small, amused smile—half impressed, half teasing.
Miles caught her gaze and gave her a subtle wink.
The elevator chimed.
The doors opened to the top floor.
They stepped out into a lavish office space bathed in warm daylight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The panoramic view of the city below painted the perfect backdrop—high-rise towers, shimmering traffic, the pulse of a powerful city in motion.
The reception desk was sleek and marble-white, with the company's golden insignia gleaming behind it. Open-space workstations were arranged with impeccable symmetry, glass-walled cabins lining the walls. A soft scent of fresh lilies lingered in the air from a central bouquet.
As Miles and Celina entered, every employee on the floor stood from their desks, straightened up in respect, and in perfect unison:
"Welcome, Chairman!"
Their voices rang clear, composed and full of reverence.
A few whispers followed—just soft enough to hide behind the polite silence.
"Chairman? So young…"
"…and handsome too."
Miles gave them a courteous smile. "Thank you for having me," he said with quiet grace.
Celina watched from the side, no longer stunned. A slow smile touched her lips. Of course, she thought.
Then, when no one was looking, she reached behind him and pinched his back lightly.
He didn't flinch—but his faint grin deepened.
Miles stepped forward and stood tall in the center of the room.
"Let's complete the paperwork," he said, looking toward Manager Mac.
"Yes, sir. This way, to your cabin."
"I'll wait here," Celina added, her tone mock-formal and playful. "You go on, Mr. Chairman."
Miles raised an eyebrow at her with a crooked smile before following Mac into the private office.
Time passed quietly.
The sound of doors opening pulled Celina from her thoughts. She stood up as Miles stepped out of his cabin, his jacket buttoned, expression calm, but carrying the quiet aura of someone who had just signed something important—something monumental.
She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance.
"So… Mr. Chairman," she said, her voice teasing but sharp, "you already owned this whole square at the time I told you in college that I had to visit Cinder Square?"
Miles gave a knowing smile but said nothing.
Celina narrowed her eyes, half laughing. "You didn't tell me on purpose."
Miles chuckled, hands casually in his pockets. "You looked so serious talking about business meetings. I didn't want to ruin the surprise."
She clicked her tongue. "If my dad finds out about this… he'll fall off his chair. He literally sent me here to 'meet the new owner.'"
Miles laughed lightly. "Well, mission accomplished then."
Before Celina could respond, the elevator behind them chimed.
Two men entered the floor with hasty footsteps—Ross Nile, and behind him, a sharp-featured man in a tailored navy suit. His posture stiff, expression stern. This was Alaric Nile, the head of the Nile Group, a major tenant at Cinder Square—and Ross's father.
Ross immediately spotted Miles and walked straight toward him, voice rising in frustration.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Ross barked. "Dad, that's the guy who bumped into me downstairs!"
Miles remained still, unfazed.
Alaric stepped forward quickly, eyes narrowing as he looked Miles up and down. "What's wrong with you, young man?" he said with a frown. "Is this how you behave in professional spaces—bumping into people and pretending you belong here?"
Celina took a breath, ready to respond—but she stopped, watching Miles's expression shift. Calm. Dangerous. A quiet, subtle smile began to play at the corners of his mouth.
He hadn't said a word yet.
But something in the air was about to shift.