Velkan woke early. When he came downstairs, Seth was already in the kitchen, and a boy no older than four played in the living room while Orion watched over him.
When the boy heard Velkan greet Seth, he scrambled to his feet and ran to the younger albino, latching onto his leg.
"Mommy... you didn't come home last night," he whined.
"I'm sorry, Luan." Velkan scooped him up. "Mommy had a lot of work, but today I'm taking you to daycare myself."
"Really?" Luan's face lit up. "Grandpa, Luan's going to school with Mommy!"
"Wonderful news. Everyone's going to be so impressed when they see Luan arriving with his gorgeous mommy," Seth replied, pinching the boy's cheeks.
Luan squirmed but beamed, thrilled that Velkan would be the one dropping him off. After breakfast, Velkan let his father know he had a shoot that afternoon, so Seth would need to pick Luan up.
That same morning, after dropping Luan at daycare, Velkan arrived at the agency's photo studio. But when he walked in, Wilson — the director in charge — informed him that the brand had decided to replace him with Lena as their lead model.
Lena was a striking blonde, and she had a following, but she'd never managed to surpass Velkan. She sauntered over with a triumphant grin.
"Sorry, Velki. The brand realized I'm the better choice," she taunted.
"Better than me — sure. But not on the runway. I book jobs on talent, not by putting myself on discount," Velkan fired back.
"Velkan! Show your colleague some respect," Wilson scolded. "She earned this campaign on merit."
"Of course. She must work wonders. You'd know all about her talent, wouldn't you, Wilson?" Velkan's lips curved into a mocking smile.
Whispers rippled across the floor.
"You know your mouth could get both Lena and me in trouble? You need to drop this high-and-mighty act," Wilson snapped.
"Director, Velkan's always like this — insulting me every chance he gets. I just want to do my job," Lena complained.
"You're the one who starts it, Lena. And Director — this place isn't your personal brothel," Velkan warned.
Not wanting to hear another word, Velkan walked away. The brand they'd hired him for was barely a startup anyway. He had better contracts.
"Sir, should I report this to the CEO?" his assistant asked.
"Absolutely. That director's turning this place into his own red-light district," Velkan replied.
The young woman — Natalie — nodded and followed him toward the other studio.
That afternoon, after Velkan finished his photo shoot and headed to the parking lot, a car pulled up in front of him. An older man stepped out, greeted Velkan warmly, and ushered him into the vehicle before climbing in after him. Lena, who had also come down to the parking lot, saw everything and snapped a few photos. She'd recognized the older man — he was the CEO's personal assistant.
"Velkan... you're finished," she muttered to herself.
Two days later.
The agency buzzed with a single topic: Velkan got his best contracts because he was the CEO's lover — a married man with children.
In Wilson's office, Velkan sat in composed silence while a brand representative complained to Wilson about the growing rumors. If Velkan was their model, it would cause problems — if the gossip spread beyond the agency, Velkan's reputation would tank and drag the brand down with it.
"Don't worry, sir," Wilson replied. "I'll assign one of my best models to represent you. Lena Miller — a professional model who rivals Velkan in popularity."
Velkan glanced at Wilson. He knew exactly where the rumor had originated. His expression betrayed nothing, but the fury was there.
"I hope so. Our brand's only been in the country two years. My boss wants the best to boost sales," the representative said.
Wilson turned to Velkan.
"As for you — I'll be speaking with the board. These rumors are damaging the agency's reputation, and it's best you're let go," he barked.
"Using the director's whore for your campaign — that'll definitely get you attention. I doubt it'll boost your sales, though," Velkan told the representative, who was still standing in the office.
The man frowned at the blunt words.
"Watch what you say. You're the one behaving inappropriately here."
The representative left. Velkan and Wilson were alone.
"Well, Velkan, you know what happens next." Wilson's eyes traveled over the albino, and he licked his lips. "But if you play nice, I might put in a good word for you. Let you keep your job."
Velkan rose to his feet, a contemptuous smirk on his face.
"A lowlife like you couldn't earn the privilege of a single touch from me — not even in your wildest dreams."
With that, Velkan walked out, leaving the director screaming behind him.
As he moved through the building, whispers followed him everywhere. He didn't lower his gaze. He didn't lose a shred of his poise.
In the parking lot, Lena crossed his path and grinned.
"Enjoying your new reputation, omega?" she sneered.
Velkan didn't answer. He scanned the area, then closed the distance between them. He seized her by the hair at the nape and slammed her face into her car before she could react. Lena screamed. When Velkan released her, she staggered, dizzy, watching her own blood drip onto the asphalt. Pain bloomed across her face.
"Y-you... I'll have you thrown in prison, you bastard," she spat.
"Go ahead. Try. Let's see if you don't lose that tongue of yours for running it too much," Velkan replied.
"You piece of shit... you'll pay for this. I'll sue you. I'll take everything you have."
"Let's see if anyone believes you after this."
Velkan struck her across the face. She crumpled, unconscious.
"Douse her in alcohol and dump her on a busy street," he ordered.
Two men emerged from behind the car and moved toward Lena.
Velkan, meanwhile, walked to his own car. He'd promised to be home early for dinner with his little Luan.
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 41 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments