chapter 2:

Julian smoothed the wrinkles of his shirt, his movements devoid of the nervous fidgeting that had defined his youth.

He didn’t rush. In his first life, he had practically tumbled down the stairs to meet Adrian.

Today, he let him wait.

When Julian finally stepped out of the apartment building, the silver sports car was idling at the curb.

Adrian leaned against the driver’s side door, looking every bit the charming prince—tailored suit, perfectly tousled hair, and that predatory warmth in his eyes.

"You kept me waiting, Julian," Adrian said, though his smile remained fixed.

He reached out to tuck a strand of Julian’s hair behind his ear—the first move in his game of physical branding.

Julian didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned into the touch, his eyes wide and mimicking the adoration Adrian expected.

"I just wanted to look perfect for you.

Since today is... special."The predatory glint in Adrian’s eyes sharpened.

"It is. Get in."

They drove to The Gilded Lily, a high-end restaurant Adrian owned through a shell company—a fact Julian hadn't known until his trial in his previous life.

As they sat, Adrian didn't hand Julian a menu; he simply ordered for both of them."I know what you like better than you do," Adrian said smoothly, clasping Julian’s hand across the table.

His grip was just a fraction too tight. "In fact, I’ve been thinking.

Your internship at the architecture firm... it’s so stressful.

Why don't you resign? I can set up a studio for you at my estate. You’d have everything you need. You'd be safe.

"In his first life, Julian had seen this as a grand romantic gesture.

Now, he saw the shackles being polished.

"That sounds wonderful, Adrian," Julian breathed, his voice a perfect silk mask.

"But I was thinking... if I’m going to be yours, I should be someone worthy of you.

I want to learn the business side of things first.

Why don't you let me help you with the 'Lily' accounts? I want to understand your world.

"Adrian paused, his coffee cup midway to his lips.

He liked his victims helpless, but he loved the idea of Julian being his "apprentice"—a more sophisticated form of ownership.

"You want to handle my books?" Adrian chuckled, a patronizing sound.

"It’s boring work, darling."" Not if it's for us," Julian replied, tilting his head.

"Unless... you don't trust me?" Adrian squeezed his hand, his ego puffed by the perceived devotion.

"Of course I trust you. Fine. I’ll have my accountant send you the digital ledgers tonight." Julian smiled, a sharp, cold thing hidden behind the rim of his water glass.

He didn't want the ledgers to learn the business; he wanted them because he knew exactly which line items Adrian used to launder money for his father's corrupt associates.

By the time the main course arrived, Julian had already secured the weapon that would eventually send Adrian to a cell.

"Is something wrong?" Adrian asked, sensing a flicker of something different in Julian’s gaze.

"You look... energized."" I am," Julian said, his eyes locking onto Adrian's with terrifying intensity.

"I’ve never felt more alive. I feel like I'm finally seeing everything for what it really is.

"Adrian beamed, completely unaware that he had just handed the keys to his kingdom to the man who intended to burn it down.

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