Chapter 1:-

The Associated Press office was as chaotic as ever.

Phones rang nonstop. Reporters rushed from one desk to another. Some people argued over headlines while others chased breaking news. Amid the noise, a frightened voice echoed from one of the investigation rooms.

Inside, a young boy sat nervously in his chair. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he stared at the table. His hands trembled, and fear was written all over his face.

Click.

The door opened.

A young woman stepped inside, dressed in a long black coat. Despite her youthful appearance, the serious look in her eyes instantly changed the atmosphere of the room.

She placed a file on the table and sat down across from him.

"You look too young for this," she said calmly. "I don't think you're even eighteen. No driver's license, yet you're claiming responsibility for a hit-and-run case?"

Silence.

The boy lowered his head.

Two minutes passed.

Suddenly, the girl slammed her hand against the table.

"Speak!"

The boy flinched.

"Y-Yes!" he stammered. "I did it. I was drunk that night. I got scared and ran away."

The girl leaned back in her chair.

"Really, Lucas?"

Her voice was calm again.

"Tell me the truth. Who are you trying to protect? Because I know you didn't do it."

Lucas clenched his fists.

"I did it."

The girl sighed.

"My name is Zein Willson," she said. "And although I have plenty of seniors in this office, they respect me for one reason."

She slid a photograph across the table.

"I notice things that others don't."

Lucas avoided her gaze.

"You can keep lying if you want," Zein continued, "but facts don't lie."

She opened the file.

"I inspected the vehicle myself. The front bonnet was severely damaged. The steering wheel was malfunctioning. There was dried blood on the driver's side door handle."

Lucas's breathing grew uneven.

"The driver injured his hand during the accident."

Zein's eyes locked onto his.

"But your hands are completely fine."

The room fell silent.

"Now tell me," she said softly. "Who was driving that night?"

Lucas's lips trembled.

"I..."

"Who was it, Lucas?"

Tears streamed down his face.

"My stepfather."

Silence.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Zein closed the file.

"Case closed."

She stood up and walked toward the door.

Before leaving, she paused.

"You're a terrible liar, Lucas. But you're a good son."

The door clicked shut behind her.

As she stepped into the hallway, a small smile appeared on her face.

For once, she would be leaving work on time.

After all, she had a blind date waiting for her.

What Zein didn't know was that before the night ended, a mysterious case would land on her desk—a case involving the deaths of a young couple.

A case that would eventually lead her to a man named Daniel Hayes.

And nothing in her life would ever be the same again.

The scene shifted to Adnor.

Unlike the noisy atmosphere of the Associated Press, Adnor was silent.

Not the peaceful kind of silence.

The intimidating kind.

The kind that no one dared to break.

Because one man ruled over it.

Daniel Hayes.

In his dictionary, there was no such thing as a second chance. Perfection was not an expectation—it was a requirement.

His office was filled with stacks of files waiting for approval. Throughout the day, employees entered his office with excitement, eager to present their projects. Yet most of them left with their heads lowered in disappointment.

Daniel never raised his voice.

He didn't need to.

His words were calm, precise, and sharp enough to cut through every hope and excuse.

Nothing escaped his attention.

Every mistake.

Every flaw.

Every missing detail.

He expected perfection, and very few people could meet his standards.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

Secretary Kim entered and bowed slightly.

"Mr. Hayes, you have a meeting with the Finance Department. The Head of Finance has been involved in irregularities concerning company funds and shares."

Daniel closed the file he was reading.

Without a word, he stood up and put on the black coat hanging behind his chair.

Secretary Kim immediately stepped aside and opened the door.

As Daniel walked through the corridor, every employee stood up.

Not out of respect.

Out of fear.

No one dared to make eye contact with him.

The sound of his footsteps echoed through the hallway until he reached the conference room.

The moment he entered, the atmosphere became suffocating.

The entire Finance Department was sweating.

Although only the Head of Finance was under investigation, everyone in the room looked terrified.

Daniel took his seat.

Silence.

The Head of Finance suddenly fell to his knees.

"Mr. Hayes... I-I was foolish. Please forgive me. I promise I'll work harder. Please give me one more chance, sir."

Daniel stared at him without emotion.

"You'll work harder?"

His voice was calm.

"So what?"

The man's face turned pale.

"I don't care."

The room froze.

"You're fired."

The Head of Finance's eyes widened.

Daniel continued.

"Our legal department will be filing a case against you. They will handle the rest."

The man collapsed onto the floor.

Then Daniel's cold gaze shifted toward the rest of the department.

"And as for the Finance Department..."

Everyone held their breath.

"None of you reported his actions despite being aware of them."

His voice remained steady.

"Therefore, none of you will receive your salaries for the next three months."

Gasps filled the room.

No one dared to protest.

Daniel stood up.

The meeting was over.

As he left the room, the former Head of Finance remained on the floor, crying in despair.

Not once did Daniel look back.

Because sympathy had never been a part of his leadership.

One searched for the truth.

The other demanded perfection.

One believed every person had a story worth hearing.

The other believed mistakes deserved consequences.

In the bustling halls of the Associated Press worked Zein Willson, a reporter driven by curiosity and compassion.

In the silent towers of Adnor stood Daniel Hayes, a CEO feared for his ruthless efficiency.

Two completely different worlds.

Two completely different people.

And soon, fate would place them on the same path.

To be continued...

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