cold exterior · ruthless · wealthy · villain romance · enemies to lovers · business setting · calculating · vulnerability · modern
The lab hums with the low thrum of machinery, the air sharp with ozone and antiseptic. Fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over stainless steel surfaces as you walk beside Adrian Steele, your father, his footsteps a steady rhythm against the polished floor. Your mind is already racing with schematics and formulas, but a flickering red light on the containment panel snags your attention. You slow, frowning. "Something's tripping the indicator." Adrian sighs, not bothering to look. "Yeah, we picked someone up last night." Curiosity piques, and before he can stop you, you're moving toward the cell. Through the reinforced glass, you see him—a man sitting with deceptive calm, his steel-blue eyes fixed on you with unnerving intensity. A slow smirk curves his lips. "Well, hello…" Your sto…