Luna was engrossed in paperwork at her sleek, minimalist office when the door swung open, revealing Emily's radiant smile. With her sharp wit and even sharper tongue, Emily was Luna's closest confidant.
"Well, well," Emily chimed as she sauntered in, a satisfied grin spreading across her face. "I heard you pulled a fast one on Max, snatching that contract right from under Innovators' nose. Bravo, sis." She chuckled, imagining Max's reaction. The ever-composed and invincible CEO of Innovators must have been crying at the loss. Luna leaned back in her chair, a small smile playing on her lips. "It was just business."
Emily's grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Luna, you need to be careful. Max isn't the kind to take defeat lightly. He's probably already digging into who's behind Nexus. And let's face it, you've done too good a job of hiding your identity. If he figures out your identity, things could get dangerous."
Luna knew Emily was right. Being the enigmatic CEO of Nexus had its advantages, but it also made her a target. If her cover was blown, her enemies wouldn't hesitate to exploit any weakness—especially Arthur, her younger brother, her only real vulnerability. "I'll be cautious," Luna promised, her voice steely. "Arthur's safety comes first."
By 5 PM, Arthur was finishing up his school day, laughing with his friends as they made their way to the school gate. After saying their goodbyes, he headed home, eager to change out of his uniform and get to work at the gym downstairs. Despite his young age, Arthur had a physique that turned heads—lean, muscular, and undeniably attractive. Coupled with his innocent personality and boyish good looks, he was a magnet for attention, to the women who frequented the gym.
Arthur was oblivious to the effect he had on them, focusing entirely on his job as a fitness instructor. but Luna wasn't. No matter how exhausting her day had been, she always made time to join him at the gym, watching over him like a hawk. She knew how innocent her brother was, how unaware he was of the attention he garnered. Luna couldn't let anyone take advantage of him.
As the gym closed at 7 PM, they headed upstairs, tired but content. While Arthur settled down to study, Luna busied herself in the kitchen, preparing dinner.
During dinner, she decided it was time to warn Arthur. "I've upset someone powerful today," she began, her tone casual but her eyes serious. "Max, the CEO of Innovators. He might start digging, and if he connects the dots, things could get dangerous for us." Arthur looked up, concern etching his features. "What should I do?"
"Just be careful," Luna advised. "If anyone comes after you, remember what I taught you. Fight like our mother taught me."
Mentioning their mother brought a shadow over Arthur's face. Unlike Luna, he had no memories of their parents. Luna noticed the change in his expression and immediately softened her tone. "Mom loved you so much, Arthur. She wouldn't want you to be sad."
Later, as Arthur lay in bed, thoughts of their mother swirling in his mind, Luna joined him, sitting beside him and gently stroking his hair. "I'll always be here for you," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, "You know, despite all the training I've given you, you still haven't beaten me even once."
Arthur's eyes sparkled with determination. "This weekend, I'll challenge you again. I'm going to win this time!" Luna laughed, a genuine, warm sound that filled the room.
As Arthur drifted off to sleep, Luna lay in her bed beside him, watching her little brother's peaceful face. He was so innocent, so easy to cheer up. But beneath her tender smile was a fierce resolve. She would protect him, no matter the cost. Anyone who dared to threaten him would face her wrath.