BOUND BY OBSESSION

DYLAN

Daniel's bar is a quiet sanctuary for the five of us. The low hum of conversation mixes with the clinking of glasses, the kind of place where you don't need to announce your business to the room because everyone already knows. It's our spot, where we come to unwind, strategize, and sometimes test the waters before we make our next big move.

Tonight, there's no escaping the tension. The takeover of Voss Enterprise is just two days away, and that's all anyone can talk about. I'm supposed to be focused on the future of the company, but Hermione is all I can think about.

Daniel swirls his whiskey, watching me closely. "So, Dylan," he begins, his smirk teasing at the edges, "you've been in the news, but it's not your usual boardroom chatter. Hermione Vale... quite the catch, isn't she?"

I settle into my seat, keeping my tone even. "I don't care for publicity," I say, my gaze flicking to each of them. "But yes, Hermione is…" I pause, considering the right words. "She's something different."

Kainalu leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "Different how? The kind of woman who can handle your empire, or the kind you can't stop thinking about?"

I take a deep drink from my glass, feeling their eyes on me. It's impossible to avoid the questions, the prodding. They can sense there's something more here than just a business decision.

"She's brilliant," I reply, voice controlled, but there's an edge to it. "And yes, she's the kind of woman I need by my side at Voss Enterprise. I'm offering her the position of Head of Legal. This isn't just about power or attraction. She has the intellect to run circles around anyone in that department."

Ronan leans back, his arms crossing over his chest. "Sounds like you've thought this through. But let's be honest, you didn't hire her just for her resume, did you?"

Cassian chuckles, his voice dripping with amusement. "C'mon, Dylan. You don't keep someone around just because they're good at their job. You want her. No shame in that."

I meet Cassian's gaze, unflinching. "It's not like that."

"Really?" Kainalu grins, picking up his drink. "You're that calm about someone who could easily take over your life?"

The conversation shifts, but the undercurrent remains. They know I'm getting personal, and they're not about to let me get away with it.

Daniel clears his throat, the unspoken leader of the group. "We all know the Voss takeover is happening. But let's talk business for a second." His eyes are sharp, calculating. "Have you figured out what you want your first major move to be?"

I lean forward, my fingers tapping against the table as I think about the future of the company. "I have." I look at each of them, meeting their eyes. "The first thing I'm doing is securing the legal team. Hermione will lead it. She's a Stanford graduate, went to Harvard Law, and she knows this industry. I'm giving her a contract that includes full autonomy over her department."

Daniel raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's bold. What's her contractual power looking like?"

I smirk, leaning back in my chair, feeling the weight of my words. "It's a hell of a contract. Full control over the legal team, a salary that's three times what she's making now, and I'm throwing in stock options for good measure."

Kainalu laughs, swirling his drink again. "That's more than generous. But I'm guessing you're not doing this out of the goodness of your heart."

"Of course not," I reply, eyes narrowing slightly. "It's a powerful move. And once she's in, no one will question her authority. She'll have the resources and support she needs to make this company untouchable."

Ronan snorts. "Let's not pretend like you don't have other motives, Dylan. When's the last time you hired someone for just their legal skills?"

I stare at him, unwavering. "Business is business. But let's not pretend like we don't all have our personal interests when it comes to decisions like these."

Cassian grins knowingly. "You don't get obsessed with women, Dylan. But if I were you, I'd keep it professional. She's a smart one."

I keep my gaze locked with his. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

Daniel leans in slightly, voice quiet but intense. "And what about her loyalty? The contract you're offering her—she's going to need to be on board with that level of control. What's her stance on power, Dylan?"

I pause for a moment, considering. "She accepted the contract yesterday. She doesn't back down from a challenge, and this is one she wants to take on."

Lucian watches me closely, leaning forward. "So this isn't just about business. You're tying up your personal and professional lives here."

I don't flinch. "Yes."

"And once she's in fully, she'll have your back," Kainalu muses, watching me closely.

"That's the plan."

The group goes quiet for a moment, the only sound is the clink of glass against wood. Finally, Ronan raises his glass, a teasing smile curling on his lips. "To Voss Enterprise and Dylan's inevitable downfall… at the hands of a lawyer."

I raise my glass and meet their gazes. "To taking what's mine."

And as we all drink, the future of Voss Enterprise feels more like a ticking clock than a corporate empire. And I know I've already set everything into motion—starting with Hermione.