Chapter 453
Alex was still buttoning up his Eden Group gardener uniform when a security drone glided into the room, humming softly as its sensors locked onto him.
“Sir, the woman you asked us to monitor was just shoved by a guest-he forced her out into the entrance area. Do you want us to intervene p>
“Show me the footage,” Alex said.
The robot projected the recording. Heinrich’s hand clamped around Sofina’s arm, dragging her down the hallway while papers scattered across the floor.
Alex straightened his collar, pulled on his gloves, and strode out toward the entrance.
He found Sofina crouched on the floor, gathering a pile of scattered papers. He knelt beside her.
“Sofina,” he said quietly, helping her pick them up. “What happened p>
She shook her head, frustrated. “It’s Heinrich. No matter what I say, he just slips back into his arrogant little kingdom p>
“Did he hurt you?” Alex asked, gently lifting her chin, checking for bruises.
“No, nothing serious,” she said.
Alex handed her the last sheet. “You know, you don’t need to print everything. The digital files are enough p>
Sofina smiled faintly. “Maybe. But I like the feel of paper. I like touching something real p>
Her hand brushed his chest. “The same way I like touching you p>
He chuckled. “You really are old-fashioned p>
“You taught me that,” she said softly. “You cooked for me, you looked at me like I was more than data in a file. You made me feel alive again. Sometimes I think it’d be better to live without all these machines p>
They teased each other as they walked back through the glass corridor of Eden’s entrance.
Then a voice cracked the calm.
“You again,” Heinrich barked, stepping forward. “What the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay away from me. I don’t want you near me, you bitch p>
Sofina froze. The color drained from her face.
Alex saw it-the invisible chain that still tied her to Heinrich.
Three years of control doesn’t vanish overnight. Her body tensed, eyes flickering, as if waiting for his approval… or his wrath.
Alex stepped forward, placing himself between Sofina and Heinrich.
“Sir, this is Eden Group,” Alex said. “You’re a guest. You have no authority to order people out p>
Heinrich’s lips curled. “A gardener telling me how to behave? I’m a guest here-l expect to be treated like a king. Where’s your manager? I want to speak with your manager p>
“A king?” Alex let out a low, sharp laugh. “Keep dreaming. You’re not a king- you’re just another arrogant fool. A pathetic worm in a suit p>
“How dare you. Do you know who I am? I’m Heinrich Schiller.” Heinrich’s face went hard.” The chairman of Eden Group personally sent me an invitation—said I should run this place. You’re a gardener. When I’m finished, you’ll be out of a job.” “You can try,” Alex said, calm as a blade.
Sofina grabbed his arm. “Let’s go. Don’t give him anything. He brings trouble.” Heinrich’s eyes found a nearby figure. “Manager Wedell!” he called.
Dietrich Wedell, head of human resources, hurried over and forced a smile while extending a hand. “Mr. Schiller. What an honor to have you at Eden Group. We’d be delighted if you joined our efforts-Winchester’s finest in Al development p>
Heinrich let out a derisive snort. “I came here to join, yes. But somebody in your place had the nerve to try and kick me out. Frankly, Eden Group doesn’t feel welcoming p>
Dietrich’s smile didn’t falter; his tone tightened with professional courtesy. “Sir, no one here would deliberately offend you. If someone attempted to remove you, tell me their name and I’ll see they’re disciplined p>
“Good,” Heinrich said coldly. “That’s the man. Your gardener. He insulted me and tried to throw me out p>
Dietrich turned and spotted Alex in his Eden Group gardener uniform. His brow furrowed. “I’ve never seen you before. Are you pretending to be one of our employees by wearing that uniform p>
Alex smiled faintly. “Eden Group has over a thousand workers in this two-hundred-floor building. You don’t know all of them—same as↑ don’t know everyone here. And if I wasnt officially registered, the security androids wouldn’t have given me the uniform.” s
Dietrich stepped closer. “You seem to forget your place. I’m Dietrich Wedell, head
of Human Resources. I can fire you anytime I want. Now, you’ve offended Mr.
Heinrich Schiller-apologize. Kneel and beg for his forgiveness p>
Alex stood firm. “Why should I? He’s the one who tried to throw out another guest, and he doesn’t even belong to Eden Group p>
“You arrogant gardener,” Dietrich snapped. “Do you have any idea who Heinrich Schiller is? He’s one of the brightest minds in Winchester-soon to join the Eden Group p>
“And if he’s not joining?” Alex asked evenly.
“Even if he doesn’t, he deserves your respect. You’re nothing compared to him! Now kneel before I make sure you regret it p>
“Sorry,” Alex said calmly, shaking his head. “I won’t p>
“You’ll be fired if you don’t!” Dietrich shouted.
Heinrich chuckled darkly. “Come on, Alex. We’ve known each other a long time. Just kneel and bow three times, and maybe I’ll let you keep your job p>
Alex’s laugh was low and dangerous. “How about this, Heinrich-you kneel to me. Three kowtows, then maybe I’ll let you stay in this building p>
The crowd started to gather, drawn by the rising tension. Laughter rippled through them like wildfire.
“Look at that,” someone jeered. “A gardener trying to stand up to Heinrich? The man really doesn’t know who he’s dealing with p>
Another voice joined in. “That gardener’s got a name. You know who he is p>
“Who?” someone asked.
“Alex-the dunce himself p>
The crowd chuckled. “Oh hell, that Alex? The walking mistake of Winchester? No wonder he’s mouthing off. He’s too stupid to know better p>
Heinrich smirked and turned to Sofina.
“Sofina, you’ve been desperate for my attention, haven’t you? Well, now you’ve
got it. Your husband’s a fool who doesn’t know his place. How about you kneel for
him instead? Three bows, and I might forgive him p>
Sofina’s hand tightened around Alex’s arm, her knuckles white.
Heinrich’s tone darkened. “If you don’t, I’ll make sure everyone in Winchester hears about this. You have offended Heinrich Schiller
himself. I’ll have the whole cityet
its back on you-even the Wolfsbane name you’ll be nothing outcasts. And you know I can make that happen p>
s
Alex stepped forward, but Sofina grabbed him tighter and shook her head. Her
voice was soft but steady. “Let me handle this p>
He hesitated, searching her face. She met his eyes. “Trust me p>
Then Sofina stepped forward alone.
Heinrich’s grin widened, vile and confident. “You’re lucky to have my attention Start kneeling, sweetheart. Maybe I’let your husband keep his job. And if you take off your clothes while you’re at it, might even forgive the ‘trauma’ you caused me.” s
For a moment, everything went silent.
Then Sofina smiled. Not softly-but sharply.
Before Heinrich could blink, her fist shot forward and cracked across his face. The
punch landed square on his nose with a sickening crunch.
Blood splattered. Heinrich stumbled back, clutching his face, howling in shock as
the crowd gasped.