New beginning: Billionaire love story

Andrea's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of one of Eligos's men approaching him. His eyes widened in surprise and instinctively, his body stiffened, the blood draining from his face. This was bad-really bad.

He fumbled for words, trying to gather his thoughts, but the panic setting in made it hard to think straight. "W-what's this about? Who are you?" he stammered, taking a step back, hoping to create some space between himself and the approaching figure. The man didn't seem to care much for Andrea's attempt at evasion. His stride was deliberate, almost predatory, as he closed the gap between them. "Eligos wants to see you," the man said flatly, not even bothering to disguise the force behind his words. Andrea's throat went dry, his mind racing as he tried to think of an excuse anything to avoid going wherever Eligos wanted him to. "Eligos? How did he know I am here?"

The men stared at Andrea with a stoic expression. "You think you can do anything without Eligos knowing?"

"I thought that maybe-"

"You don't need to explain to me. Eligos is the one that needed to hear it."

"But I-I don't need to see him. I was just... just passing through," he blurted, hoping it might work. But the lie felt weak even as he said it, and judging by the man's unimpressed expression, it didn't. "No," the man said, his voice low and firm. "You're coming with me. Now."

Andrea's eyes darted to the side, his heart pounding in his chest. He could bolt, and try to run, but where would he go? He wasn't stupid enough to think he could outrun Eligos's people, especially not in a city like this. And if he resisted, he knew exactly what would happen next. "Listen," Andrea said quickly, trying to stall. "I don't know what Eligos wants with me, but I swear, I didn't do anything wrong. I haven't... I haven't made any moves, okay? I'm just trying to get some help. Please, I just need="

The man's eyes hardened, cutting off Andrea's rambling. "You don't get to ask questions. You don't get to stall. You're coming with me."

Andrea could feel the sweat forming on his palms, his breath growing shallower as the man closed in on him. "I... I didn't mean anything by it. Please, just let me explain-"

The man took a firm step toward him, reaching out with a hand that was meant to stop any more excuses. "There's no explaining. Eligos wants to see you, and he doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Before Andrea could say another word, the man grabbed him by the arm with surprising strength and began pulling him toward a waiting car. Panic surged through Andrea, and he fought to stay calm, but his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

The walk to the car felt endless, each step heavier than the last. Andrea didn't say anything more, knowing it was pointless. His thoughts swirled, but one thing was clear: Eligos wasn't someone to mess with. The cold chill of fear settled deep in his chest as he was shoved into the backseat of the car.

Meanwhile, Eligos paced the floor of his office, agitated. He had so many questions-so many things that didn't add up. Why had Andrea been at Metacortex? What was he really up to?

When the office door swung open, Eligos's eyes snapped to the figure who entered, dragging Andrea behind him. He could feel his frustration boiling over. "What is this?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

The man gave a stiff nod. "Here he is, boss."

Andrea stumbled into the room, his

eyes wide with shock as he looked around, taking in the luxurious surroundings. He quickly

straightened up, trying to appeamet

more composed than he felt, though the nervous energy was palpable. He'd never been in a place like this before, and the weight of Eligos's stare made him feel small and exposed.

"Why are you there?" Eligos's voice sliced through the silence, sharp and cold.

Andrea blinked, his thoughts running in circles. "I... I wasn't doing anything wrong. I swear," he said quickly, his voice betraying his unease. "I didn't mean to cause trouble, I-"

"You were at Metacortex," Eligos cut in, his voice hard. "You didn't think I'd notice? Tell me what you were doing at Metacortex? Are you trying to see Claire? Don't you remember what I told you not to do?"

Andrea shifted uncomfortably under Eligos's gaze. "I thought... maybe she could help me. I need money, okay? For my mom's surgery. I thought she might be able to... I don't know, lend me some. Cause I called you but you didn't answer and I don't have any other choice."

Eligos let out a low, humorlessnoveldrama

laugh. "You thought you'd just waltz into Metacortex and ask one of the most powerful people in the city for a handout? Are you insane, or just stupid? And I didn't answer your call because I was busy, if you can be patient, I will definitely answer your call."

Andrea swallowed thickly, trying not to shrink under Eligos's scrutiny. "I'm sorry....... I didn't know what else to do. I thought maybe-"

Eligos stepped even closer, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "Desperation doesn't excuse stupidity. Do you have any idea what you've just done? You've put yourself, and me, in a very precarious position."

Andrea looked down, feeling the weight of Eligos's anger pressing down on him like a physical force. He had no idea what he was getting into, and now it seemed like there was no way out.

"I swear, I didn't mean any harm. I just... I was desperate," Andrea muttered, his words barely audible.

Eligos took a step closer, his eyes

never leaving Andrea's face. "From now on, you don't make

any

decisions without my say-so, and et

don't do anything stupid or reckless. If you go near Claire Peterson again or make another move on your own, I won't hesitate to deal with you. You understand?"

Andrea nodded quickly, too afraid to do anything else. "Of course, I get it. I swear, I won't make any more moves."

Eligos's expression remained cold. "Good. Because if you pull something like this again, you won't have to worry about your mother's surgery. You'll have bigger problems."

Andrea swallowed hard, the weight of Eligos's words sinking in. "I won't," he muttered. "I swear."

Eligos turned to his man, who had been standing silently by the door. "Take him out of here. Keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn't do anything else... reckless."

The man nodded, grabbing Andrea by the arm and leading him out of the office.

As the door closed behind them, Eligos sank back into his chair, his mind racing. Andrea's desperation was a liability-a loose thread that could unravel everything. And Claire Peterson? If she got involved, things could get even messier. Eligos tapped his fingers on the desk, his expression thoughtful. It was time to reevaluate his strategy. If Andrea was going to be a pawn in this game, he needed to ensure the kid stayed on the board-and firmly under his control.