"Sir, the meeting is in the ballroom. It’s over there..."

The sudden voice from behind made Zachary pause mid-step, his attention snapping back to the present.

He turned slightly and found Trevor, his head secretary, standing beside him with his usual composed posture and attentive expression.

Zachary glanced once toward the direction of the ballroom before returning his gaze to Trevor.

"I won’t be attending the meeting," he said calmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Go ahead and handle everything. Report the results to me afterward."

He didn’t want Sienna to freak out if she saw him there as Zachary Sterling with all his credentials.

"I’ll visit my sister upstairs. Call me when you’re done." He added.

Without waiting for a response, Zachary turned and walked toward the executive elevator.

...

Zachary arrived on the fifteenth floor.

The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and he stepped out with his usual calm composure, his presence immediately drawing attention.

The staff on that floor were clearly not expecting him.

A few froze mid-step, others straightened instantly, and some exchanged quick glances as if silently asking the same question, "Why is he here?"

Zachary paid none of them any mind.

He walked forward, hands relaxed at his sides, his expression unreadable.

A female secretary quickly approached him, her posture polite and professional despite the slight surprise still lingering on her face.

"Mr. Zachary," she greeted softly. "Would you like to meet the CEO?"

He gave a small nod. No extra words. No explanation.

The secretary immediately understood and gestured politely.

"This way, please..." The secretary led him down the corridor toward the CEO’s office. She added carefully, "Ms. Sterling was about to head out..."

Still, Zachary didn’t say anything, but simply nodded.

As they approached the door, the secretary raised her hand to knock, but before her knuckles could make contact, the door suddenly swung open from the inside.

A tall, slender woman stood there, her sharp features momentarily filled with surprise.

"Zach...?"

Zoey Sterling blinked, clearly not expecting to see her twin brother standing right in front of her.

"Why are you here?"

Zachary didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he simply walked past her as if he belonged there and entered the office without waiting for permission.

Zoey turned her head, watching him with a mix of confusion and mild irritation.

"Can you see? I was about to go out," she said, following him inside. "I have a meeting—"

"I know. But, I need to talk to you," Zachary interrupted calmly.

He reached the seating area by the glass wall, casually undoing the button of his suit before sitting down on the sofa.

"I only need ten minutes," he added, his tone calm. But his gaze said otherwise. It wasn’t a request but an order.

Zoey let out a quiet sigh.

She turned to her secretary, gave a few quick instructions, and dismissed her before closing the door behind her without looking.

Then she walked over and sat across from him.

"Alright! Five minutes," she said, holding up a hand. "That’s all I can give you."

She leaned back slightly, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "So, what do you want this time?" she asked, curious.

Zachary smiled. It was the first real expression he had shown since arriving.

"Relax, little sister," he said casually. "I’m not here to ruin someone’s life today."

Zoey let out a short laugh.

"We’re twins, and I’m only two minutes younger than you," she replied dryly. "Stop calling me ’little sister.’"

Then she glanced at the clock.

"Actually, make that three minutes now. You’ve already wasted two."

Zachary’s smile didn’t fade. Instead, his gaze sharpened slightly.

"I need you to attend the opening of my company’s management training."

Zoey blinked.

"...What?" She was clearly caught off guard. "Why me? That’s your company."

"Because you’re the only one in the family I can ask," he replied simply.

Zoey frowned, unconvinced.

"Wait," she said, narrowing her eyes. "I heard from the General Manager that you already confirmed your attendance. Don’t tell me you changed your mind again?"

Zachary didn’t answer immediately.

For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted. Back to the lobby. To a certain woman with bright eyes and an easy smile.

’Zach, this is not the right time to reveal your identity to her...’ The thought came naturally. Without effort. And strangely, he didn’t question it.

His gaze returned to Zoey.

"I have something more important to take care of," he added calmly. "Out of the country."

Zoey stared at him.

A brief silence hung in the air.

Then she asked, "You’re lying, right!?"

Zachary didn’t even try to deny it.

Zoey crossed her arms. "Brother, you don’t even sound convincing," she added. "At least try harder."

He simply looked at her.

Unbothered.

"Do you remember when I asked you to help me attend that event before?" he asked instead.

Zoey nodded slowly.

"I do remember. And then your secretary told me you decided to go yourself. So now what? You changed your mind again?"

"You don’t need to know the reason," Zachary said as he stood up, clearly ready to end the conversation. "You just need to attend the opening on my behalf. That’s it!"

Zoey sighed and stood as well.

"My goodness, Zach," she said, rubbing her temple. "You’re giving me a headache."

He said nothing and just waited for her to answer.

Zoey looked at him for a moment, clearly debating whether to argue further.

"I’ll buy you a limited edition car," Zachary added casually.

Her eyes widened for half a second. Then she immediately raised a hand. "No. Don’t—"

Zachary paused.

She took a step closer, her expression suddenly serious. "Give me your villa on the North Sea."

There was a brief silence.

Zachary looked at her. "...You’re getting bolder, little sister," he said.

"I learned from the best," Zoey said with a smile, pointing her finger at him.

Another pause.

Then Zachary nodded once. "Fine."

Zoey’s smile widened instantly.

"But," he added, "I’ll need a favor from you again in the future."

"Deal," she said without hesitation.

They both knew exactly what that meant.

Trouble.

Zachary turned and walked toward the door.

Zoey watched him, shaking her head slightly.

"You’re unbelievable, you know that?" she called after him.

He didn’t turn back. He only raised a hand in a lazy wave.

As the door closed behind him, Zoey let out a quiet laugh.

"Trading a villa for a mystery..." she muttered. "Whatever you’re hiding, Zach... it better be worth it."

Meanwhile, Zachary stepped back into the hallway, his expression returning to its usual calm.

As he entered the elevator and descended toward the first floor, he took out his phone and typed a short message.

"I’m heading back to the office."

He sent it to Trevor without a second thought.