Chapter - 11

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PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 01 2024

PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 01 2024

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Frost

I step into the lab, the sterile scent of chemicals filling the air, mixing with the faint hum of machinery. Steel is hunched over a table, engrossed in his work, various beakers and tubes scattered around him like a mad scientist's playground. His intense focus is impressive, but today, I need answers about the new formula he's been developing.

"Steel," I call out, making my presence known. He looks up, a playful smirk forming on his lips as he sees me.

"Frost, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asks, his tone teasing yet with a hint of genuine curiosity.

"I'm here to see the structure and the elements of your new formula," I state, crossing my arms. "This is serious business, Steel."

Steel's smirk widens, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Sorry, Frost. It's a surprise. You'll have to wait a little longer."

My patience wears thin. I narrow my eyes at him. "You know I don't like surprises. Especially not when it comes to something this important."

"And you know I love teasing you," he retorts, leaning back against the lab table with a nonchalant air. "Relax, Frost. You'll see it soon enough. Trust me."

I let out a frustrated sigh, realizing I won't get anywhere with him right now. "Fine, but remember, no funny business. This project is crucial to our operations."

Steel steps closer, his smirk never fading but his eyes turning serious for a moment. "You wound me, Frost. Have I ever let you down?" His voice drops, and for a brief moment, there's a sincerity in his gaze that almost makes me forget his usual antics.

I roll my eyes, trying to shake off the momentary lapse in my guard. "Just keep it professional, Steel. We can't afford any mistakes."

His expression turns slightly more serious, though the playful glint remains. "Always, Frost." He takes another step closer, his tone softening. "You know, I do take this seriously. Just because I enjoy messing with you doesn't mean I don't know what's at stake."

I hold his gaze, searching for any sign of insincerity, but find none. "I know, Steel. It's just... this mission is different. The stakes are higher."

Steel nods, the playful demeanor finally giving way to genuine concern. "I get it, Frost. And I promise, I won't let you down. We'll get this done, and we'll do it right."

For a moment, there's a silence between us, the weight of the mission hanging heavy in the air. Then, as if to break the tension, Steel's smirk returns. "But you know, you could stand to relax a bit. Maybe let your hair down once in a while."

I can't help but chuckle, despite myself. "Not likely, Steel. Not likely."

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Later, I meet my father for lunch at a private restaurant, a place we've frequented for years. It's an exclusive spot, known for its discretion and elegant ambiance. The dining room is adorned with rich mahogany panels and large windows that let in the midday sun, casting a warm glow over the polished tables. As we sit across from each other, the air filled with the soft murmur of other diners and the clinking of fine china, my father dives straight into the topic at hand.

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