"Alright Alexia, what's next on the list?" Lucius asked while leaning back against the plush leather seat of the limousine.

He stretched his arms lazily as though the world owed him comfort, eyes sliding toward his now pale secretary.

They were on the move again, gliding through the city streets like royalty, but his mind was already trying to guess the next brand.

Maybe a watch company.

He needed something sleek, maybe like a digital watch that could stream movies.

That would've been nice.

Alexia, pale as ever from the torture she had endured back at Fizzypop, didn't so much as wince.

She dutifully raised the clipboard, passing it to him.

Even though she looked as if she had swallowed ten lemons in succession, her professionalism never cracked.

That, Lucius supposed, was why the Council had saddled him with her.

He took the clipboard, eyes scanning it, and frowned.

"Jamil clothes?"

The name rolled off his tongue like a bad joke.

Really, what was with these brand names?

Fizzypop, Jamil… what next?

Sparkle Boots?

Magic Underwear?

Still, Elara had gotten him a few Jamil pieces before.

He hadn't bothered wearing them, but he had to admit, the fabric had felt soft between his fingers.

"Yes," Alexia said. "Jamil made an offer to have you model for them today."

"Model, huh?" Lucius muttered, flipping the page.

"They've prepared a limited 'Lucius Edition' line," she continued, "and they'll need you to model for it."

Lucius blinked, lowering the clipboard slowly.

"A 'Lucius edition'?" He smirked. "How exactly do they know what I like to wear?"

Alexia cleared her throat softly, ever the messenger. "According to the manager, the line uses the most expensive designs crafted with fabric from Elven lands. Softest available."

Lucius froze mid-thought.

The words 'Elven fabric' hit him like a choir of angels singing in unison.

His grin spread wide and boyish before he let out a long, dreamy sigh.

"They've got me," he said, completely sincere. "Hook, line, and sinker."

He leaned back, folding his arms across his chest with satisfaction. "Hopefully we don't waste much time here. I want my clothes, my shoot, and then out."

…

The limousine rolled to a smooth stop in front of Jamil's headquarters.

The moment Lucius stepped out, chaos erupted.

"Mr. Lucius, let me be the one to dress you up!"

"No, Mr. Lucius, pick me! I'll make you shine brighter than the stars!"

"Mr. Lucius, I'll give you a happy ending if you choose me!"

Lucius froze mid-step, blinking rapidly at the mob of women rushing toward him.

They were all dressed in Jamil uniforms, but their hungry eyes and desperate shouts made them look more like a pack of wolves circling fresh prey.

"What the hell is going on?" he muttered, instinctively stepping back as Alexia moved in front of him protectively.

Her usually calm face twitched with irritation as she shoved her way through the crowd, creating space for him to walk.

With her leading, he cut through the sea of eager hands and pleading voices, finally stepping into the cooler air of the building interior.

But the women followed, like they were shadows refusing to be left behind.

Lucius tugged at his cuffs, straightening them as though nothing had happened.

"Is this a fashion company or an asylum?"

Inside, they were greeted by the manager.

A handsome middle-aged man with carefully styled blond hair and a suit that looked custom-tailored.

He gave off the air of someone who'd practiced smiling in the mirror until his cheeks ached.

"Ah, Mr. Lucius," the manager said warmly, extending his hand. "It's such a pleasure to finally welcome you."

Lucius, ever charming when he wanted to be, mirrored the gesture.

"Thanks for having us," he said with a cool smile. "I like your brand. I even own some Jamil clothes, though…"

He gave a careless shrug. "I've never worn them."

The manager's perfect smile cracked just slightly.

Was Lucius implying the products weren't good enough?

Or simply that he hadn't deigned to try them yet?

The blond man gave a nervous laugh, quickly smoothing the crack.

"Ah… I do hope you'll like these new ones, then," the manager said. "We'd love it if you wore them regularly."

Lucius gave a lazy nod.

"We'll see." His eyes slid toward the women still clustered around him like buzzing flies. "So tell me… what exactly is their deal?"

The manager chuckled knowingly, clasping his hands together.

"Ah, don't mind them. They're our employees. Each one is trained and well-versed in how our clothes are designed to be worn. Since you'll be modeling for us today, you'll need someone to assist you in dressing."

Lucius arched a brow. "Assist me?"

"Yes, yes," the man said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Who doesn't like being dressed by a beautiful woman?"

Lucius smirked, though inwardly he thought otherwise.

'So basically you turned your company into a fanclub audition. Wonderful. Truly professional.'

Still, it made sense.

He needed someone to help.

But only one person was going to do it.

Minutes later, Lucius found himself in the changing room.

The walls were white and the mirrors were tall, with racks of expensive clothing lined up in neat rows.

Behind him stood Alexia, who was carefully helping him out of his black suit jacket.

Her hands were precise and she didn't waste any movement.

She set the jacket aside before reaching for his shirt buttons.

"Boss," she said quietly, her eyes downcast as she unbuttoned the crisp fabric. "Why did you pick me?"

Her cheeks were bright red, though her tone tried to remain professional.

She knew very well that outside the door were dozens of women practically begging for the same privilege.

Yet Lucius had waved them all off with a flick of his wrist and chosen her instead.

For a moment, she allowed herself the foolish thought… maybe he trusted her more than them.

Maybe he wanted her here, close to him, instead of strangers.

Or was he trying to feel her up again? She couldn't say no to that.

"Did you really think I'd let you have a break?" Lucius asked with a low chuckle, the only reason he chose her was to make sure that she had no breaks…

Besides he loved the expressions she was making.

Her joyous expression, that small bit of hope, crumbled instantly.

Her lips parted as if to respond, but no words came out.

She simply lowered her gaze, disappointment clear as the bright blush faded from her cheeks.

"I see…"

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