Atlas's POV

I came back to my cabin and called my assistant to arrange a meeting with the cyber crime branch.

Just then, my annoying best friend Evin Ray barged into my office. "Hey, buddy! How you doing?" he said, his usual energy filling the room. Evin, the CEO of a leading finance company, had been my friend since childhood.

I sighed, "Don't you have your own company to run? Why do you always barge into mine? And remember, if you break that glass door one day, I'm going to charge you millions for it."

"Aw, come on, don't be a grumpy pants so early in the morning!" he shot back, plopping down on one of the chairs without a care in the world.

I couldn't help but shake my head at his carefree attitude. But before I could retort, a frown crossed my face. "Look, someone hacked into my company's network and deleted all the important reports."

Evin's expression shifted instantly from playful to serious. "What? Seriously? That's a big deal! What are you going to do about it?"

"I've made an appointment with the cyber crime branch. I'm leaving for it now."

"What? I'm coming with you!" Evin said, his tone shifting to one of determination.

"Sure, let's go," I agreed reluctantly. I knew if I didn't let him tag along, he would keep bugging me and I'd end up late for the meeting.

I headed to the car, sliding into the driver's seat while Evin took the passenger side. As we drove off, the atmosphere shifted from light-hearted banter to a tense focus on the situation at hand.

We entered the cyber crime branch office and approached the receptionist.

"Excuse me, I have a meeting with the chief under Atlas Sharein," I said.

"Oh, of course! Who doesn't know you?" she said, dragging her finger along my arm, her smile overly familiar.

I sighed, not in the mood for flirting. Evin, sensing my discomfort, stepped in.

"Hey, beautiful, we'd love to take your help, but right now, we have urgent matters to take care of, so maybe next time?" he said with a charming grin.

She scoffed and returned to her desk, calling in to inform the chief of our arrival.

"11th floor, towards the left. You'll meet the chief's assistant, and she will lead you to his office."

We followed her instructions and soon found ourselves in front of the assistant.

"Good afternoon, sir. This way, please," she said, flashing a seductive smile.

I rolled my eyes, following her with Evin chuckling beside me.

We entered a beautifully designed cabin that exuded sophistication. The chief stood up and extended his hand, a professional smile on his face. "Ah, nice to meet you, Mr. Sharein. I was waiting for you."

"Nice to meet you too, sir. This is my friend Evin Ray," I introduced, gesturing to him.

"Of course, I know him. Good to see you too, Mr. Ray," the chief replied, shaking hands with him as well. "Please, have a seat."

As we settled in, the chief asked, "So, what's the matter?"

I took a deep breath, ready to explain. "Actually, someone hacked into my company's network and deleted all the documents. We believe it's one of my business rivals."

"Okay, we can certainly help with that. I'll send one of my best hackers to your company. She will carry on the further investigation," he replied.

Though I heard him, my mind was stuck on the word she. Why did it have to be a woman? I felt a twinge of annoyance creeping in. It wasn't that I doubted her skills; I just wasn't keen on the idea of dealing with another assertive woman in a high-pressure situation.

"Uh, wait a second. Another woman?" I blurted out, not even trying to hide my disdain. "Do you have any male hackers?"

Evin kicked me under the table, shooting me a warning glare. "Atlas, don't be rude."

"Mr. Sharein, I assure you that she is the top hacker in this firm," the chief said, his tone turning stern. "I'd advise against questioning her abilities."

"Oh, of course not, sir. Atlas was just joking, right buddy?" Evin interjected, forcing a smile.

"Yeah, right," I said coldly, shooting Evin a glare.

The chief continued, "I'd also recommend we provide you with some top bodyguards or security."

"I don't need a bodyguard," I protested.

"Yes, you do! Don't you remember what happened last time at the restaurant?" Evin chimed in with a tensed look. 

Flashback: The Restaurant Incident

I could still remember the chaos vividly. After a meeting with a client, Evin and I were exiting the restaurant when a man with a black mask lunged at me. I fought back, but he was strong, wielding a knife.

I managed to get the knife away from him, but just as I was about to pull off his mask, he elbowed Evin, breaking free and disappearing into the night, leaving behind a haunting warning:

 "Soon, he is going to come after you, Atlas."

That moment had shaken me, and I realized Evin was right—I needed security.

"Okay, fine. I'll have a bodyguard, but I want the best," I conceded reluctantly.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about it. It's the same girl who will come to your company to deal with the hacking," the chief said.

"Great," I muttered, knowing I was in for an interesting time.(note the sarcasm)

"Shall I call her in?" the chief asked, and Evin nodded enthusiastically. I mentally prepared myself for whatever was about to happen.

Let's see who this girl is........