Milana pouted. "Since when did lawyers actually care about the laws. You spend all your time bending them to your will."

Ci-ci turned back from the stove, looking hurt. "I'm innocent!"

"If you were, my father's company would have gone under. He has no right to be running a business."

"A beautiful girl needed my help, how could I let her father suffer just because of a few mistakes?" Ci-ci smiled, s.h.i.+fting to the island to cut up some veggies.

Milana got lost in his precise hand movements before she snapped back to reality. "Thank you… But, I don't feel good about having found him your help…"

A few months ago, Milana's father, and the majority share holder of a small technology-based company in Algood city, had run into a terrible patent fraud situation. If it hadn't been for Ci-ci, not only would the company have gone under, but Milana's father would have also faced a few years of jail time.

Although Milana had gone above and beyond to help her father, no one knew more than her how guilty he really was. If a full investigation had taken place, a few years in jail would have been the best-case scenario. And maybe 'best case' wouldn't be accurate. Only a few years of a jail time would be nothing but a dream.

At the time, anyone who reviewed the case knew it was an impossible win. No lawyer wanted to touch it. Although some thought about taking the money knowing they'd lose anyway, when they delved into the dark details of Milana's father's deeds… It just wasn't a smart move for any of their careers.

But, then came Ci-ci. He was not only unafraid, he actually won! And all he asked in return aside from his normal lawyer fees, was a single thirty-minute date with Milana. A date that led them to their relations.h.i.+p of a few months.

Milana was snapped out of her thoughts as a plate slid in front of her. An omelette made of healthy yellows, reds and greens invaded her senses with a calming feeling. Some sliced fruits were gently arranged to the side as well. It was clear Ci-ci did his best for her, causing her heart to warm and a small smile to spread across her delicate features.

Ci-ci watched as Milana ate while he enjoyed his own.

"It's not illegal anymore, I don't think… From what I understand, because of what happened yesterday, the university has already cut off all ties with Ci-ci Bell."

"Oh?" Ci-ci chuckled to himself. Imagine revoking a tenure so quickly, there was no way that was done legally. He couldn't blame the board of professors. But, he could definitely blame Headmaster Mortlock.

"My father is really angry, Lucius… Many months ago, we got a message from Ci-ci Bell saying that he wanted to become our leading inventor.

At first, we thought it was a prank. After all, at the time, Ci-ci Bell was among the finalists for the Grandbell Award and a shoo-in to win. But, when he actually came in for a meeting, my father couldn't have been more excited." Milana looked up to look at Ci-ci, a bit put-off that he wasn't more surprised. But, then again, she rarely saw Ci-ci be anything other than even keeled.

"But, in typical fas.h.i.+on, my father did something illegal. Under the guise of ensuring Ci-ci Bell was truly committed to our company, he made him sign a contract dated for the future. That in and of itself isn't so bad, but as you know – "

"Ci-ci Bell is already tied to Grandbell University. Him signing his rights away to another company, even if it's for the future, violates the head-hunting laws. It makes it even worse that he is – or I guess was – tenured."

On West Continent, head-hunting, meaning the act of poaching talents from other companies, was heavily penalized. The idea of Ci-ci being taken from the university by a small company would have been outrageous. Not only would Ci-ci be crucified, so would the company. And yet, Milana's father had done it anyway.

What Milana didn't know was that Ci-ci had already calculated that action. He saw the misdeeds of Milana's father and something like violating a head-hunting law was the least of his crimes. So, he was sure that his plan would work.

Milana nodded. "But now, Ci-ci's actions have completely stained him. Originally, he had promised that he would resign from his tenure through legal means. Then, after a suitable amount of time, he would join us under the guise of wanting to build a small company from the ground up as a challenge to himself. After all, who would believe a small company had the means to poach such a talent." Milana's adorable face twisted in anger again. "So arrogant!"

Ci-ci bit his inner lip, trying to keep himself from laughing. This was truly funny.

"And now, he's hated by the entire world! On top of that, my father already made him sign a contract, so he can't back out unless he wants Ci-ci Bell to reveal his dirty deeds to the world! Now we have no choice but to tie ourselves to a sinking s.h.i.+p!"

Smiling, Ci-ci stood to remove the empty plates from the island. "It can't be all bad, can it? You still have access to his genius, for better or worse."

Milana sighed. "The University without a doubt has claimed rights to all of his past inventions. You know this – that's just how the laws work… Individuals just don't have much power in comparison to large corporations. If Ci-ci Bell creates anything that even remotely resembles anything he created at Grandbell University, our company wouldn't be able to handle the lawsuits.

There's the chance that his genius surpa.s.ses all of that, but a company needs many things to work properly. We need distribution factories, we need stores to accept our products, we need various sites and companies to accept our advertis.e.m.e.nts… But, how would that be possible now? The whole world wants to see Ci-ci Bell fail!

You can't just disrespect the most respected forefather that ever existed and expect things to be smooth sailing! Even if he thought the award was beneath him, he should have still accepted it, then thrown it in a shed later instead of bringing us down with hi – "

Feeling a strong hand touch her shoulder, Milana finally realized she was about to lose her temper again. Looking back at Ci-ci, she sighed in her heart.

Her Lucius wasn't the most handsome man in the world, but his appearance was still more than attractive enough. When you coupled that with his successful career, kind nature, and… 'What an amazing body…'

Milana blushed to herself as she got caught up looking at Ci-ci's lean torso.

Ci-ci spun Milana's stool around, silently slipping off her light-brown coat to reveal her tender shoulders.

Milana's blush deepened as Ci-ci's scent invaded her senses. It was like entering a forest filled with pinewood and cinnamon. It was intoxicating. 'Why does he smell so good…'

Milana was so distracted that she almost didn't notice as her soft lips vibrated under the pressure of Ci-ci's breathing. Her eyes widened, her face flus.h.i.+ng as she noticed how close Ci-ci's lips were.

They had been together for months and had of course kissed before. But, it was like an adventure for Milana every time – one she thoroughly enjoyed. That said, they had never gone much further. Milana couldn't tell if she was disappointed or relieved by that…

Strong hands trailed up Milana's thighs, her heart beating wildly as they grabbed her a.s.s to lift her up to the kitchen's island.

'Is today the day?... I don't know if I'm ready…'

But, all her thoughts were cut off as Ci-ci pulled her to himself, grasping her waist tightly as he planted a firm kiss on her lips.