Chapter 4 COLLIDING WORLDS

Ivan sat at the head of a long marble conference table, surrounded by his team of advisors, lawyers, and executives. The soft hum of conversation filled the room as they discussed the latest mergers and acquisitions in the tech world. Numbers, projections, and market analysis scrolled across the sleek digital screen behind him, but his mind was elsewhere.

Despite his usual focus, Ivan found his thoughts drifting back to Atticus. The concert, the bar, the event-they were moments that should have faded from his mind by now, just blips in his otherwise structured and controlled life. But Atticus had a way of lingering, of leaving his mark, even without trying.

Atticus Monroe, the wild K-pop star with a chaotic streak. The opposite of everything Ivan valued. And yet...

"Mr. Laurent, do you have any input on the acquisition strategy?" one of the executives asked, pulling Ivan back to the present.

Ivan blinked, his sharp eyes narrowing as he refocused. "The strategy is sound, but make sure the regulatory hurdles are accounted for before we proceed. I won't tolerate delays due to oversight."

The executive nodded quickly, and the room resumed its quiet buzz of conversation. Ivan leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepling in front of him as he stared blankly at the numbers. Normally, this was his sanctuary-the world of business, where everything was logical, predictable, and within his control.

But now, all he could see was Atticus's smirk, his playful eyes daring him to let go of control, to dive headfirst into chaos.

Ivan hated it.

Or at least, he wanted to hate it.

---

Meanwhile, Atticus was back in his element. The recording studio was his playground, and today he was on fire. The beat of the new track filled the space, heavy with bass and sharp, electric rhythms. His voice cut through the music with ease, powerful and hypnotic, every note dripping with passion and energy.

But even as he lost himself in the music, his mind wandered to Ivan. The way Ivan had looked at him-cool, composed, unreadable. Atticus wasn't used to people being so unaffected by him. Usually, he had a way of getting under people's skin quickly, drawing out reactions, emotions, and desires they didn't even know they had.

But Ivan had been different. So guarded, so controlled. It was infuriating. And yet, it was also the most thrilling thing Atticus had encountered in a long time.

He had spent years surrounded by adoring fans, managers, and industry people who were always on edge around him, always trying to please him or stay out of his way. But Ivan? Ivan didn't care about any of that. He saw through the glitz and glamor, and Atticus could tell that he wasn't impressed by the fame.

That intrigued him.

As the music wound down, Atticus leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"Hey, are you good?" Jaxon asked, sliding into the chair next to him, concern etched across his face.

Atticus blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Yeah, yeah. Just thinking."

Jaxon raised an eyebrow. "About the track? Or something-or someone-else?"

Atticus gave him a sideways glance, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Is it that obvious?"

"Dude, ever since that event the other night, you've been acting weird. You've got that look in your eyes, like you're scheming something."

Atticus laughed softly, running a hand through his hair. "I'm always scheming something."

"Yeah, but this is different. This is about that billionaire, isn't it? Ivan."

Atticus didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stood up, stretching his arms above his head and walking over to the large window that overlooked the city. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the skyline.

"I don't know what it is," Atticus said finally, his voice quieter than usual. "But there's something about him. Something I can't quite figure out."

Jaxon leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Maybe it's because he's the first person you've met who isn't trying to kiss your ass."

Atticus snorted. "Yeah, maybe."

"But seriously, Atticus, be careful with this one. Ivan Laurent is a different kind of player. He's not one of your usual conquests. He's powerful, and from what I hear, he's ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants."

Atticus turned, his eyes gleaming with that familiar mischievous glint. "And you know what? That's exactly why I'm interested."

---

The next day, Ivan found himself in yet another meeting, this time with a group of investors. The room was filled with the usual suspects-wealthy businessmen in expensive suits, all eager to align themselves with Ivan's latest project. But just like the day before, Ivan's mind was elsewhere.

After the meeting, Aiden, his business partner and closest confidant, pulled him aside. "You've been distracted lately, Ivan. What's going on?"

Ivan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's nothing. Just... work."

Aiden gave him a knowing look. "You're a lot of things, Ivan, but a bad liar isn't one of them. This isn't about work. This is about that guy you met at the concert, isn't it? Atticus Monroe."

Ivan's jaw tightened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, please. I saw the way you looked at him. You were intrigued, whether you want to admit it or not."

Ivan turned away, walking over to the window, his hands in his pockets. "Atticus Monroe is a distraction. Nothing more."

Aiden shrugged. "Maybe. But distractions like him don't come around often. You might want to see where it goes."

Ivan didn't respond. He didn't like being vulnerable, and the thought of losing control-especially to someone like Atticus-was unnerving. But deep down, a part of him was curious. Atticus had a way of getting under his skin, of making him feel things he hadn't felt in years.

And that was dangerous.

---

Later that night, Atticus found himself scrolling through his phone, staring at Ivan's name in his contacts. He had gotten the number from Jaxon, who had somehow managed to smooth-talk someone at the event into giving it to him.

Atticus debated whether or not to call. Normally, he wouldn't hesitate, but something about Ivan made him pause. It wasn't fear-Atticus wasn't afraid of anyone-but it was something close to it. Anticipation. Excitement. A sense that this was going to be more than just a game.

Screw it, he thought.

He hit the call button and waited.

After a few rings, Ivan's smooth, low voice came through the line. "Atticus."

Atticus's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly recovered, his usual confidence returning. "Ivan. I was wondering when we'd talk again."

There was a pause, and then Ivan's voice, calm and collected as ever. "What do you want?"

Atticus grinned, leaning back on his couch. "To see where this goes."

Ivan's silence spoke volumes. But before he could respond, Atticus added, "Unless, of course, you're afraid of a little chaos."

There was a faint sound of a chuckle on the other end of the line, and then Ivan's reply came, smooth and calculated. "I don't fear chaos, Atticus. I control it."

And with that, the game had officially begun.