Chapter 2 – First Impressions

[*Mark P*ov]

The next morning, I stepped into Cassell Enterprises, the city’s most talked about corporation, trying to appear confident. My nerves screamed otherwise.

“Mark! Over here!” a familiar voice called.

I turned to see Lia Santos, my bubbly coworker from the marketing team. Her brown eyes sparkled as always, and she waved energetically. “You’re finally here! I’ve been dying to meet the CEO!”

I chuckled nervously. “CEO? Don’t make it sound so dramatic.”

She giggled. “Oh, trust me, it is. Everyone’s talking about him. Vince Mondragon…Mr. Ice King himself.” I frowned. Ice King? Already? I hadn’t even started properly.

“You’ll see, He’s…different” she whispered conspiratorially.

Different? Yeah, I knew that already. But nothing could prepare me for the cold storm I was about to face.

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[Vince Pov]

The office was unusually busy today. Meetings stacked on my schedule, assistants buzzing like flies. And yet, my focus was pulled toward the young man stepping into my domain. Mark Denoso. Bright. Energetic. Too cheerful for this world.

I had observed him yesterday. Observed how he smiled at everything, laughed too easily, and worst of all didn’t seem intimidated by me. Most people cowered in my presence. Most.

He was standing in the marketing department now, talking animatedly with one of my senior managers, Lara Villanueva, a sharp and ambitious woman with a reputation for ruthlessness.

“Good morning, Mark, I hear you’re working directly with Mr. Mondragon?” she said smoothly.

“Yes, ma’am, I’ll make sure the strategy is top notch” I heard him answer, his tone respectful yet casual.

Lara smirked. “We’ll see about that"

I narrowed my eyes. Confident. Bold. Dangerous combination.

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[*Mark P**ov*]

I had barely started organizing my workspace when a tall figure approached. My stomach flipped before I realized who it was. Vince Mondragon himself.

He stopped just in front of my desk, towering, his gaze sharp enough to cut steel. “I hope you’re not wasting company resources. Mistakes are…costly.”

“I…uh…yes, sir,” I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady.

He studied me silently for a long moment, making me squirm under his stare. Then he said simply, “I’ll be watching.”

And with that, he turned and walked away. Just like that. No emotion. No warmth. Nothing but his chilling presence.

I sank into my chair, exhaling shakily. Why did I think this job would be easy?

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[Lia Pov]

(Mark coworker from the marketing team)

Watching from across the room, I couldn’t help but smirk. Typical Vince. Intimidating, cold, untouchable. And now he had Mark Denoso under his watchful eye.

I leaned closer to Mark. “Don’t let him scare you. He’s all ice on the outside, but I hear rumors…he has a softer side somewhere. Somewhere very hidden.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re brave, stepping right into his path. Most would have run screaming.”

I saw Mark glance toward Vince, who was now speaking with Ramon Delgado, the head of finance. His expression remained unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes when he looked at Mark. Curiosity? Annoyance? Something else?

I made a mental note. This was going to be interesting.

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[Vince Pov]

Meeting the marketing team today was…necessary. But unnecessary people made it worse.

Mark was sitting there with a notebook, smiling, nodding, contributing ideas without hesitation. I hated it. Hated how naturally he fit into discussions, hated the way people seemed drawn to him.

Lara leaned toward me quietly. “He’s impressive, isn’t he? Fresh ideas, confidence…he might shake things up around here.”

I didn’t answer immediately. Instead, I watched Mark present a small proposal for a campaign. His energy was contagious, and I felt unbelievably drawn in.

Focus, Vince.

...I cleared my throat. “Interesting.” My voice was flat, but it had authority. The room quieted immediately. Mark’s eyes flicked up at me, and for the first time, I noticed something nervous excitement, but no fear....

...Damn it, I thought....

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[Mark Pov]

He said something, Interesting.

It was only one word, but it made my chest pound. Vince Mondragon…CEO, legendary, untouchable had just acknowledged me.

I grinned slightly to myself, trying not to get carried away. Focus, Mark.

During the meeting, he asked pointed questions, dissected ideas with surgical precision. Some people flinched under his gaze. I…kept going. I answered honestly, sometimes challenging him slightly but carefully.

Afterward, when the room emptied, Vince lingered. My heart thumped like a drum.

“Your ideas…are bold, Don’t get used to praise. I don’t give it often.” He said, voice low. “

“I don’t mind...., I’m used to being underestimated.” I replied casually, trying to sound calm.

He blinked at me, clearly surprised. Then, without another word, he turned and left.

I exhaled shakily. That…was terrifying. And somehow…exciting.

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[*Lara P*ov]

Watching the interaction, I smirked. The kid had guts. Most people froze under Vince’s scrutiny. Most. But Mark? He held his own. Interesting. Very interesting.

I could already see the tension building. The office buzzed with rumors by lunchtime Vince Mondragon, the cold CEO, had finally noticed a new employee.

I leaned over to a junior staff member, whispering, “Watch closely. This is going to be…fun.”

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[*Vince P*ov]

Back in my office, I couldn’t focus. Mark’s energy gnawed at me like an itch I couldn’t scratch. I hated him. I hated that I felt anything at all.

I poured myself a drink, staring out at the city. I had rules: no distractions, no attachments, no…softness.

And yet…that boy had broken one, maybe two.

This is dangerous, I muttered to myself.

But deep down, a part of me a part I didn’t like admitting wanted more.

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[*Mark P*ov]

Walking out of the office that day, I couldn’t stop smiling. Yes, Vince Mondragon was intimidating, frustrating, and impossible. But there was something beneath that cold exterior…something I wanted to discover.

Something I wanted to reach.

And I had a feeling…he didn’t realize how close I was getting to breaking through his ice.

...-------End of Chapter 2--------...

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