Page 32 of Claws and Controllers

Adonis frowned, crossing his arms as he studied the floating information. “Based on what? Your tiger’s intuition?”

Zy’s jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “Based on facts, Adonis. Her history, her passion for her work, the way she talks about ethics in game development. It doesn’t add up.”

“People can surprise you, Zy,” Adonis said gently. “You of all people should know that.”

The words hit home, dredging up memories of past betrayals that still stung. Zy pushed them aside, focusing on the present. “I know. But I also know Ellie. Or at least, I’m starting to. She’s not a thief.”

Adonis sighed, rubbing a hand over his bald head. “All right, let’s say you’re right. If Ellie didn’t steal the code, how did it end up in her game?”

Zy’s eyes gleamed with determination. “That’s what we need to find out. I want to look into her team, see if there’s any connection we might have missed.”

“And Vince?” Adonis asked, his expression darkening. “What about our leak?”

“Keep digging,” Zy instructed. “Go through everything with a fine-tooth comb. If he’s involved, we’ll find proof.”

Adonis nodded, but his frown deepened. “Zy, I have to ask... are you sure you’re thinking clearly here? Your feelings for Ellie?—”

“Have nothing to do with this,” Zy cut him off, perhaps too sharply. At Adonis’s skeptical look, he softened his tone. “I appreciate your concern, old friend. But I can separate my personal life from business.”

“Can you?” Adonis challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re taking an awful lot of risks for a woman you barely know.”

Zy opened his mouth to protest, but Adonis held up a hand. “Hear me out. If you’re so sure of Ellie’s innocence, why not just ask her about the code? Clear the air once and for all?”

The suggestion sent a jolt of panic through Zy’s system. The thought of confronting Ellie, of seeing hurt and betrayal in those warm brown eyes... “I can’t,” he said softly. “If I’m wrong, if there’s even a chance she’s involved... I can’t risk losing her trust.”

Adonis’s eyebrows shot up. “Losing her trust? Zy, what exactly is going on between you two?”

Zy ran a hand through his hair, his usual composure slipping. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But it’s... it’s something. Something I’m not ready to jeopardize.”

A long moment of silence stretched between them. Finally, Adonis spoke, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. “You know, in all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you like this over a woman. She must be something special.”

Zy’s lips curved into a soft smile. “She is.”

Adonis clapped him on the shoulder. “Just be careful, all right? I’d hate to see you get hurt. Again.”

As Adonis left to continue his investigation, Zy turned back to the window. The city had fully awakened now, a bustling hive of activity. But all he could think about was Ellie’s smile, the spark in her eyes when she talked about her game.

His tiger paced restlessly. It had been drawn to Ellie from the moment they met, recognizing something in her that Zy was only beginning to understand.

Could she be his mate? The thought both thrilled and terrified him. After a century of searching, could he have finally found the one person meant to complete him?

Zy shook his head, trying to clear it. He had a networking event to prepare for and a company to run. He couldn’t afford to get lost in daydreams and what-ifs.

And yet, as he moved through his morning routine, Zy couldn’t quite shake the image of Ellie from his mind. Or the growing certainty that, one way or another, she was going to change his life forever.

Hours later, Zy stood in the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, a flute of champagne in hand as he surveyed the crowd. The networking event, sponsored by Ashford Entertainment, had drawn the crème de la crème of the gaming industry. Developers, investors, and tech journalists mingled, the air buzzing with conversation and the clink of glasses.

But Zy had eyes for only one person.

Ellie stood across the room, radiant in a black dress that accentuated her curves. Her dark red hair cascaded over one shoulder in soft waves, and her smile as she chatted with a group of developers was bright enough to light up the entire room.

Zy’s breath caught in his throat. She was stunning, yes, but it was more than that. The easy confidence with which she carried herself, the passion that shone in her eyes as she discussed her work – it drew him like a moth to a flame.

“You’re staring,” Adonis’s amused voice cut through his thoughts.

Zy blinked, tearing his gaze away from Ellie. “I’m observing,” he corrected, taking a sip of his champagne. “It’s a networking event. I’m supposed to be watching the room.”

Adonis snorted. “Right. And the fact that your eyes haven’t left Ms. Madden all evening is purely professional interest.”

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