Blurb：
Hayley Atlas thought her life was a nightmare working under the ruthless CEO Zack Barlow—until her wealthy online boyfriend Z started sending her money every time Zack criticized her. But when Hayley vents about Zack’s latest cruelty, Z goes silent and asks a chilling question: “Is your boss also named Zack Barlow?” As Hayley’s worlds collide, she discovers Z and Zack might be the same man. Now, she must decide: Is this a twisted game of revenge or a chance for real love? Dive into a story of secrets, seduction, and shocking twists where the line between enemy and lover blurs.
Content：
My online boyfriend is very rich. Every time I get treated badly by my unscrupulous boss, he transfers money to me.
But after another late overtime shift, I finally snapped.
I was on the phone, yelling, Ill never forgive Zack Barlow. That scumbag!
However, my online boyfriend suddenly becomes quiet.
He then asks, “Is your boss also named Zack Barlow?”
His words made me pause.
Chapter 1
The biggest regret of my life was joining this company because of the boss’ good looks. I thought I was going to get paid to admire a hot guy, but I was subjected to his indiscriminate criticism every day instead.
Zack Barlow’s head was propped up against his hand, his fingers resting on the proposal I spent all night working on.
After flipping through a few pages, he glanced at me, his voice completely detached when he spoke. “Ms. Hayley Atlas, this proposal of yours is rather conservative.”
I lowered my gaze, knowing he had more to say.
“It lacks anything novel, with no feasible way to implement this. It’s perfectly mediocre. How did you manage to be so consistent?” he added.
I clenched my fists, wishing I could take off my heels and give Zack a proper thrashing.
However, I merely took the documents he tossed over, smiled, and said, “I’ll revise it immediately.”
Zack’s cold gaze swept over me before he turned and tapped impatiently on the table.
William Marr immediately caught on and handed over the documents to Zack with a servile expression.
William then looked at me smugly before saying, “Mr. Barlow, I pulled two all-nighters on this. Do have a look.”
William and I were from different planning teams and never got along. I couldn’t help but get mad at his smugness.
I only hoped that Zack’s bloody mouth wouldn’t spew any niceties. Thankfully, he didn’t disappoint. Zack was consistent.
“Mr. Marr,” Zack began, “if hard work were a virtue, then this proposal you spent two nights on is a paragon of virtue. However I run a business, results matter more than anything. Why don’t you find another job?”
William’s smile froze as he awkwardly accepted the documents Zack tossed back at him. “I’ll revise this at once.”
I pursed my lips and stifled a laugh.
Just as I was about to give Zack a mental thumbs up, he turned around and coldly said, “If you can’t submit a proper proposal by tomorrow’s end, see yourselves to HR.”
This cocky prick. Forget the thumbs up.
I worked overtime until 10:00 pm before I finally finished revising the proposal.
I’d just shut down my computer when my online boyfriend, Z, sent me a message. “What are you up to?”
I typed out a series of responses. “I’m working myself to my grave for greedy capitalists. I’m furious! He tortured me verbally again, the prick.
“I bet even a kiss from him poisons his girlfriend.
“Oh, wait. The prick’s a bachelor! Ha! What girlfriend?
“There are men and women, and there are creatures like him who need his own species. He stays away from people in general.”
As I ranted, my screen was full of speech bubbles.
Suddenly, a transfer notification popped up. Z had given me 8000 dollars.
He then texted, “You worked hard. Go treat yourself.”
All I could say was that money was the best form of self-care.
Seeing the amount immediately cleared a lot of my resentment, but what followed was confusion and bewilderment.
How could men be so different from each other? Z was someone I met via an online game, but he was now my online boyfriend.
Unlike my heartless capitalist of a boss, Z was gentle and kind, polite and generous. Plus, I got to see his eight-pack for free each day.
Compared to Z, Zack was just some guy.
Chapter 2
I stepped out of the office with my bag as I typed a response, “You’re the best, darling! I’m so lucky!
“Give me 30 minutes. We’ll go on with that game.”
I followed up with a kiss emoji and another text. “I want to cuddle with you online right now. Hehe!”
As I waited for a reply, I saw a tall figure in my periphery and hurriedly put the phone away.
I was unsure if it was because I felt guilty for badmouthing him, but I blurted, “Mr. Barlow, you’re leaving work?”
Zack glanced at me coldly and replied, “Mind your own business.”
I tamped my irritation down wordlessly for the sake of my six-figure salary.
My phone kept vibrating. Z had likely responded, but I dared not look at his messages. Zack was taller than me, and I was worried he’d see my messages cursing him. Then I’ll be doomed.
Once inside the elevator, I tried to make myself seem smaller. I stared at the falling numbers, wishing I could arrive sooner.
I caught a glimpse of Zack’s reflection on the elevator doors. A strange smile had appeared on his perpetually icy face while he looked at his phone.
What?! Zack Barlow knew how to smile? Who on earth was that person on the phone?
I was so stunned that I forgot to look away.
Zack caught me staring, and his expression turned icy once more. “Do you find my looks so surprising, Ms. Atlas?” he asked mildly.
I did not respond.
After getting home, I took a quick shower and lay down, launching my game.
As soon as Z came online, I pulled him into a chatroom. “There you are, darling! I’ve missed you. Come hug me!
“Oh, you’re playing as Lilly? Go put on the new skin I bought.”
If there was one downside to online dating, it was that Z was a bit of a novice when it came to games.
Yet, it was alright. I could play as Rex, and that was enough. I was in charge of chaos and killing, while his job was to wait and celebrate for our victory.
Back then, it was my decent gaming skills that won Z over.
I heard a low chuckle through the receiver. “Are you feeling better?”
I grinned and replied, “Much better. As long as I don’t have to breathe the same air as that prick, I feel fantastic.”
There was a brief silence before I heard Z’s voice, tinged with mirth. “Would wearing a mask make you feel better at work tomorrow?”
“Honey, don’t be so cheesy,” I retorted.
Since I left work late, I only played a few rounds before it was time to sleep.
We had switched from the in-game voice chat to a regular phone call. “Darling, I’ve not seen your abs yet today.”
Z then sent me three pictures taken from different angles. I zoomed in on each one to admire it.
I was likely silent for too long because Z asked, “Do you like them, honey?”
I kicked my feet in the air wildly before squealing, “They look amazing!”
I was never going to get tired of them, even if I saw them every day.
“Do you want to see them in person?” Z suddenly asked.
This made me pause mid-swipe.
Z and I had been together for almost a year, yet this was the first time he brought up meeting in person.
To be frank, I was a bit hesitant. I was worried he wasn’t what I imagined him to be, and that I wasn’t what he envisioned, either.
Given how rushed things were at first, I never imagined us lasting this long.
From our daily interactions, we seemed to get along well. He was very stable emotionally. No matter what I dumped on him, he took it in stride and never behaved condescendingly.
When that thought crossed my mind, I had the urge to say yes.
Chapter 3
Sensing my hesitation, Z did not press the issue.
“It’s okay. If you’re not ready, we can wait a little longer,” he said. “We can take it slow, darling.”
I felt a wave of warmth wash over me, followed by a surge of courage.
Bracing myself, I replied, “Let’s meet up, sweetie. How about we catch a movie this Saturday?”
Today was Tuesday. I still had three days to be properly prepared.
There was a pause, followed by a soft chuckle. “We’re just meeting up, babe. No need to brace yourself like it’s certain death.”
I was speechless. This was Z’s second flawhe’d occasionally channel Zack’s ruthlessness, always catching me off guard with his dark humor.
“What else do you want to do apart from the movie? What kind of food do you prefer?” asked Z.
Perhaps sensing my nervousness, Z chatted with me about a lot of things, mostly involving the details for our meeting.
In the end, we hadn’t decided on a restaurant, but we narrowed down what we wanted to eat.
For some reason, I suddenly felt less nervous. I even found myself looking forward to this.
The next day, I went to work, humming a tune.
I couldn’t resist texting Z while I was out. “We’re meeting up in two days! I’m excited! I wish it were Saturday already!
“It’s a great day, too! I don’t need to see my boss’ stupid face, and we get to cuddle!”
After exiting the subway, I still had to cross the road to get to the office.
I’d just reached the crossing when I spotted Zack waiting for the red light in his red Ferrari convertible.
I was just about to feign ignorance when he happened to look over.
I had no choice. I forced out a smile, prepared to greet him. Before I could speak, he looked away and sped off the second the light turned green.
This prick. Did he think he was a hotshot just because he had a Ferrari? Well, it WAS quite impressive. Why couldn’t I be rich, too? Could the world not handle one more?
At the office, I went to the pantry to make myself coffee.
Just then, my colleague, Jenny Wilkins, walked in looking like she’d just seen a ghost.
“Holy crap, I have breaking news! I just sent Mr. Barlow his coffee, and I saw him smiling at his phone!” she exclaimed. “He was actually smiling! Is he even human?”
I loved a good spectacle. “He wouldn’t be human if he couldn’t smile, you mean.”
I held my coffee, thinking of the scene in the elevator last night. “But I did see him smile at his phone yesterday, too,” I added.
Jenny’s eyes widened as she covered her mouth. “He must be in love!” she whispered. “When I left, I think I heard him say ‘baby.’ Goodness! I wonder who this person is, to have snagged him!”
I couldn’t help but shake my head as I thought of the way Zack was impassively telling people off. I wondered who’d fall in love with a mouth like that. She must’ve been really unlucky.
However, this was none of my business. There were so many unfortunate people in the world, and I couldn’t possibly care about them all.
The most important thing now was to give Zack the revised proposal while he was still in good spirits. Otherwise, I was going to be in big trouble.
Jenny was rightZack was definitely dating.
After reviewing the proposal, not only did he not criticize me, but he even offered me a warm compliment. “Thanks for your hard work, Ms. Atlas.”
He was completely different from the man who sped off, leaving me inhaling exhaust fumes.
When had I ever heard him speak so kindly? Was this the power of love?
Even his withered heart could become whole.
Chapter 4
I was so shocked that I forgot to respond.
Zack then gave me a sidelong glance and a smirk. “Why aren’t you leaving? Must I escort you out?”
Hearing that, I hurriedly left.
When I returned to my desk, Z had already responded. It was a picture of his abs and a voice message. “You’ll see them in person next, baby.”
I listened to it twice more, but something felt off.
Why did Z’s voice sound similar to Zack’s? I must’ve been so shocked earlier that my brain was fried.
Thanks to Zack’s good mood, everyone had a decent time for three days straight.
Speculation was rife about who his companion was. To have transformed that ruthless capitalist into this was something worthy of worship.
Everyone was busy gossiping while I was swept away by nerves and excitement about my upcoming date.
Tomorrow was Saturday!
I was happily twiddling my thumbs, waiting to get out of work, when a coworker approached me.
“Hayley, Mr. Barlow asked to see you in his office.”
As soon as I reached Zack’s office, I heard the sound of him scolding someone, the thick doors unable to block out his cold voice.
“I want to see the results of your judgment, not potential drafts in your head. Well, your report shows that your department has made zero progress over the past month.”
He paused, and then continued, “The data on page threedid you pick that via lottery? The only thing you did right was the page numbering. It looks like your brain decided to work remotely and not show up like the rest of you.”
I was speechless. It seemed that the effect of his companion had lost its allure.
The doors opened, and the people filed out, their expressions grim.
I took several deep breaths, steeled myself with a sense of heroic resolve, and opened the door.
Zack sat in his expensive chair, his dark suit accentuating his sharp features. He exuded an air of elegance.
I couldn’t help but sigh. He had such a nice face, but why did he have a mouth like that?
Zack pushed over a stack of documents. “This project is urgent. Work on it over the weekend,” he said neutrally.
I stared, wide-eyed.
He didn’t call me in to scold me, but to make me work like a dog. I desperately wanted to throw the folder at him.
“Since it’s urgent, the Finance Department will triple your salary,” Zack added.
Holy crap! Why didn’t he tell me that sooner?
Even though Zack had a barbed tongue and high demands, he really knew how to pay up where money was concerned.
Who could refuse the triple pay?
I took over the folder and smiled. “Of course, Mr. Barlow.”
However, this last-minute gig meant that my date had to be canceled.
Before I could think of how to tell Z, he called me first. “It’ll be chilly tomorrow. Wear a sweater. We’ll see each other in 14 hours.”
Hearing how caring he was made me feel guiltier. I slumped on the couch, my head hanging low.
“I don’t think I can make it tomorrow, darling. I have to work overtime. I’m sorry.”
He was silent for a while, making me wonder if he was upset.
It was only natural for him to be upset. He’d been looking forward to it for days, only to be stood up at the last minute. I’d have been upset, too.
I was about to apologize when another notification popped up. He’d sent me 10 thousand dollars.
I was slightly confused. “Why did you send me money?”
He laughed and said affectionately, “Well, working overtime is tough. Take good care of yourself, darling.”
Chapter 5
I felt a warmth bloom in me. “You’re not mad?”
Z seemed not to understand. “Why would I be? You’re working hard. It’s not like you’re deliberately avoiding me. Is that wrong?”
Goodness! What an amazing partner Z was!
I was moved to tears. “You’re the best, baby!”
Along with the growing sense of gratitude came resentment toward Zack.
At this moment, I’d completely forgotten why I agreed to work overtime in the first placea compromise on my ethics by choosing money.
I just wanted to blame Zack for messing up our plans.
That evil capitalist pig!
I sat up on my couch, the anger in my voice palpable as I hissed, “I’ll never forgive Zack Barlow. That scumbag!”
In the past, Z would’ve laughed and agreed with me. But today, he was oddly quiet.
I thought he was startled by my sudden loudness. I quickly tried to smooth things over with a giggle. “I’ll only get mad over my evil boss this way, never at you. You’re both completely different. He’s a scumbag, but you’re the best thing ever!
“I wish I could see you. But for now, just be my ‘princess’ in the tower. When Im finished here, Ill come bring you home.
Again, this was met with silence before Z asked, “Is your boss also named Zack Barlow?”
Also? Who else had a boss named Zack Barlow? Did he and I share a boss, then?
I was stunned by this revelation and stammered, “I-Is your boss also named Zack Barlow?”
There was a moment of silence before he replied, “No.”
I was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when he added, “I have a friend named Zack Barlow.”
This plunged us both into silence. So, the capitalist pig I’d been badmouthing this whole time was Z’s friend? Could things get any more awkward?
Even someone as shameless as me was at a loss for words.
However, Z broke the silence first. “To be fair, he’s not really a friend. We’ve met a few times. We’re not that close, baby. You can’t take it out on me over this, okay?”
He sent over a few more photos of his abs and threw in some chest shots, too. How considerate of him.
My eyes lit up. How could I possibly take it out on him? I admired the photos and spoke soothingly. “Why would I? I know you’re both not the same. You’re so nice.
“You should stay away. Don’t let him corrupt you. Zack is bad news.”
“Alright,” he replied.
After chatting for a while longer, Z said he had something to take care of and hurriedly hung up.
After gaming alone for a while, I fell asleep.
The next day, I went to the office. Since I was alone, I couldn’t be bothered to wear headphones. I turned on my speakers and played some music.
I shook my head while writing that proposal, muttering to myself.
When I looked up, Zack was standing at the door. I was unsure of how long he’d been there.
I was startled. I wanted to turn off the speaker, only to knock it over in my haste. That speaker, blaring a song from my game, rolled right to his feet.
I was mortified.
Zack bent down to pick it up, pushing the power button. The room immediately fell silent.
My greeting sounded rather stiff. “What brings you here, Mr. Barlow?”
He walked to my desk and set down the speaker, his gaze ambiguous. “How lively.”
“Thanks,” I replied. I was going to assume it was a compliment.
Chapter 6
Zack was a workaholic. He was ruthless to us, but also to himself. When we had to work overtime, he’d be working, too. That was why his presence was no surprise.
However, Zack kept standing by my desk, which was really strange.
I looked at him, confusion filling my gaze. “Is there anything else?”
Only half the lights in the office were on, so it wasn’t particularly bright. Since Zack wasn’t facing the light, his expression was hard to discern.
Moments later, he said, “It’s break time. Let’s eat together.”
Working overtime on my day off and having a meal with my boss felt off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Forget it. He was buying, and I wasn’t going to refuse.
Since we still had work in the afternoon, we didn’t go far and headed straight to an Esprian restaurant nearby.
I had noticed this place when it first opened. The average price per person was horrendously expensive. It was somewhere I would not have set foot in myself, so this was a win.
I happily sat down. Zack ordered off the menu, and it was all food I enjoyed.
The heavens had finally treated me well. I was finally being given what this man owed me.
As I thought of this, Zack handed me the menu. “Is there anything you’d like to swap out or add?”
I was thinking of ripping him off when I suddenly remembered that Z knew him. So, I decided against it to keep up appearances.
I smiled. “It’s all good.”
While we waited for our food, I pulled out my phone to text Z.
“Babe! That capitalist pig finally had a change of heart and treated me to a meal! Even though I’m technically allowed this for overtime, I won’t complain about him today.”
Just as I sent the texts, Zack’s phone began to vibrate on the table. Naturally, he picked it up, his fingers gliding across the screen. I wasn’t sure of what he saw, but oddly enough, he was smirking again.
There was no mistaking what this was. I silently thanked his companion for putting him in a good mood.
Z texted back, “How kind of you. What are you having?”
My lips were pursed as I smiled, my fingers flying across the screen as I replied, “Esprian food!
“This place is so ridiculously expensive that it’s practically daylight robbery. Anyone paying to eat here is a real sucker.”
I then sent him a picture of our table as we waited for food.
Z replied, “Eat more. Don’t be shy. Order whatever you wantyou don’t have to help him save money.”
“Hayley?”
Zack suddenly spoke, startling me. I quickly locked the screen, put down my phone, and sat up straight.
“Yes, Mr. Barlow?” I replied.
Zack looked at me, his voice steady. “You don’t have to be so anxious. We’re not at work.”
Inwardly, I scoffed. Each second spent with him was a battle fought against that capitalist pig. However, I still maintained a polite smile.
Zack took a sip of water. “How long have you worked for the company?”
“A year and a half,” I responded.
“And what do you think about the company?” he asked.
I still maintained my smile. “It’s pretty good. My coworkers are easy to get along with, the benefits are great, and the boss is pretty generous with salaries.”
Zack looked up at me and suddenly smiled. “Are you sitting for an interview, Ms. Atlas?”
I said nothing.
Without waiting for a response, he added, “Then, what do you think of me as a person?”
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