Week 1: Saturday, 8th Dec 2029, Afternoon

I spent the rest of the morning drifting from one online meeting to another, discussing boring initiatives and projects. My old boss James used to call “relationship management.” I never understood why bother hanging out if there's no deal to be make. Now I understand. Part because of my memory of a life as a businessman, part because of the situation I find myself in. Let's just say I'm anticipating an event that would make these potential partners much more agreeable.

Jennifer was still at her desk, head bent over her notes, drafting what she called a “training plan” for Mikhail. In truth, it was a breaking , training would come later. Yoko, sadly wasn’t under my desk sucking me off, she was out in the digital trenches, sabotaging Mikhail’s last lines of support, making sure no one could swoop in and save him from the storm I’d arranged.

A knock at the door. Showtime.

“Please, come in,” I called, smoothing my expression into something welcoming but unreadable.

Lisa entered first, her composure unshakable. Vivian followed, nerves flickering in her eyes. She wasn’t in despair, not yet, she wore the tension of someone who knew her mother’s shadow was long enough to keep her safe. She always complained about her mother’s overprotectiveness, but now, with things going sideways, that safety net was the only thing keeping her upright.

“Ah, it’s a shame we meet like this,” I joked, gesturing to the chairs across from my desk. “I’d hoped for a happier occasion. Please, have a seat.”

Jennifer rose and bowed her head. “Good morning, Mistress Vivian.”

Lisa guided Vivian to her seat, then knelt beside her, the perfect comfort puppy, familiar, loyal, and ready to reassure her if I pressed too hard.

Once everyone was settled, I nodded for Jennifer to sit as well, a rare courtesy for my slaves in front of guests, but today was about appearances.

Vivian wasted no time, her apology rehearsed but her eyes betraying real embarrassment. “I’m truly sorry to bring bad news, especially after my promises. Times are difficult, and I underestimated the challenge of your request.”

I leaned forward, letting a note of disappointment color my voice. “I understand, but I need to know where the difficulty lies. If this was a hard job, I doubt you only realized it this morning.”

I let the silence stretch, watching her squirm. She had a response ready, I could see it in the way she braced herself, but she hesitated, searching for the right angle.

“There were last-minute complications,” she said at last. “But my offer stands. The delivery will happen Monday, and I’ll triple the value as a late fee.”

To any profit-driven businessman, it was a tempting deal. But my goals were never just about profit, it was about her.

“It’s generous,” I allowed, “but for me, this delivery is the start of a blossoming partnership, something that I assume would be long-termed, and that can’t happen without trust. If there’s something I need to know, now’s the time.”

Another pause. I watched her weigh her options, saw the moment she realized she was cornered.

Finally, she exhaled. “Mikhail’s men raided the transport.”

I allowed myself a small, knowing smile. “I don’t want to say I told you so, but I did warn you. Still, that’s not what bothers me. What bothers me is that you didn’t tell me this when we spoke this morning.”

Her chin lifted, a flash of pride. “I didn’t think you needed to be involved. I’ll handle Mikhail myself. He’ll be expelled from the arcology.”

I shook my head, feigning regret. “That’s not the point. If we’re going to work together, we need to be honest with each other. A partnership built on half-truths isn’t a partnership at all.”

She hesitated again, searching for a way out. “Our partnership could be incredibly beneficial for both of us. Let’s not let this hiccup ruin everything. What can I do to earn your trust back?”

That was what I’d been waiting for. I leaned back in my chair, letting the silence hang for just a moment longer before I spoke, voice soft but unyielding.

“Trust isn’t given, Vivian. It’s earned. And right now, I need more than promises. I need proof you’re willing to put this partnership above your pride.”

Vivian’s eyes flashed, her voice edged with irritation. “And how exactly do you expect me to do that? If you think you can use this as leverage to get me into your bed, you’re sorely mistaken.”

I laughed, letting the sound fill the room, cold and amused. “Please, Vivian. As a slaver, I’d never fuck untrained meat.”

Lisa, ever the obedient one, chimed in with perfect timing, parting her thighs as she knelt beside Vivian. “Yes, Mistress Vivian. I’m still a virgin. Master says I’m not ready yet. You can check for yourself, if you doubt his standards.”

Vivian’s cheeks flushed crimson, her composure slipping for the first time. The air in the room shifted, the conversation teetering toward something far more intimate.

Jennifer cleared her throat, drawing all eyes. “Master, may I speak?”

I fixed her with a stern look. “Choose your words carefully, Jennifer. Your behavior last time was… disappointing.”

She bowed her head, voice steady but humble. “Yes, Master. Last time, Mistress Vivian said she’d expect an apology from me if the delivery succeeded. Since it didn’t, by rights, she owes me one.”

Without hesitation, I delivered a sharp slap across Jennifer’s face, a real one, for effect. The sound cracked through the office. “Is that how I taught you to address a free woman? Is this how you show respect?”

Jennifer fell to her knees, tears welling, her performance flawless. “I’m sorry, Master. Forgive me, Mistress Vivian. What I meant to say is, if Vivian is willing to submit to a **** for a single night, it would prove her humility. It would show her pride won’t be an obstacle, and give her a firsthand lesson in the realities of slaving. It could only benefit our partnership.”

I nudged her with my foot, making the motion look rougher than it was. Jennifer collapsed to the floor, sniffling, her humiliation on full display. “You expect Vivian Holt to submit to a ****? Do you have any idea who her mother is?”

Vivian, ever eager to avoid conflict, surprised us both. “I can do that,” she said quietly. “If that’s what it takes.”

I turned to her, feigning concern. “You don’t have to, Vivian. We could always bring your mother into this, after all, the Holt family’s reputation is impeccable.”

Vivian shook her head, that familiar naive smile flickering back to her lips. “No, I’ll do it. I’ll submit to Jennifer tonight. It’s just one night, how hard can it be?”

And there it was—the classic Vivian move. Sheltered, shielded, and so easy to nudge right where I wanted her. That’s why dealing with a pampered nepo baby was always so damn entertaining.

"But no penetration. We must have that in ink."

And there's the Covenant part coming in. The caution is fine, I'm okay with a naive ****, but not a stupid one.

"Of course. We would need sometime to prepare. See you, say 7PM Later?"

"Deal."