The Master Programmer-Chapter 112: The Taste of Power 2

Jason Cross strode into the sleek, glass-panelled building of Reno Ventures with the air of a man who owned the place. He didn’t, of course — not yet — but that was a minor technicality. He would soon. Something told him it was inevitable.

All he had to do was put Samantha in his back pocket… Until that moment, he would have to keep working, making sure this machine became something more than it was right now.

Adjusting his tie, his sharp features betrayed a faint smirk, as if every step forward was another piece of his elaborate game falling into place. Today was another crucial move, and as always, he would play it perfectly.

The moment he entered, his eyes fell on Mia, the ever-alluring receptionist. She sat at the front desk, her dark curls cascading over one shoulder as she pretended to focus on her screen. But the slight quirk of her lips told him she knew he was watching. He approached her with measured confidence, the faint scent of his cologne already announcing his arrival.

"Good morning, Mia," Jason said, his voice low and smooth, each word carrying an undertone that was sure to intrigue her.

Her lashes fluttered as she glanced up, her cheeks hinting at a blush. "Morning, Mr. Cross. You’re here earlier than usual." Jason smiled when he saw her business-like tone… It was good she was being this way, because it meant when he saw her later, he could use it as an excuse to berate her. Or maybe the better word was "punish"?

Jason leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "I figured I’d need an extra shot of caffeine today. Do you want to join me for a coffee break later? It’s been a while since our last… escapade."

Mia’s breath hitched, and she glanced around, ensuring no one overheard. "Maybe… Let me check my schedule." Her coy tone belied the excitement shimmering in her eyes.

Maybe? That’s a yes, right? Women-speak was so complicated. ’No’ was ’No’ until it was yes, and ’Yes’, was ’Maybe’, but ’Maybe’ was ’No’, until it was ’Yes’. It was all subjective and relative to their feelings about whoever was asking at that moment in time.

A woman could say ’No’ now, but you could spin her around and tickle her, and she would say ’Yes’ with a smile on her face.

Jason straightened, his smirk deepening. "I’ll text you when I’m free. Until then, try not to miss me too much." Even if she said ’Maybe’, Jason was just going to assume she said ’Yes’. And even if she didn’t say ’Yes’, he would find her and grab her away.

This risk-seeking girl was someone who craved excitement in her life… Jason was never going to let her forget he was that excitement she needed. But right now, he craved something else. He craved to give Samantha a show.

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As he walked away, he could feel her gaze lingering on him, and he allowed himself a small, victorious chuckle. Jason didn’t know when, but some time ago, he had begun thinking of some of the people around him as important to him. Mia was slowly but surely blooming into someone like that.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Jason stepped inside, only to be joined moments later by Tommy Carter. This guy was so annoying. Jason prepared himself to ignore the guy. As the elevator went up, the tension in the confined space was palpable.

Jason’s smirk didn’t falter as he leaned casually against the mirrored wall, but his mind was already working. Something was wrong. No punchline? No insult? What was happening?

This guy… was being way too quiet.

He would have thrown out at least three insults by now. And yet he had given absolutely nothing. What did that mean? Maybe he was just a bit sad today. Or maybe it was something else.

Tommy’s broad shoulders stiffened as he pressed the button for his floor. He avoided Jason’s gaze for a moment before finally breaking the silence. "What exactly have you been doing for the CEO lately, Cross?"

Jason’s brow lifted ever so slightly. Calling him by his surname? Either a show of respect or a slight jab. Very interesting. It was probably a bit of both. "Why, Tommy, I didn’t realise you cared so much about my activities. Worried you might be… falling behind?"

The jab hit its mark, and Tommy’s jaw tightened. Jason’s choice of words wasn’t random. By implying competition, he planted a seed of insecurity while maintaining his air of nonchalance. He was also probing. The best way to probe was to assume the most exaggerated thing and then watch as the person in question reacted to the supposition. He even kept his words vague just to trap him better. After all, offence can never be taken, only given.

"I’m just curious," Tommy said, his tone forcedly neutral. Jason’s eyes narrowed imperceptibly after hearing such a tone. There must be something going on.

"You seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. You come into the company and then 2 weeks later you get promoted to the director of your division? And then now you and the CEO are spending time together during lunches… Hanging out and sharing jokes... Oh come on, dont tell me nothing is going on between you two."

As Tommy said this, a conspiratorial smirk came to him as if he was some guy talking about some pervy stuff that only another guy would understand. Jason chuckled, a low, confident sound. So while he was probing him, he was being probed.

"Luck favours the prepared, Tommy. All I did was teach myself how to automate systems, and then I marketed that skill to the CEO. With my charm and charisma, I was able to get good conditions and negotiate a strong deal. There was nothing special in what I did. You could have done it too."

The elevator chimed again, and Jason stepped out, leaving Tommy fuming in silence. The verbal exchange had been brief, but Jason knew he had the upper hand. Now, it was time to solidify his position.

Jason didn’t head to his office. He went up the stairs and headed up. He made his way to Samantha Ellis’s. Her office door was slightly ajar, and as he stepped inside, he froze momentarily.

Samantha stood at her desk, bent over a stack of papers. Her tailored suit clung to her in all the right places, accentuating a figure that could distract even the most disciplined man. The curve of her hips, the burst of her cheek, the arch of her back — she was a masterpiece in motion.

Jason felt his mouth dry up and begin salivating at the same time and cleared his throat. "Ehem."

Samantha straightened, turning to face him with a raised brow. Her sharp blue eyes gleamed with curiosity and a hint of mischief. "Jason Cross. To what do I owe the pleasure? I heard you were late. Figured you were sleeping in after a rough night."

I know you looked… And I know you liked what you saw... That was what her eyes were saying to Jason. But her words were saying something else entirely. It was a jealousy. Why not amplify it?

Jason’s lips curled into his trademark smirk. "I’ve just come from Veronica’s company. Helped her resolve a little… problem. Now I’m here to see if there’s anything I can do for you."

Samantha’s gaze narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms. So he was with Veronica, huh… She had just received a message from her. She had agreed to meet up later too, but did not expect too much from it. "And why would you be so eager to help me, Jason?"

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Because I don’t like worms in my apple… or my peach." His eyes flicked over her, the double meaning hanging in the air between them.

Samantha’s breath caught, but she masked it quickly. "You have an interesting way of phrasing things, Mr. Cross. What exactly are you suggesting?"

Jason’s tone hardened slightly, though the charm never left his voice. "I’m suggesting that Tommy Carter’s continued presence here is a liability. He’s a malignant tumour, and if you don’t cut him out, he’ll spread. I thought we discussed this earlier—how you would remove all the problematic elements in the company to get it moving in the right direction."

Samantha sighed, turning to look out the floor-to-ceiling window. "It’s not that simple. I can’t just fire him without a solid reason. The board would never approve."

Jason stepped behind her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his presence. "Then let me give you a reason. All I need is your approval."

She turned to face him, her eyes searching his. For a moment, the tension between them crackled like a live wire. Finally, she stepped back, regaining her composure. "Fine. Do what you must. But Jason… don’t make me regret this."

Jason’s smirk returned, and he inclined his head. "I never disappoint, Samantha." Just as he was leaving, Jason turned to Samantha once again. "Oh and… Mia and I are going to be having another coffee break. Just telling you. In case you wanted to know."

Samantha narrowed her eyes, but still forced some words out of her mouth. "Who’s Mia?"

Jason smirked. Playing dumb? I’ll play dumb too. "You’ll figure it out." After saying that, he left, and let Samantha stay there, her eyes narrowing as she watched his back.

Jason got to work, and his operations were smooth as always. Later, Jason sent Mia a text.

[Coffee break. Five minutes. The usual spot.]

After sending those words, he got up, put his blazer down and then stared at that inconspicuous-looking vent, and smirked as he left.

Come on, Samantha. Follow me. I know you will. There are no cameras in the service restrooms. This means you will have to come even if you dont want to. You won’t send someone else. It’s too humiliating and you cannot afford to involve someone else in our game. So follow me. Do it.

Jason had found a good place too, this time, and he immediately communicated the room to Mia. It was an unused service room. When she arrived at the small, tucked-away service room, Jason was already there, leaning casually against the counter. Mia closed the door behind her, her heart racing.

There were two coffees on the table and some snacks… But she was not here for any coffee. Well, she wouldn’t mind this one good-looking snack.

"This feels so… risky," she whispered, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Jason stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers, noticing she had some blush on her cheeks partially from the make-up, and partially because of the rush of her heart rate. "Isn’t that what makes it exciting?"

Without waiting for a response, he pulled her into a kiss, his hands sliding to her waist. Mia melted against him, her fingers tangling in his hair. The thrill of the moment consumed them both, and for a while, nothing else mattered. Jason grabbed her, picked her up and put her on the table.

Mia smirked as she unbuttoned Jason’s shirt. "I can’t help it… I can’t say no to you, Jason. What did you do to me?"

"Jason?!" Jason said, grabbing her hands and pulling her attention to his face, which had narrowed eyes and a cold expression that sent shivers down her spine.

"D-daddy… I can’t say no to you, Daddy~~" After saying that, Jason smirked and grabbed her face again, pulling her into another deep passionate kiss as she moaned into his mouth. Mia’s heart was racing at that moment, and she was going utterly insane. She had been craving it for a long time. She was so glad this man had entered this company a while back.

Unbeknownst to her and probably only her, Samantha stood outside the door, her heart pounding. She had followed Jason out of curiosity, tracking him through the footage, intending to confront him about his reckless behaviour. At least that was what she told herself.

But now, as she watched through the narrow glass panel, she felt a strange mix of emotions — anger, jealousy, and an undeniable fascination.

What was Jason Cross really up to? And why did he have such a hold on her, making her risk so much just to be with him?

This bastard had told her about their coffee meeting. He had even glanced at the camera with that irritating smirk of his. He wanted her to come. He wanted her to see him and this girl together. He wanted to have her look at him as he fucked this girl.

Samantha’s resolve hardened as she bit her lip. If Jason wanted to play games, she would show him the truth. She wasn’t just a gamer. She was a game master.