The Algorithm of Love

The sprawling city of Neo Haven pulsed with life. A beacon of innovation, it was home to dazzling skyscrapers, self-driving aircars, and the most advanced AI technologies the world had ever seen. At its core was Dominic Valtor, the enigmatic CEO of Valtor Industries, whose AI system EVE had revolutionized everything from medicine to finance. But tonight, Dominic wasn't in the mood to celebrate his achievements.

In his private penthouse overlooking the glittering skyline, Dominic tossed his phone onto a sleek glass table, running a hand through his damp, jet-black hair. A towel hung loosely around his toned waist, droplets of water tracing lines down his chiseled physique. His piercing blue eyes burned with frustration as he stared out the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath. He had downed a glass of rare cognac earlier at a gala, not knowing it was laced with a potent stimulant. Now, his nerves were on edge, his body craving release. With a sharp sigh, he picked up his phone and called his assistant.

"Get me someone. Now," Dominic growled, his voice low and commanding.

The assistant hesitated. "Someone, sir? Do you mean—?"

"You know exactly what I mean. I need this fixed. Immediately."

"Understood, sir. I'll arrange it."

Dominic ended the call and paced the room, his frustration mounting. Unbeknownst to him, a twist of fate was about to intervene.

---

On the other side of the city, Sophia Lane adjusted her backpack and frowned at the map projected on a flickering digital street sign. Her holographic guide had malfunctioned hours ago, and her phone battery had died shortly after. She was lost in the middle of a labyrinthine luxury district, far from her budget hotel.

Sophia wasn't your average tourist. A freelance hacker with a sharp wit and an even sharper mind, she had come to Neo Haven on a whim, seeking inspiration for her next big break. Her coding skills had earned her a reputation in underground circles, but she hadn't planned for this misadventure.

"Great," she muttered. "Lost in a billionaire's playground."

As she wandered, Sophia's eyes caught the golden glow of an opulent villa nestled behind ornate gates. It was a stark contrast to the high-tech minimalism of the city—a blend of old-world luxury and cutting-edge design. Lights illuminated the path leading to the mansion, and Sophia felt a flicker of hope.

"Finally," she said to herself, approaching the gate. "Maybe someone here can help."

She pressed the intercom button, half expecting to be ignored. To her surprise, the gate clicked open. Hesitant but desperate, she stepped inside and made her way to the grand front door, which also opened without resistance.

The interior took her breath away. Chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, casting a warm glow over marble floors and exquisite furnishings. The place looked like a modern palace. Yet it was eerily quiet.

"Hello?" Sophia called out, her voice echoing. "Is anyone here?"

No answer.

She hesitated, glancing back at the door. Leaving would mean another night wandering aimlessly, perhaps even sleeping outside. She shook her head and stepped deeper into the house.

---

Dominic had just poured himself another drink when he heard a soft voice calling from the hallway. He turned, his eyes narrowing. He wasn't expecting anyone this soon. With predatory grace, he strode toward the sound, his instincts sharp.

At the top of the grand staircase, Sophia paused, peering into the dimly lit hallway. She saw a room with its door slightly ajar, light spilling out onto the plush carpet. Gathering her courage, she walked toward it.

"Hello? I'm sorry to bother you. I think I'm lost and—"

Before she could finish, a strong hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her into the room. The door slammed shut, and the lights flickered off. Sophia gasped, her heart pounding as she tried to twist free.

"Who the hell are you?" a deep, commanding voice demanded.

"I—what? Let me go!" she protested, struggling against his iron grip.

Dominic's eyes adjusted to the darkness, his body reacting instinctively to her defiance. "Breaking into my home wasn't your smartest move," he growled, his tone icy.

"I didn't break in!" Sophia snapped. "Your door was open! I was just looking for directions!"

Her voice carried an edge of panic, and Dominic paused, his grip loosening slightly. He leaned closer, catching a faint, sweet scent that made his pulse quicken. Something about her felt… different.

"Who sent you?" he asked, his voice soft but dangerous.

"No one sent me!" Sophia shot back. "I told you—I'm lost!"

Dominic hesitated. She didn't look like the women his assistant usually arranged—too casual, too bold. His sharp gaze scanned her face, searching for deception, but all he saw was a mixture of fear and fiery determination.

Finally, he released her and stepped back. "You have ten seconds to explain yourself," he said, crossing his arms.

Sophia rubbed her wrist, glaring at him. "I was walking, saw this place, and thought I could ask for help. My phone's dead, and I've been lost for hours. That's it."

Dominic arched an eyebrow. "And you thought wandering into a private villa was a good idea?"

"Well, excuse me for not realizing I'd run into a paranoid billionaire," she shot back.

He smirked at her audacity. "Paranoid? Perhaps. But I don't believe in coincidences. Who are you really?"

Sophia hesitated. Giving her real name felt risky, but lying to a man like him seemed even more dangerous. "Sophia," she said finally. "Sophia Lane."

Dominic's smirk faded. The name rang a bell, but he couldn't place it. "And what exactly do you do, Sophia Lane?"

"I'm a freelance programmer," she said cautiously.

His eyes narrowed. "A programmer? Interesting."

Sophia's instincts screamed at her to leave, but curiosity anchored her in place. "Look, I'll just go," she said, backing toward the door. "Sorry for disturbing you."

"Wait." Dominic's voice stopped her. He wasn't done with this strange woman who had stumbled into his life. Something about her intrigued him—a spark he hadn't felt in years.

Before he could say more, a subtle chime echoed in the room. Dominic's phone lit up with a notification: Unauthorized access detected in EVE's core system.

His gaze snapped to Sophia, suspicion sharpening into certainty. "You've been busy, haven't you?" he said, his voice laced with danger.

Sophia froze. "What are you talking about?"

Dominic advanced, his eyes blazing. "You're not just a lost tourist. You hacked into my system."

Her heart raced. She had hacked into EVE days ago, but she never expected the consequences to catch up with her this fast. "I don't know what you're talking about," she lied.

Dominic grabbed her arm again, this time with calculated force. "Don't play games with me, Sophia. You're going to tell me everything you know. Or I'll make sure you regret ever setting foot in my world."

As his words hung in the air, Sophia realized she had stumbled into something far more dangerous than she could have imagined. The man before her wasn't just a billionaire—he was a hunter, and she was his prey.

But Sophia wasn't one to back down without a fight.

"Fine," she said, her eyes meeting his with defiance. "You want answers? Then let's make a deal."

Dominic's lips curved into a dark smile. "A deal? Brave. Let's see if you can handle the consequences."

---

End of Chapter 1