Percy POV

I couldn't stop my heart from thudding in my chest. It took every ounce of my willpower to slow my breathing, so the person wouldn't detect me. I was crouched behind a couch to the right of Atlas's desk. I wasn't expecting Atlas and Cally to return so soon.

"I'm sorry, dear. I forgot my wallet," Atlas's voice boomed. There was a lightness to his voice that conveyed he didn't know anything.

I was still in the clear.

I pressed myself against the couch and crawled farther away from the desk. I'm not visible from the center of the room. However, if Atlas crosses towards the couch, then he would easily see me.

His footsteps echoed closer to me.

"Father, I could've paid for our meal," Calypso tried. She didn't know if I was here or not. However, she was still trying to take Atlas away just in case. Bless her soul.

"What kind of a father would I be if I made my child pay?" Atlas commented.

At least, Atlas has good manners, I thought.

I stopped breathing as Atlas paused next to his desk. I watched his hands fiddle with stuff in his front desk drawer. Just as he said, he pulled out his wallet and slipped it into his pocket. However, Atlas didn't leave. I winced internally as his eyes scanned his desk. Atlas seemed like he was doubting something.

"Is everything okay, dad? We're going to be late for our reservation," Calypso said quickly. Atlas looked at Cally with a stern expression.

Fear bubbled in my stomach while I watched the interaction. I felt certain that we messed up in some way. Maybe, I messed something up on his desk.

Atlas couldn't be stupid if he's a renowned businessman. His eyes scanned the room again, causing me to press deeper into my hiding spot. Then, he shrugged before smiling at his daughter again.

"Sorry, honey. I was just thinking. Nevermind that. Let's go to dinner. I don't want to miss the table because of our tardiness," Atlas expressed.

"Plus, fine-dining restaurants are so punctual," Cally continued smoothly.

I was able to breathe normally again after they left the office. I stayed in my hiding spot for a few more minutes. This time around, Atlas did lock his office. I still couldn't shake my nerves and fear because of the situation I'm in.

Suddenly, my Bluetooth buzzed obnoxiously.

"Percy, you're in the clear still, but you have to hurry," Leo said. His voice was frantic now, which told me that I have to leave.

"How much time, Leo?" I asked.

"Their security is already trying to fix the cameras. I can't hold the hack much longer unless we want to get caught," Leo explained.

Grover's voice interrupted Leo. "I'm giving you two minutes, Percy." His voice was serious and firm, so I knew that he'd freak out if I didn't go down soon. I was already waiting for the elevator to come to this floor.

The office has several security cameras. this plan would've been impossible if not for Leo's hacking skills. The fact that Grover is nearby reassured me more than anything. He wasn't needed for the plan, but my best friend's presence gave me confidence.

The elevator ride down was quick.

A smile stretched across Grover's face when he saw me. I cooly approached him while fixing my tie. We were in business attire as a proper disguise.

"Did you get it?" Grover asked quietly. We walked out of the building simultaneously. The night breeze wafted against my face. The street was a lot emptier at night. Leo reiterated the question in my ear.

"Oh, I got it. I got the living dam out of it," I smiled.

...

We made four copies of the hard drive. Essentially, each person who was involved in the mission got a copy. Even Grover received a copy of the drive even though he didn't care about the business world. However, this was leverage that he deserves for himself on the line. After all, the mission was dangerous despite us pulling it off.

I had Grover drop me off at an apartment complex in the city. Hestia said she'd be fine with Tyson and Estelle tonight if I wanted a night off.

It was great because I wanted to spend the night with someone else.

The security stopped me in the lobby. Of course, Argus recognized me, but it's his job to stop anyone from entering the penthouse elevators.

"Argus, just let me up. I want to surprise her," I said firmly.

"I'm sorry, Percy, but that is not allowed. Give me a minute while I call the penthouse and get approval to send you up," Argus instructed. I sighed while sitting on the lobby's couches. It was a modern building with a classic style.

It's not surprising that Wise Girl would live here. She sometimes complained about the large size, but at the end of the day, she's filthy rich. She can afford a penthouse.

Finally, Argus came back to me.

"Ms. Chase had approved for you to go up. However, you must go in professionally because she has important guests in her home," argus said.

I frowned while nodding I didn't want to share Annabeth's company with anyone tonight. I wanted her all to myself. I wasn't here for a professional meeting. My mind was racing with thoughts that definitely aren't professional. If you know what I mean.

The elevator opened into Annabeth's familiar penthouse. Even time I come here, I'm astounded by the size of her home. As I mentioned before, her living room alone is the size of my family's entire apartment. Annabeth wasn't in the living room, but her voice was resounding from the dining room to the right.

I knocked on the dining room door before entering. Three women in their late 30s were sitting at the circular table with Annabeth. I recognized each of them because they are collectively known as the Muses. The Muses handle the award circles for literature, sciences, and the arts. I always watch Mneme's ratings on best-selling authors.

She runs a database similar to the New York Times bestsellers list. Her dark eyes washed over me and a smile stretched on her face.

Mneme recognized me probably because of my novel.

"Hey, Percy, could you give us five minutes? The meeting is almost over," Annabeth said firmly. She smiled with sparkling eyes.

"Of course. I'll be in the living room," I replied.

"Wait," Mneme spoke up. "You're the author to Say Hello to the Stars. I absolutely loved the book. You're a very talented author, especially at such a young age."

"Thank you so much. That means a lot to me."

"Well, this announcement was going out tomorrow. However, since I ran into you here, I want to tell you in person. You're novel is entering the Muses and the New York Times best-sellers list. Congratulations," she exclaimed. The other women smiled at me.

I simply stared at them in shock. I wasn't expecting to hear that tonight. It was phenomenal news. It's every writer's dream to be a best-selling author.

"That's amazing, Percy," Annabeth cheered.

She got out of her seat and rushed toward me. Her actions surprised me, but I accepted her embrace without hesitation. Wise Girl gave me a quick kiss.

Gods, I'm so happy right now.

My hand was around her waist while my attention returned to the Muses. They got up and called an ending to their meeting. They finalized some business deals with Annabeth's architectural firm before turning to me.

"The Muses always interview new authors who enter our best-sellers list. Please join us for a casual meeting tomorrow. We'd love to get a statement," Mneme explained.

"Absolutely."

As soon as they stepped into the elevator, I lost control.

I couldn't stop myself any longer. I grabbed Annabeth and hoisted her up. She chuckled while her legs wrapped around my waist. She sat on my arms as my lips crashed into hers. We made out as I carried her towards the couch. A sense of euphoria washed over my body as I relished her kiss and her touch.

"I take this as good news," she whispered between kisses.

I didn't bother answering. Instead, my lower half-pressed Annabeth down against the couch. I paused while gazing into her beautiful gray eyes.

A promise passed between us.

The world can try to separate us, and sometimes, it might even succeed. Regardless, we'd always come back to each other. Our love will be a permanent constant.

Annabeth nodded with a warm smile.

I returned the favor before capturing her lips with mine again. The rest of the night was magical, and I enjoyed every second of it.

...

The interview with the Muses happened at the Empire State Building. Mneme emailed me this morning to visit the Empire State. They rented a beautiful room near the top of the building. I was in awe as I stared out the window.

The city of New York is stunning from this angle.

"Thank you for answering all of our professional questions, Percy," Aoide expressed with a smile.

The Muses are amazing women. They are a role model to girls all over the world just like Annabeth is. They were passionate about the work that they do, and they demonstrate their passion through their accomplishments. It's amazing.

"We do have some more questions, but these are more personal. You may or may not answer them, and you can decide if we should include them in your statement. Is that all right?" Mneme asked.

I nodded along. This statement is for the Muses and the New York Times, so it would be shared around the world. My statement would also be printed on future copies of my novel, and the best seller's claim would get plastered on the cover.

Artemis and Zoe both explained that after this interview, a new edition of my novel will start to get published and sold around the world.

I couldn't wait to see the new version of Say Hello to the Stars.

"We noticed that you have been claimed as the son of Poseidon Olympus recently. Can you comment on that?" Melete pondered.

I smiled at the question. "I don't consider myself a part of Olympus. I've never considered myself loved or even appreciated by my father. He abandoned my family when I was younger. For all I care, he's not my father."

"My parents are Sally Jackson and Paul Blofis, and unfortunately, they are no longer alive to share my accomplishments."

"I'm sorry, Percy," Mneme added. "I'm sure that they're looking down from Elysium."

"I know. Thank you," I whispered.

"Next question: what is your current romantic status?" Aoide asked.

"Is this your version of showing interest?" I joked. The three ladies laughed while we shifted on the circle of purple couches. I patted my novel situated next to me.

"You all already saw me at Annabeth's home yesterday. I used to work for her as a secretary but not anymore. I am in love with Annabeth Chase, and I intend to spend my life with her. No one else can dictate that now," I said firmly.

"I heard that you're in a union contract with Dare Industries," Melete commented. I smiled at the question.

"I have NOT signed any union contract. I don't intend on getting in any form of relationship with Rachel Dare. She is only a friend of mine. That's it."

I sat for a few seconds to digest the conversation.

This is exactly what I want.

"Promise me that all this information will be in my statement," I affirmed. This is a part of my plan with Wise Girl.

The Muses nodded at my request.

I am making a statement to the entire world right now. I want this statement to be seen and heard. After that, I'll deal with the consequences. Annabeth and I already made a plan of what I'm going to do with my evidence on Titan.

I want information about my father and my love/loyalty for Annabeth to be in my statement. This is who I am and how I want to live.

This is my statement of truth.