Chapter 1
I was standing by the roadside, watching my younger brother walk toward me with two milk tea in his hands.
Then—
BOOM.
A car came out of nowhere, screeching violently before slamming into him and hurling his body across the asphalt.
“Clark!”
I screamed—and jolted awake, gasping for air. Sweat soaked my forehead, my heart pounding like it wanted to escape my chest.
A nightmare.
Again.
No matter how hard I tried, it never left. It followed me everywhere, clinging to my sleep like a curse, reminding me that some wounds never healed.
Before I could break down completely, an alarm pierced through my thoughts.
Interview.
My first real interview.
I wiped the lone tear that slipped down my cheek and forced myself out of bed, standing in front of my tiny closet.
This was my chance. My only one. No more bar shifts, no more late nights serving drinks to strangers. Only one company had replied—and I had to make it count.
I had to nail this.
---
As expected, my luck chose today to betray me.
First the nightmare. Then my Uber got stuck in traffic.
“Perfect,” I muttered, checking the time again. “Just perfect.”
By the time I rushed into the building, the elevator doors were already sliding shut.
“No—wait!”
I sprinted forward and smashed the call button repeatedly. The doors reopened with a soft chime.
“Oh, thank God.”
I stepped inside, chest heaving—and froze.
A woman stood there.
She wore a formal yet elegant outfit that fit her like it was tailored just for her. Blonde hair, sharp features, confident posture. She looked intimidating at first glance—like someone who owned every room she walked into.
Who is this woman…?
My eyes betrayed me, trailing over her face, her curves, her long legs.
I had never seen someone this… striking.
“I know I’m fascinating,” she said smoothly, not even turning toward me, “but you can stop undressing me now and press the floor.”
“What?” I snapped. “I wasn’t staring.”
“Oh, please. You practically committed a crime.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.”
She smirked. “That’s funny, considering you almost violated me with your eyes.”
“What the hell are you talking about? Are you high?”
“Am I?” she mused.
I scoffed.
Turning away, I pressed the button for the third floor—the executive level.
She laughed softly.
“What now?” I asked. “Did I miss the punchline?”
In one swift movement, she closed the distance and pinned me against the mirrored wall.
My breath caught.
Why does she smell so good?
Focus, Cassy. Focus.
“W-What are you doing?” I whispered. “Get away from me.”
“Relax,” she murmured. “I’m helping you.”
“I didn’t ask for your help.”
“You didn’t ask to stare either.”
“Shut up.”
“Shhh.”
She placed a finger against my lips.
Electricity shot through me.
“What is wrong with you?” I hissed. “Someone could walk in.”
“They won’t,” she replied calmly. “Private elevator. Restricted access.”
“Private—what?”
Before I could react, she tugged me closer, my body colliding with hers. My lungs forgot how to work.
Her lips hovered dangerously close.
Is she actually going to—
She brushed her lips against my skin—just enough to leave me reeling.
I shoved her back.
“Back off! What do you think you’re doing?”
She rolled her eyes. “Still helping.”
She leaned in again, teeth grazing my neck before she suddenly pulled away and placed something in my hand.
A price tag.
From my blazer.
“If you’d walked into your interview like that,” she said lightly, pulling out lip balm and glossing her lips in the mirror, “you’d have been a laughing stock.”
I stared at her, stunned.
So that was it?
Everything she said—the flirting, the teasing—it was all a game?
Anger surged through me, but before I could respond, the elevator slowed.
Third floor.
I checked my watch.
Shit. I was late.
Without looking back, I rushed out.
“See you soon, sweetheart,” she called after me. “You owe me kisses—and I always collect.”
I ignored her laughter as the doors slid shut.
---
I straightened my blazer and approached the reception desk.
“Hello,” I said breathlessly. “I’m here for an interview with Mrs. Cornelia.”
“End of the hall,” the receptionist replied. “Outside the CEO’s office.”
Of course.
I spotted a well-dressed woman in her fifties working on a laptop.
“This must be her,” I murmured
.
“Ms. Collings,” she said, standing. “You’re late. Six minutes, to be exact.”
“Please,” I said quickly. “May I still be interviewed?”
She studied me. “That depends on her mood.”
“I understand.”
“She hasn’t canceled yet. Show her how badly you want this job.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
She opened the door. “Good luck.”
---
Inside stood a woman who radiated authority.
“You’re late,” she said coolly.
“I apologize, ma’am.”
“Leave.”
My heart dropped.
But I didn’t move.
“Ma’am,” I said, voice shaking but firm, “please allow me to prove myself.”
Something shifted in her expression.
“You speak back,” she observed.
“Only when I believe walking away would be a mistake.”
A slow smile appeared.
Before she could respond—
“She won’t need this interview.”
My blood ran cold.
The elevator woman stood in the doorway.
“She works for me now,” she said casually. “Double your offer. Ten thousand.”
My mind went blank.
What?!!
