FIRST DAY
Riley hadn’t said her last name out loud in a long time.
Not since she walked away from it.
Not since she decided she’d rather be no one than be a Voss.
But today—
She needed the job.
And the only place hiring fast enough…
Was the one place she swore she’d never go back to.
The Lobby
“Name?” the receptionist asked.
Riley hesitated.
Just for a second.
“…Riley Carter.”
The lie came easy now.
It had to.
Because if anyone here recognized her—
Everything would change.
The Elevator
Her reflection stared back at her.
Same face.
Same eyes.
The same ones her family had.
No one’s going to recognize you, she told herself.
You’ve been gone too long.
The doors opened.
The Office
“Ms. Carter.”
Riley turned—
And her entire body went still.
Adrian Voss.
Her brother.
He didn’t recognize her.
Not yet.
Years had changed her. Hardened her. Pulled her away from everything she used to be.
But she knew him instantly.
Same cold eyes.
Same controlled presence.
“You’re early,” he said.
Riley forced herself to stay calm. “I like to be prepared.”
He studied her.
Too closely.
For a second, she thought—
He knew.
But then he turned, walking toward his desk.
“Follow me.”
The Test
“Tell me why you want this job,” Adrian said.
Riley swallowed.
Because the real answer?
Because I need to survive.
“Because I don’t quit,” she said instead.
His eyes flickered slightly.
Something about that answer landed.
The Almost Recognition
“You seem familiar,” Adrian said suddenly.
Riley’s heart stopped.
“Do I?” she asked, keeping her voice steady.
A long pause.
Then—
“No,” he said. “I’d remember.”
Riley exhaled slowly.
But something told her—
That wasn’t over.
The Second Brother
The door opened.
“Am I interrupting?” Marcus said casually.
Riley turned.
And unlike Adrian—
Marcus froze.
For a split second.
Recognition.
Real, undeniable recognition.
“Riley…?” he said under his breath.
Her chest tightened.
“No,” she said quickly. “You must have me confused.”
Marcus stared at her.
Not convinced.
Not even close.
