Episode 1: The interview
Lena Carter stood outside the towering Blackwood Enterprises building, her heart pounding. She had never stepped into a world of wealth and power like this before. With her simple yet elegant outfit and a neatly printed résumé, she hoped to impress the man who ruled this empire—Dominic Blackwood.
Dominic was known as a ruthless billionaire, feared and respected in the corporate world. His reputation preceded him: cold, calculating, and impossibly handsome. Women either wanted him or feared him—sometimes both.
As Lena walked into the marble-floored lobby, she felt small in comparison to the grandeur around her. The receptionist eyed her up and down before giving a tight-lipped smile.
"Ms. Carter, Mr. Blackwood is expecting you," she said, leading her to a private elevator.
Her hands trembled slightly as the doors closed. Calm down, Lena. It’s just an interview. But deep down, she knew something about this meeting felt… different.
The doors opened to the top floor, revealing a massive office with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. And there he was.
Dominic Blackwood sat behind a sleek black desk, his dark suit tailored to perfection. His piercing gray eyes locked onto her as if he could see through her very soul.
"You’re late," he said coolly.
Lena swallowed hard. "I—uh, the traffic—"
"I don’t tolerate excuses, Ms. Carter," he interrupted. "Sit."
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she obeyed. He skimmed her résumé, his sharp features unreadable. Then, his eyes lifted to hers again, pinning her in place.
"Why do you want to work for me?"
Lena hesitated. "I admire your company, Mr. Blackwood. It’s built on innovation, and I believe I can contribute—"
"You don’t even know what the job entails."
She stiffened. His presence was overwhelming, making it hard to think straight. "I’m a fast learner."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, to her shock, a slow, almost amused smirk tugged at his lips.
"Interesting," he murmured. "You intrigue me, Ms. Carter."
Her pulse raced at the way he said it—as if she were a puzzle he intended to solve.
"You’re hired," he said suddenly.
Her mouth parted in shock. "I—what?"
"You’ll start tomorrow. Be here at seven sharp. And don’t be late this time."
Lena nodded, dazed. As she stood to leave, she could feel his gaze trailing her, sending a shiver down her spine.
She had no idea what she had just gotten herself into.
