Chapter 1
ANGEL'S POV
I hated Adrian Vale.
I hated his arrogant smile, his endless confidence, and the way women practically drooled whenever he walked into a room. Most of all, I hated that six years ago, he had helped destroy my father's career and walked away without consequences.
And today, I had to see him.
"Please, Angel, don't start a fight at the press conference," Jessica warned as I parked outside Blackthorne FC's training complex.
I glanced at her. "Why would I do that?"
"Because you've been glaring at his picture since we left home."
I looked at the giant banner displaying Adrian in his football jersey.
"His face is everywhere. It's irritating."
Jessica laughed. "You're just angry because he's handsome."
"Then you should marry him."
"With that face and his bank account? Gladly!"
I rolled my eyes and stepped out of the car.
Six years ago, my father, Daniel Bennett, had been a respected football coach. Then a scandal ruined his reputation, cost him his job, and destroyed everything he had worked for. Adrian, who was a rising football star at the time, signed a statement that supported the club's version of events.
My father insisted he was innocent, but nobody listened.
Adrian became a superstar. My father was left to pick up the pieces.
I had never forgiven him.
Inside the press room, journalists were already settling into their seats. I chose one near the front and opened my notebook.
A few minutes later, the room grew noisy.
Adrian had arrived.
He walked in wearing a fitted black shirt and dark trousers. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing muscular forearms, and his dark hair was styled perfectly. He was tall, handsome, and annoyingly confident.
Several women smiled at him.
I fought the urge to scoff.
Adrian greeted the club officials before taking his seat. When his eyes swept across the room and landed on me, his smile briefly faltered.
Then he looked away.
Good. At least he remembered me.
The press conference began with questions about football. Adrian answered smoothly, flashing charming smiles whenever necessary.
Then someone asked him about leadership.
"A good captain must take responsibility when things go wrong," he said. "You cannot expect people to trust you if you refuse to stand up and answer for your actions."
My pen stopped moving.
Responsibility? How convenient.
I raised my hand.
"Angel Bennett, The Daily Sporting Review," I introduced myself when the communications director called on me.
Adrian turned towards me.
"Go ahead, Angel."
I hated how easily he said my name.
"You mentioned that a good leader must take responsibility for his actions. Does that principle apply to everyone, regardless of their reputation?"
"Of course."
"Even when accepting responsibility could destroy someone's career?"
His smile faded slightly. "If someone has done something wrong, they should be accountable."
I leaned towards the microphone.
"Then why did you remain silent six years ago when Daniel Bennett lost his career following a scandal involving this club?"
The room fell silent.
The communications director immediately interrupted. "Let's keep the questions focused on the upcoming season."
"With respect, this is about accountability."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"I gave a statement based on what I knew at the time," he replied.
"Based on what you knew, or what you were told to say?"
Several journalists exchanged glances.
He stared directly at me. "Do you have evidence that I lied?"
I hesitated for a moment. I had no original documents to prove what had happened behind closed doors, but I knew my father had been wronged.
"I have a father who lost everything while the people responsible continued living comfortably."
Something changed in Adrian's expression.
"And you believe I was responsible?"
"I believe you helped make it possible."
The communications director quickly moved to another question.
I lowered my microphone, satisfied that I had at least reminded Adrian that not everyone had forgotten.
When the conference ended, Jessica hurried towards me.
"Are you insane? You just challenged Adrian Vale in front of every major sports journalist in London!"
"I asked him a question."
"You practically declared war!"
"Then he should prepare for battle."
I was about to leave when a man in a dark suit approached me.
"Miss Bennett, Mr Vale would like to speak with you."
"Tell him I'm busy."
"He said the conversation concerns your father."
I froze.
"My father?"
"Yes, ma'am."
I glanced at Jessica before following him down the corridor.
Adrian's office was spacious, with glass windows overlooking the training grounds. He stood beside his desk, his suit jacket draped over a chair.
"You came," he said.
"You mentioned my father. What do you want?"
He studied me briefly. "You haven't changed much."
"And you're still arrogant."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I want to offer you a job."
I blinked. "A job?"
"The club is producing a documentary about my career and the upcoming season. We need a journalist to follow me for six weeks."
I stared at him in disbelief.
"You want me to work for you?"
"I want you to document my career."
"Why me?"
"Because you're not afraid to ask difficult questions."
"Or because you enjoy irritating me?"
"That too."
I glared at him.
He pushed a folder across his desk. The payment was more than I usually earned in several weeks. It was an opportunity that could advance my career, but working with Adrian was the last thing I wanted.
"I don't work for people I don't trust," I said.
"Then don't trust me. Investigate me."
His words made me pause.
"You'll have access to training sessions, interviews, and club events. Ask whatever questions you want. Your work will be published under your name."
"And what do you get out of this?"
"An opportunity to tell my side of the story."
I wanted to refuse, but then I remembered my father and the six years of unanswered questions.
I picked up the folder.
"I haven't accepted."
"I know."
"And if I discover you're hiding something, I'll expose you."
His expression suddenly became serious.
"Your father wasn't the only person who suffered because of what happened six years ago."
I stared at him.
"What does that mean?"
He looked away briefly before meeting my eyes again.
"If you accept this assignment, you might discover things about your father that you don't want to hear."
Anger burned through me.
"My father has nothing to hide."
"Perhaps you're right."
"Stop playing games with me, Adrian."
"I'm not."
I turned towards the door, clutching the folder.
"I'll think about your offer."
"Angel."
I stopped.
"When you discover the truth, don't assume you'll like everything you find."
I left without answering.
Jessica was waiting outside, but I barely heard her questions. My mind was still on Adrian's words.
For six years, I had believed I knew exactly what happened to my father.
Now, for the first time, I wondered whether there was something I had missed.
I looked down at the folder in my hands.
I would accept the assignment.
Not because Adrian wanted me there, but because I wanted answers.
And if the truth was buried somewhere inside his perfect life, I would find it.
Even if it meant spending six weeks with the man I hated most.
