OWNED BY THE ENEMY

The towering glass building of Sterling Global pierced the morning sky, gleaming with wealth and power. Eliza Rossi stood across the street, staring at the company she had sworn never to enter again. Ten years ago, the Sterling family had destroyed her father's reputation. He was accused of stealing millions from the company, and the scandal shattered their family. Her father died with a broken heart, leaving Eliza and her sick mother to struggle through years of poverty. Now fate had brought her back. With unpaid medical bills piling up and eviction looming, she had no choice but to accept a job at Sterling Global. "I'll survive this," she whispered, taking a deep breath before walking through the revolving doors. The luxurious lobby was filled with employees dressed in expensive suits. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were going. "Good morning," the receptionist said politely. "You must be Ms. Eliza Rossi. Mr. Richard Sterling is up expecting you." Eliza's heart skipped a beat. Richard Sterling. The billionaire CEO. The son of the man she blamed for ruining her family. Moments later, the elevator doors opened onto the executive floor. She stepped into a spacious office overlooking the city. A tall man in a perfectly tailored black suit stood by the window. Without turning around, he said, "You're late." "I arrived five minutes early." He slowly turned to face her. His sharp features, piercing eyes, and commanding presence made him look every bit the ruthless billionaire the media described. "So," he said, studying her carefully. "You're Eliza Rossi." "And you're Richard Sterling." Their eyes locked. Neither of them looked away. Neither knew that this meeting would uncover secrets buried for ten years and change both of their lives forever.