THE DEVIL'S OFFICE
1022 Words
The next morning came with the soft hum of the city and a heart that refused to calm down. Isabella Brown stood in front of the towering glass doors of Knight Enterprises, her palms slightly damp despite her steady breathing.
It wasn’t just a job interview. It was a rebirth.
The sleek lobby looked like something out of a movie,marble floors, chrome finishes, people in crisp suits moving like clockwork. The receptionist greeted her warmly.
“Good morning, Miss Brown. Mr. Knight’s office is expecting you. Take the elevator to the 40th floor.”
Her stomach twisted as she pressed the button. Every mirror she passed reflected a version of herself she hadn’t seen in months ,confident, composed, alive.
The elevator opened into a floor of silence. Every sound, her heels, her heartbeat echoed.
Alexander Knight’s assistant, the same man from the hospital, met her with a polite smile. “This way, Miss Brown.”
The moment Isabella stepped inside his office, her breath caught.
It wasn’t the luxury that stunned her ,the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, the leather chairs, or the scent of rich coffee. It was him.
Alexander stood behind his desk, dark suit immaculate, his eyes sharp as steel.
“Miss Brown,” he said, motioning to the chair across from him. “You’re punctual. That’s a good start.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knight,” she said softly, sitting down. “And… thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
He studied her for a long moment, his gaze unreadable. “I don’t give opportunities, Miss Brown. I test people. Let’s see if you’re worth the risk.”
---
The Test
The next hour felt like walking through fire.
He asked questions that cut deep: her previous work, her family, her goals, even her opinions on loyalty and betrayal.
When he asked, “What do you do when someone breaks your trust?” her fingers froze.
“I don’t forgive,” she said finally. “I move on… and make sure they regret it.”
Alexander’s lips curved slightly , not quite a smile, but close. “Good. Weak people beg. Strong people rebuild.”
He stood and handed her a file. “Your first assignment. A full report on the Anderson merger. I want it on my desk by tomorrow morning.”
Her eyes widened. “Tomorrow?”
“You have a problem with deadlines?”
“No,” she said quickly, standing straighter. “I’ll handle it.”
He leaned back slightly. “We’ll see.”
As she turned to leave, his deep voice stopped her again. “One more thing, Miss Brown.”
She turned.
“Never confuse kindness with interest. I helped you because I could, not because I care.”
Her chest tightened at his tone, but she nodded calmly. “Understood.”
As the door closed behind her, Alexander’s assistant caught her eye and whispered, “You lasted longer in there than most do.”
Isabella allowed herself a small, tired smile. “Maybe I’m not like most.”
---
The Message
By noon, she was buried in documents. Her eyes burned, but she refused to give up. She’d spent too long being a victim,this time, she would prove she deserved her second chance.
Then her phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number:
> I see you in his tower, Isabella. Did you think he’d protect you?
Her throat went dry.
She looked around, her eyes scanning the glass walls, the open space. Everyone was focused on their screens, no one seemed to be watching her.
Still, she felt it. The weight of unseen eyes.
She deleted the message and locked her phone. She wouldn’t break. Not again.
---
Evening Shadows
By the time she finished, the office was empty except for her. The sun had melted into the skyline, and city lights flickered below like fireflies.
She stretched her aching neck and gathered her papers, only to realize she wasn’t alone.
Alexander stood by the window, his suit jacket off, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a glass of whiskey in hand.
“I thought you left hours ago,” she said quietly.
He turned, his gaze softer than she’d seen it before. “I could say the same about you. You didn’t have to stay this late.”
“I wanted to prove myself,” she replied.
He walked closer, his voice low and even. “You already did.”
Their eyes met. For a moment, neither spoke. The tension between them felt electric, too strong to ignore, too dangerous to embrace.
He set the glass down and studied her face. “You remind me of someone I used to know.”
“Someone important?” she asked.
“Someone who fought too hard for people who didn’t deserve her,” he said, turning away. “Don’t make that mistake.”
“I won’t,” she said softly. “Not anymore.”
He looked back at her then , really looked ,and for the first time, she saw something in his eyes other than control. It was pain.
But before she could ask, his phone rang. He glanced at it, his jaw tightening.
“Go home, Miss Brown,” he said abruptly. “And lock your doors.”
She frowned. “Why”
“Just do it.” His voice left no room for argument.
That night, Isabella returned to her small apartment. She took a long shower, trying to wash away the tension of the day.
But when she stepped into her living room, a chill ran down her spine.
Her window , the one she always kept locked ,was slightly open.
A small white envelope sat on the table.
Hands trembling, she opened it. Inside was a single piece of paper.
> You can’t hide behind him forever.
We’re not done, Isabella.
Her heart raced as she looked toward the window, the curtains swaying with the night breeze.
And somewhere, far across the city, a man in a dark car lowered his binoculars, his lips curving into a cold smile.
> “Let’s see how strong you really are.”
- Writer
