The Man Behind the Secret

Amara had learned one important lesson from life: when everything seemed to be going wrong, another problem was usually waiting around the corner. She stood outside the tall glass building of Blackwood Enterprises, staring at her reflection in the entrance doors. Her hands were cold. This was supposed to be a new beginning. For the past six months, Amara had struggled to find a decent job. Since her father's disappearance, everything in her life had changed. Bills had piled up, her mother had become increasingly withdrawn, and the little money she had saved was almost gone. Then, yesterday, she received a phone call. A personal assistant position. Excellent salary. Immediate employment. The only strange thing was that the employer had specifically requested her. She still didn't understand why. Amara entered the building. "Good morning," the receptionist said. "Good morning. I'm here for an interview with Mr. Daniel Blackwood." The receptionist looked at her computer. Then her expression changed. "You're Amara?" "Yes." "He is expecting you." Expecting her. The words made Amara uncomfortable. She took the elevator to the thirty-second floor. When the doors opened, she found a quiet hallway with dark wooden walls and expensive paintings. A man stood near the office window. He turned when she entered. Amara stopped. Daniel Blackwood was younger than she expected. Tall. Well dressed. Serious. His eyes were cold. But there was something else in them. Something familiar. "Amara?" "Yes." He stared at her for several seconds. "Sit down." She obeyed. Daniel remained standing. "I've reviewed your application." "Okay." "You have very little experience." "I learn quickly." "I know." Amara frowned. "You know?" Daniel finally looked directly at her. "I know more about you than what's on your application." Her heart skipped. "What does that mean?" "It means I have already decided to hire you." She stared at him. "You haven't even interviewed me." "I don't need to." He walked toward his desk and placed an envelope in front of her. "Your employment contract." Amara didn't touch it. "Why me?" Daniel's expression hardened. "Because I believe you're the person I've been looking for." "Looking for?" He said nothing. Amara opened her mouth to ask another question. Then Daniel added quietly: "Your father worked for my family." Everything inside her went still. "My father?" Daniel nodded. "And he left behind something that belongs to me."