Chapter Three – The Man Behind the Glass
568 Words
The headquarters of Carter Holdings towered above the city like a monument to ambition.
Amelia stood outside the revolving doors, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her navy blazer. She had borrowed it from her best friend, Olivia, who insisted it made her look "like she already owned the company."
Amelia wished confidence could be borrowed just as easily.
Inside, polished marble floors reflected crystal chandeliers, and sharply dressed executives hurried through the lobby with purpose.
She felt out of place.
"Miss Hart?"
A woman in a fitted gray suit approached her with a warm smile.
"I'm Evelyn Brooks, Mr. Carter's executive assistant. He's expecting you."
Expecting.
The word made Amelia's stomach tighten.
She followed Evelyn through quiet hallways lined with framed photographs of Carter Holdings' biggest achievements. Every step reminded her that this world belonged to people with money, influence, and power.
Not to someone who counted every naira before buying lunch.
The elevator climbed to the top floor.
When the doors opened, Amelia was greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Sunlight spilled across the polished wood, filling the office with a quiet elegance.
Daniel stood with his back to her, hands tucked into his pockets.
Without turning around, he said, "You're three minutes early."
She blinked.
"You noticed?"
"I notice everything."
He finally faced her.
Today's suit was navy, his tie perfectly knotted, his expression unreadable.
"You came."
"You challenged me."
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"I was hoping you would."
He motioned for her to sit.
The interview lasted nearly an hour.
Daniel asked unusual questions.
"What matters more—success or peace?"
"Peace," Amelia answered.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because success without peace feels like another prison."
For the first time, Daniel looked genuinely surprised.
No one had ever answered like that.
After several more questions, he closed the folder.
"When can you start?"
Amelia stared at him.
"That's it?"
"Unless you've changed your mind."
"I thought there would be... more interviews."
"I've interviewed hundreds of people."
"And?"
"Most told me what I wanted to hear."
He leaned forward.
"You told me the truth."
A knock interrupted them.
Without waiting for permission, the office door swung open.
A woman stepped inside in a crimson dress that seemed designed to command attention.
Her heels clicked sharply against the floor as she approached Daniel.
She kissed his cheek without hesitation.
"I've been calling all morning."
Daniel's expression hardened.
"We're in a meeting, Vanessa."
Vanessa.
The name hung in the air like a warning.
Her eyes finally landed on Amelia.
She looked Amelia up and down before offering a smile that never reached her eyes.
"And who," she asked smoothly, "is this?"
Daniel answered before Amelia could speak.
"My new assistant."
Something flickered across Vanessa's face.
Displeasure.
Possessiveness.
Jealousy.
"Interesting," she murmured.
She turned to Amelia.
"Mr. Carter goes through assistants rather quickly."
Daniel's voice was calm but firm.
"That's enough."
Vanessa gave him a long look before leaving the office without another word.
Silence settled between them.
Amelia glanced toward the closed door.
"Should I be worried?"
Daniel exhaled slowly.
"About the job?"
She nodded.
"No."
He paused.
"About her..."
His eyes darkened.
"...probably."
Amelia laughed nervously, assuming he was joking.
She didn't know that Vanessa Sterling had already decided one thing.
Amelia Hart wasn't going to keep that job.
And if she couldn't keep the job...
She certainly wasn't going to keep Daniel.
- Writer
