BILLIONAIRE'S SPOILED MRS

Chapter 3: New Ambition

The next morning started with a splitting headache that felt like a tiny hammer beating against the inside of Maeve’s skull. When she finally opened her eyes, the bright morning sun felt like a personal attack.

She groaned, reaching out to feel the empty space beside her. She was in her own bed, wearing her silk pajamas. The last thing she remembered was sitting at the bar at The Gilded Cage, staring at Cassian Blackwood’s cold face while she downed vodka like it was water.

"Penial," Maeve whispered to herself. She knew her best friend must have dragged her out of that club and driven her home.

She grabbed her phone and dialed a number. Penial answered on the second ring, sounding far too energetic for someone who had also been out until 3:00 AM.

"Look who’s finally awake," Penial teased. "How is your head, Queen Maeve?"

"It feels like it’s going to explode," Maeve admitted, leaning back against her pillows. "Thank you for last night, Pen. I think I got a bit too drunk after that... situation."

"You didn't just get drunk, M. You tried to fight a decorative plant on the way out," Penial laughed. Then her voice became softer. "Are you okay? You were really upset after what Chloe said."

Maeve went quiet. Usually, she brushed off insults like they were dust on her shoes. But Chloe’s words about being a "spoiled girl who is nothing without her father" had stuck in her mind. It was a nasty thing to say, but for the first time in her life, Maeve wondered if it was true.

"Actually, Pen... her words really got to me," Maeve said, her voice sounding small. "I realized that if my dad stopped paying for my life today, I wouldn't even know how to pay for a cup of coffee. I’m twenty-one years old and my only talent is knowing which designer bag goes with which shoes."

"Maeve, don't be so hard on yourself," Penial began.

"No, I’m serious," Maeve interrupted. "I’m going to tell my dad I want a job. A real one. I want to earn my own money."

On the other end of the line, Penial let out a cheer. "Finally! Maeve, I love that idea. It’s time you had something to do besides living in that giant mansion and eating your dad’s money. You’re smart and sharp. You could run a company if you actually tried."

"I don't know about running a company yet," Maeve chuckled. "But I need to start somewhere."

"And after you get a job," Penial added excitedly, "we are going apartment hunting! No more living under your dad's roof. We can find a luxury penthouse downtown. You, me, and total freedom."

Maeve actually smiled. The idea of her own place—away from the constant eyes of her father’s staff—sounded like a dream. "I like that plan, Pen. I really do." She paused for a moment, her voice getting serious. "As much as I hate people, I really love you, Penial."

"I love you too, you spoiled brat. Now go talk to your dad before you change your mind!"

After hanging up, Maeve took a deep breath. She showered, dressed in a simple but elegant black outfit, and headed downstairs. She found her father, Michael Williams, in the sunroom. He was drinking tea and reading the financial news. He looked up and smiled as his only daughter walked in.

"Good morning, Princess. I heard you had a bit of a wild night," he said, his eyes twinkling.

Maeve sat across from him, skipping the small talk. "Dad, we need to talk. I’ve decided I want a job."

Michael paused with his teacup halfway to his mouth. He looked at her like she had just said she wanted to join the circus. "A job? Maeve, you have everything you need. If you want more money, I can just increase your allowance."

"It's not about the money, Dad," Maeve said, looking him straight in the eye. "People think I'm just a beautiful ornament. They think I'm nothing without your name. I want to prove them wrong. I want to work."

Michael looked at her for a long time. He saw the fire in her eyes—the same fire he had when he built his empire. He put his cup down and leaned forward.

"I’m proud of you, Maeve. But if you work for me, I won't treat you like my daughter. I will treat you like an employee. You will have to be on time and work hard."

Maeve didn't flinch. "I wouldn't have it any other way. But I don't want a boring job. Give me something real."

Michael smiled a slow, knowing smile. "Well, I happen to have a partnership opening up with Blackwood Industries. They need a junior manager to help with the new luxury hotel project. It’s a lot of work, and the CEO, Cassian Blackwood, is very difficult."

Maeve’s heart nearly stopped. Blackwood Industries.That meant she would be working in the same building as Cassian. She would see him every day. She would have to prove to the man she loved that she wasn't just a spoiled girl.

"I'll take it," Maeve said, her voice steady.

"Are you sure? Cassian doesn't tolerate mistakes," her father warned.

"Good," Maeve replied, standing up. "Because I don't plan on making any."