A DEAL WITH THE HEART

CHAPTER ONE



The grand hall buzzed with activity as Novatech, Inc. prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Amidst the chaos, a young woman stood out - Daisy, a 25-year-old event planner with a messy blonde bun and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through the chaos. Her olive skin glowed with a subtle sheen as she scribbled notes on her pad, her boss's angry words piercing the air.



"Get it done, and get it done right! Do you know how much this contract is worth? We can't afford to lose it!" her boss thundered, her raven hair whipping around her face as she gestured emphatically.



Daisy stood tall, smoothing her skirt, wondering why she'd been tasked with interviewing the elusive CEO. Rumors swirled about his cold heart and short temper, but she steeled herself and stepped into the elevator. To her surprise, it wasn't empty.



A tall, chiseled man with piercing eyes and a strong jawline gazed at her, his dark hair perfectly styled. "Good morning," Daisy murmured, her eyes darting away.



"Is that any way to greet someone, pretty?" he drawled, his coarse tone sending shivers down her spine. As she turned, her eyes locked onto his, and she gasped. "Could this be the CEO?" she wondered aloud.



The man chuckled, his smile dazzling. "I'm Kaius Blackwood, the CEO's cousin." Daisy blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest.



As the elevator doors opened, she hastily exited, her heart racing. After navigating the labyrinthine corridors, she finally found the CEO's office, thanks to Mr. Bates, his secretary.



The opulent office seemed lacking a personal touch, and Daisy couldn't resist rearranging a few things, her imagination running wild. But before she could finish, a voice boomed behind her.



"I thought your job was downstairs."



She turned to face the CEO, Ethan Blackwood, his eyes colder than Kaius'. "I'm sorry, sir. I was just...imagining the room needed a little touch."



Ethan's gaze narrowed. "You should be very sorry after I sue you." He strode over to the picture frame she'd moved, his eyes lingering on the photo.



As Mr. Bates entered with coffee, Ethan's anger turned toward him. "Bates, can you explain why you let this...urchin in?"



Daisy stood tall, despite the sting of his words. "I was sent to interview you, sir. Perhaps it could help us plan a better event?"



Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Alright, get it over with."



The interview was a blur, with Ethan's disdain and cold demeanor making her skin crawl. When she asked about using a life-size picture of his great-grandfather, he scoffed.



"Do you mind showing this...urchin out, Bates?" Ethan ordered, his anger simmering.



But Daisy refused to back down. "What makes you think you have the right to throw me out? Your pride will soon come back to haunt you." She stormed out, her heart pounding.



As she emerged from the elevator, her boss confronted her, face twisted in anger. "Have you screwed up again?" Before Daisy could respond, Bates appeared, announcing the CEO's decision to replace their team.



Daisy's boss turned on her, slapping her face in anger. "You're fired! You're bad luck!"



Tears streaming down her face, Daisy gathered her belongings and left the building, the demolition of the decorations a stark reminder of her failure.