Chapter 1: The Job Offer
729 Words
Leila Moore sat in the quiet café, her hands trembling slightly as she sipped her coffee. The noise of the city outside barely registered. Today was the day—her interview for a position that could change everything. It wasn’t just any job. It was a chance to work for Ethan Blackwood, one of the richest and most powerful men in the world. The billionaire CEO of Blackwood Enterprises had a reputation for being cold, calculating, and impossible to please, but none of that mattered to her. She needed this. After years of scraping by, she was finally ready for something bigger.
The café door swung open, and a tall, sharply dressed man entered. His gaze scanned the room, locking on her immediately. He strode over with purpose, his dark eyes unreadable.
“Miss Moore?” His voice was smooth, but his tone suggested he didn’t have much time for pleasantries. “I’m Mr. Blackwood’s assistant. He’s ready to see you now.”
Leila quickly gathered her things and followed the man out onto the bustling street. As they walked to a sleek black car waiting at the curb, her mind raced. She had read everything she could about Ethan Blackwood. A genius in the world of business, a self-made billionaire by the age of thirty, but also fiercely private. Almost nothing about his personal life was public knowledge. Some said he had no close friends, no family—just an endless string of business deals and high-profile events.
The drive to Blackwood Enterprises was a blur of city streets and towering buildings. Before she knew it, they were pulling up to the gleaming skyscraper that housed his empire. The assistant led her through security, into the elevator, and up to the top floor.
The office was massive—floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. And there, standing by the window with his back turned, was Ethan Blackwood himself.
“Miss Moore,” he said without turning around. “Please, have a seat.”
Leila hesitated for a moment, then sat down in the chair opposite his massive desk. Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for him to speak.
Finally, he turned to face her, and the breath caught in her throat. He was even more intimidating in person—tall, with sharp features and dark eyes that seemed to see right through her. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, and every movement he made was controlled, deliberate.
“You’ve come highly recommended,” he said, his voice low and measured. “But working for me is not like any other job you’ve had. I require absolute discretion and loyalty. My personal life is not something that is up for discussion. Do you understand?”
Leila nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. “Yes, Mr. Blackwood.”
He studied her for a moment longer, his gaze intense. “Good. There are many things you’ll see while working for me. Things that may not make sense. But you’ll keep your questions to yourself. Are we clear?”
“Yes,” she said again, though her curiosity was already piqued.
Ethan gave a single nod and walked back to his desk, picking up a file. “I’ll need you to start immediately. There are some... personal matters I’ll require your assistance with. Details will be sent to you tonight.”
Leila stood, her legs feeling slightly shaky. This was it. She had the job. But as she turned to leave, something about his words lingered in her mind. Personal matters? She wondered what that meant.
Just as she reached the door, Ethan spoke again, his voice colder this time. “One more thing, Miss Moore. Stay out of my private study. That’s the only rule you can’t break.”
Leila froze, her hand hovering over the door handle. His tone left no room for argument. But as she walked out of his office, her mind was already racing with questions. Why did he seem so guarded? And why was his private study off-limits?
Later that night, as Leila unpacked in her new apartment, her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. She hesitated before opening it, her heart racing as she read the text:
“Do you think you know Ethan Blackwood? Stay away from him, or you’ll regret it.”
- Writer
