CHAPTER 5: INTO THE LION'S DEN
828 Words
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains of Mackenzie's apartment.
She had barely slept.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the same piercing grey eyes staring back at her.
Kelvin Alexander Lawson.
The man everyone feared.
The man who had unexpectedly invited her to a meeting.
She sat up and sighed.
"It's just business, Mackenzie. Stop overthinking it."
After taking a quick shower, she carefully chose a cream-colored blouse, a black pencil skirt, and matching heels.
She tied her long dark hair into a neat low ponytail and applied light makeup.
Professional.
Simple.
Confident.
Exactly how she wanted to appear.
Across the city...
Lawson Tower stood like a giant watching over Noctis.
The eighty-story glass skyscraper reflected the morning sun, making it impossible to ignore.
Inside the executive office, Kelvin adjusted the cuff of his black suit.
Damien entered quietly.
"The car has arrived at Miss Giovanni's apartment."
Kelvin nodded.
"Good."
"Boss..."
Kelvin looked up.
"You've canceled three board meetings today."
"So?"
"They've been waiting for weeks."
"They can wait another day."
Damien blinked.
It was becoming increasingly obvious.
His boss had priorities now...
And they all seemed to involve one woman.
At exactly ten o'clock...
A sleek black Rolls-Royce stopped outside Mackenzie's apartment building.
The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.
"Good morning, Miss Giovanni."
She smiled politely.
"Good morning."
As the car drove through the city, she stared out of the tinted window.
Soon, Lawson Tower came into view.
Her breath caught.
The building was even more magnificent than she had imagined.
The driver stopped at the private entrance.
Two security guards immediately opened the doors.
"Welcome, Miss Giovanni."
She stepped inside.
The marble floors gleamed beneath enormous crystal chandeliers.
Employees greeted one another quietly while moving with remarkable efficiency.
The atmosphere was calm...
Yet strangely intimidating.
Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were supposed to be.
A young assistant approached with a warm smile.
"Miss Giovanni?"
"Yes."
"I'm Amelia. Mr. Lawson asked me to escort you upstairs."
She followed Amelia to a private elevator.
The doors opened.
Instead of pressing one of the numbered buttons, Amelia placed her thumb on a scanner.
The elevator moved.
Straight to the top.
The penthouse office was breathtaking.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire city.
Modern artwork decorated the walls.
A grand piano rested in one corner.
Bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling.
It felt less like an office...
And more like the headquarters of someone who ruled an empire.
Kelvin stood with his back to the room, gazing out at the skyline.
Without turning around, he spoke.
"Miss Giovanni."
His deep voice echoed softly.
"Thank you for coming."
"I was curious."
He smiled faintly.
"I expected as much."
Only then did he turn to face her.
He looked every bit as composed as the night before.
"Please."
He gestured toward the seating area.
"Have a seat."
She did.
Moments later, a butler appeared with coffee and pastries before disappearing as silently as he had arrived.
Kelvin sat across from her.
For a moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, Mackenzie broke the silence.
"You said you wanted to discuss a business opportunity."
"I do."
He slid a folder across the table.
She opened it.
Her eyes widened.
Lawson Holdings was planning a year-long series of charity galas, international conferences, and luxury events.
"This is..."
She looked up.
"Huge."
"I've reviewed your work."
"You have excellent attention to detail."
"I'd like Giovanni Events to organize every event on this schedule."
Mackenzie stared at him in disbelief.
"This contract..."
She quickly scanned the estimated value.
"...is worth more than my company has earned in five years."
Kelvin remained calm.
"Does that concern you?"
"It surprises me."
"Why choose a small company like mine when there are international firms?"
Kelvin held her gaze.
"Because I don't hire companies."
She frowned.
"I hire people."
"And I believe you're the right person."
For the first time since entering his office...
Mackenzie didn't know what to say.
Just then...
A sharp knock interrupted them.
Damien entered.
"Boss."
Kelvin's expression hardened instantly.
"What is it?"
"Ricardo DeLuca's men have been spotted near the east warehouse."
The warmth disappeared from Kelvin's eyes.
"I'll handle it."
He stood.
Then looked at Mackenzie.
"I apologize."
"Business."
She nodded politely.
"I understand."
Kelvin paused for a brief second before speaking to Damien.
"Escort Miss Giovanni safely downstairs."
Damien gave a slight nod.
"Yes, Boss."
As Mackenzie followed Damien toward the elevator, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed the moment Ricardo DeLuca's name was mentioned.
The calm businessman she'd been speaking to had vanished.
In his place stood someone colder.
More dangerous.
Someone capable of making even his most trusted men tense.
The elevator doors closed.
Damien glanced at her.
"Miss Giovanni..."
"Yes?"
"Whatever happens..."
His expression remained unreadable.
"...stay away from men like Kelvin
Alexander Lawson."
The elevator continued its silent descent.
Mackenzie looked at him, puzzled.
"Why?"
Damien didn't answer.
- Writer
