CROWNED BY THE MAFIA KING

The skyscraper towered proudly in the heart of the city, its glass windows shining under the sunlight. On the front wall, a name everyone knew was boldly displayed: Valente Corporation. A company dominating investments, real estate, and even rumored to have dark connections behind the scenes. Selena took a deep breath before stepping inside. Her hands gripped tightly a folder filled with her application documents. Her legs wobbled for a moment, but she straightened herself. I can do this. I have to. For Mom, for my little brother… I must get this job. The grand lobby was filled with neatly dressed people moving quickly, as if their time was worth more than gold. Selena felt out of place in her simple black skirt and cheap blazer. But she tried to stay composed, though her heart raced wildly. At the reception desk, a glamorous woman with bright red lipstick stared at her from head to toe. “Yes? What do you need?” Selena forced a stiff smile. “I… I’m here for the secretary interview.” The woman raised one eyebrow, skeptical. She pressed the intercom and said coldly, “Go up to the 27th floor. CEO’s office. He’ll interview you personally.” Selena’s heart skipped a beat. The CEO himself? Isn’t it usually HR? She nodded quickly, thanked her, and walked toward the elevator. The glass elevator carried Selena upward. The higher she went, the tighter her chest felt. Am I crazy for coming here? she thought. But when she pictured her pale sick mom and her little brother at home, she gripped the folder even tighter. No. I have to get this job. When the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by a quiet, elegant hallway. At the end, a large door with golden carvings. Two tall men in black suits with expressionless faces stood guard. Their eyes pierced her, making her swallow hard. One of them checked her name on a list, then knocked. A deep, calm voice answered from inside: “Enter.” The door opened, and Selena stepped in. The office was huge, with a giant glass window showing the entire city. Behind a glossy black desk sat a man unlike anyone Selena had ever seen. He had a sharp face, strong jaw, thick black eyebrows, and piercing hazel eyes that seemed to see right through her. His expensive black suit hugged his strong frame, making him look like a king on his throne. Selena froze. He… was Leonardo Valente. The man rumored not just to be a successful CEO but also the most dangerous mafia king in the country. “Name?” His voice was deep and cold, no nonsense. “S-Selena Carter,” she stammered. Leonardo looked up from the documents he was reading. His gaze locked on her eyes, sending shivers down her spine. It wasn’t just an evaluation—it felt like he was seeing her soul. “You’re applying to be my secretary?” he asked flatly. “Yes, Sir.” Leonardo leaned back, crossing his arms. “Have you read the contract?” Selena nodded, trying to look calm, though sweat dampened her palms. “Yes, Sir.” “And you don’t mind the special conditions?” His tone rose slightly, challenging her. Selena swallowed. The “special conditions” were insane. The secretary had to wear a mini skirt every workday. Ridiculous. She wanted to say no. She wanted to throw the contract in his arrogant face. But thinking of her family, she squared her shoulders. “If it’s just the mini skirt… I can manage, Sir. The hard part will be dealing with a strange boss.” The room went silent. For the first time, Selena saw something rare on his face: a faint, sly smile. Leonardo leaned forward, studying her intently. “You dare talk to me like that? Do you know who I am?” Selena almost stepped back but held her ground. “I know. But… if you’re looking for a secretary who only bows and obeys, I’m not her. I just need a job, not to be a doll.” Silence fell again. Her heart felt like it might burst. Instead of anger, Leonardo chuckled lowly. His laugh was deep and heavy, making her hairs stand on end. “Interesting,” he said, like a predator finding a new prey. “Very interesting. Fine, Carter. You’re hired.” Selena blinked. “W-What?” “You’re hired,” Leonardo repeated firmly. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll sit in my secretary’s chair. Remember the rules in the contract. I don’t like a secretary who argues.” Selena opened her mouth to protest but his gaze held her still. She could only nod quickly. “O-Okay, Sir.” “Good.” Leonardo returned to his papers, acting as if she wasn’t even there. Her heart still racing, Selena bowed slightly and turned to leave. Her hands trembled as she grabbed the door handle. Once she disappeared behind the door, Leonardo stopped writing. A thin smile appeared on his lips. “Let’s see,” he murmured, eyes narrowing with interest, “how long you’ll last, my secretary.” Selena closed the CEO’s office door, her heart pounding like she’d just run from a lion’s den. Her hands had sweat-soaked the folder. “Oh my… I’m really hired? Just like that?” she whispered, trying to calm herself. Before she could think more, a deep voice beside her made her jump. “Not many leave that room and can still breathe normally.” Selena turned. A tall, strong man stood nearby—sharp jaw, piercing gaze like an eagle. He wore a simple black suit but carried a powerful aura. Selena tried to smile politely. “W-What do you mean?” He shrugged, arms crossed. “Not many dare to challenge Mr. Valente’s words. You’re one of them.” “Ah…” Selena looked away. “I… was just honest. Nothing more.” He snorted as if holding back laughter. “Honesty can be dangerous here.” He glanced her up and down, then added, “I’m Giovanni. Head of his security.” Selena straightened. “Nice to meet you, Giovanni.” He nodded slightly, then turned to leave. Before walking away, he said without looking back, “Take care, Miss Carter. Starting tomorrow, your life won’t be the same.” Those words echoed in Selena’s head as she left the skyscraper. At the bus stop, she finally exhaled. But as she sat waiting, her thoughts went back to the strange contract. “Mini skirt every day?” she muttered angrily. “Crazy boss. Does he think all his secretaries are Barbie dolls?” But when she thought of her weak mother in the hospital, her anger vanished. Tears nearly fell. “It’s okay… as long as Mom gets good care. I can handle this.” The next morning, Selena woke earlier than usual. She stood in front of the mirror, frowning at the short black skirt she had to wear. “Why a mini skirt…” she complained, tugging at the hem to make it look longer. “I’m even scared to take the stairs.” But there was no choice. She put on a neat blazer, brushed her hair, and left with determination. At Valente Corporation, all eyes were on her. Female staff glanced at her with envy, while men tried to hide sly smiles. Selena lowered her gaze, trying not to care. It’s just a job. Focus on the salary, not the stares. On the 27th floor, she heard the heavy voice she now knew well. “One minute late.” Selena jumped. Leonardo stood in front of his office door, eyes cold. Today, he wore a dark gray suit, somehow even more intimidating. “I-I was just waiting for the elevator, Sir,” she said nervously. Leonardo stepped closer. He was so tall Selena had to look up at him. His hazel eyes pierced her sharply. “Reason.” Selena swallowed. “Forgive me, Sir. It won’t happen again.” He stared for a moment, then a faint sly smile appeared. “Good. I don’t like people making excuses.” Without another word, he stepped into his office. Selena took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. This man was… insane. But also… she quickly shook her head, refusing to think further. Once the door closed, Leonardo stood behind his desk, still watching the door faintly. The corners of his lips lifted again. “Selena…” he murmured, as if savoring the name for the first time. “Let’s see… if you can last longer than the others, Selena.”