Beneath the billionaire shadows

Chapter One

Lena

I only needed ten more minutes. Ten minutes before the manager would notice I was hiding behind the marble column in the lobby, pretending I worked here.

It was the third hotel this month. I wasn’t stealing just borrowing the cool warmth, the Wi-Fi, and the chance to exist somewhere that didn’t smell like wet cardboard and diesel.

Then he walked in.

Tall. Dark suit. Sharp jaw. Every step like the floor adjusted for him.

I ducked my head, pretending to type on the cracked screen of my phone, but my eyes flicked up again.

I knew him.

Kai Ashford. Billionaire. Tech genius. Tabloid nightmare. Also the man whose face was plastered all over the building I was squatting in last night.

And now he was heading straight toward me.

I suddenly start moving to and fro searching for God knows best

“Excuse me,” he said, voice smooth but clipped.

I looked up, trying not to choke on air. “Yes?”

He raised a brow. “You work here?”

Lie. Lie fast.

“Yes. Front… desk training.”

He tilted his head, eyes scanning me like he already knew the truth. Then he handed me a leather folder.

“Someone left this in the conference room. Make sure it gets back to the owner. Discreetly.”

And just like that, he turned and walked off.

I opened the folder.

Inside A cheque.

Made out to cash.

For five million dollars.

I stared at the cheque like it might evaporate if I blinked. My breath caught, stomach twisting between panic and disbelief. Five. Million. Dollars.

I clutched the folder shut, heart thudding like a warning bell.

This was a test. It had to be.

I looked around, but Kai Ashford was already gone swallowed up by a sea of suits and heels. My mind raced. Was there a hidden camera? Was he watching me? Or had he really just handed over a fortune to a stranger pretending to work here?

I shot to my feet and walked fast too fast toward the front desk. My fake confidence had cracked.

The receptionist glanced up. “Can I help?”

“I need to return this. Mr. Ashford gave it to me,” I blurted, shoving the folder forward like it might explode.

She looked at it, then at me. “He gave it to you?”

“Yes. I. he thought I was staff. I’m not. It’s… complicated.”

Her eyes narrowed, clearly deciding whether to call security or HR. But before she could speak, a voice from behind me cut through the room like silk over steel.

“Leave it with her.”

I turned. Kai stood there, hands in his coat pockets, watching me with unreadable eyes.

“Sir?” the receptionist asked.

“She passed the test,” he said simply.

What?What's Test?

She could’ve walked out with it. She didn’t. That’s more than I can say for half the people on my payroll.”

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Kai stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough for only me to hear. “What’s your name?”

“…Lena.”

“Well, Lena.” His gaze dropped to my worn sneakers and fraying coat. “How do you feel about working for me for real this time?”

My throat went dry. “Doing what?”

He smirked, wicked and magnetic. “We’ll start with something simple. Like seeing if you can survive in my world without getting swallowed whole.”

“Survive in your world?” I echoed, heart pounding. “What does that even mean?”

Kai’s smirk deepened. “It means I’ll give you a job. Real pay, real hours. You’ll work directly under me closely. Think of it as a challenge… or a chance.”

My brain couldn’t keep up. Moments ago, I was faking my way through a building I had no business being in just trying to escape the cold, maybe snag a free coffee if I was lucky. Now this billionaire wanted to hire me?

I cleared my throat. “You don’t even know who I am.”

“I know enough,” he said smoothly. “You’re desperate. But you’re also honest. I’ve built empires on less than that.”

I blinked. “What kind of job are we talking about?”

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and deliberate. “You’ll assist me. Meetings, scheduling, personal errands. You’ll be around me… often and always. That’s the offer. Take it or leave it.”

“Why me?”

“Because you didn’t run. Most people would have.”

He turned, already walking away. “Be at my office on Monday. 8a.m. sharp. Dress like you belong.”

I was confused,I was planning on going to the next hotel to linger but wait what's happening

I stood frozen, folder still in my hands.

Did that just happen?

And did I just agree to step into a world that chews people up and spits them out in designer shoes?

God help me… I think I did.

I should’ve said no.

I should’ve handed him the cheque, walked out of that sleek, glass tower, and gone back to my normal life the one where I worked two jobs and be able to afford my rent again

But I didn’t. I said yes.Why won't I,I was kicked out of my rented place a month ago due to lack of rent, squeeze my belongings into my good Samaritan college tiny apartment she share with other people,where I couldn't even sleep,I had to sneak into hotels to sleep,left to dress at her place head to work and came to lounge coz I can't go and stay in her apartment she shared only my belongings are secured

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”

Kai’s smirk deepened. “Good.”

That single word sealed my fate.Deep inside me I was happy at least working here could earn me a bit fortune to renew my rent.Actually today was a blessed day to me.

By Monday morning, I was standing in the marble lobby of Ashford Hotel, wearing the only blazer I owned and shoes that pinched like hell. The receptionist same girl from last week gave me a tight smile as she handed me a guest badge.

“Take the private elevator. He’s expecting you.”

Private elevator? I swallowed my nerves and stepped in. My reflection stared back at me from the mirrored walls nervous, underdressed, and very aware I was about to enter a world where I didn’t belong.

When the doors slid open on the top floor, Kai was waiting.

In a black suit, no tie, sleeves rolled just enough to show a silver watch worth more than my entire neighborhood. He looked… dangerous. In a way storms look right before they break beautiful, wild, and completely out of your control.He look a bit different than last week,he was a bit chill and nice compared to today that's he seems serious

“You’re late,” he said.

“I’m what?” I glanced at the clock. “It’s exactly nine.”

“I said you’re late. I said 8am His eyes flicked over me. “And that’s the last time you show up dressed like you’re about to beg for a job at a coffee shop.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “This is the best I’ve got.”

He turned, walking into his office. “Then we’ll fix that.”

I followed, too stunned to argue. His office looked like a museum clean lines, leather, glass, and a view of the city that made me dizzy. He motioned for me to sit.

I didn’t.

“What exactly am I doing here?” I asked.

Kai poured himself a drink. “You’re going to be my assistant and mine.”

“I don’t know how to be an assistant.”

“You’ll learn. Or you’ll quit. Either way, I’ll know who you are when you’re under pressure.”

I crossed my arms. “Why me?”

He finally looked at me really looked. “You lounged at my hotel for five days without been caught, free service ,he smile at the end

So I was monitored all this time okay I adjust my handbag averting his gaze coz I can't deny the reality

He adjust and lean on his chair

Also you didn’t take the money when you had the chance. That means you’re either honest or stupid. Either way, I need someone like that.”

I should’ve walked out. But I didn’t.

Instead, I sat down and said, “Okay Where do I start?”

He smiled then. A real one this time.