Chapter 1: The Unexpected Meeting

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Lena Carter took a deep breath before stepping out onto the marble floor of Knight Enterprises. The building towered over downtown, a glass and steel monument to power and ambition. She’d read about it for years—one of the most prestigious companies in the city—and now she was walking through its halls as the new executive assistant to the infamous Alexander Knight.

Her heels clicked against the floor, echoing through the wide corridor. Everything here gleamed—mirrors, polished wood, the air itself charged with quiet authority. She clutched her folder tighter, feeling both small and determined. This job was her fresh start. After years of struggling to rebuild her life, she needed this to work.

“Ms. Carter?” a voice called from behind.

Lena turned to find a cheerful woman in a crisp suit. “Hi, I’m Jamie from HR. Mr. Knight’s expecting you. Nervous?”

“A little,” Lena admitted with a small smile.

Jamie laughed. “Everyone is their first day. He’s... intense. But he notices hard work.”

That did little to calm her nerves. As they approached the glass office at the end of the corridor, Lena saw him through the transparent wall. Alexander Knight stood beside his desk, tall and composed, speaking into the phone. Even from a distance, his presence dominated the room—sharp suit, dark hair, a voice that carried authority like a second skin.

Jamie knocked lightly. “Mr. Knight? Your new assistant is here.”

He looked up. His eyes met Lena’s for the first time. Grey—cold and assessing. For a heartbeat, she forgot to breathe.

“Come in,” he said, setting the phone down.

Lena stepped forward. “Good morning, Mr. Knight. I’m—”

“Lena Carter,” he interrupted. “Yes, I’ve read your file.” His tone was unreadable, clipped and professional. “You’re punctual. That’s a good start. I don’t tolerate lateness.”

“Yes, sir,” she said quickly.

“Sit.”

She sat, careful to keep her posture straight. He studied her for a moment that felt far too long.

“I expect efficiency, loyalty, and discretion. You’ll handle my meetings, travel, and correspondence. I don’t repeat myself, and I don’t like excuses. Do you understand?”

“I do,” Lena replied, her voice steadier than she felt.

For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes—something almost curious. “Good. Jamie will show you to your desk.”

The meeting was over as quickly as it began. As Lena stood to leave, her hand brushed a stack of files on his desk. They shifted, almost falling—but he caught them just in time. His hand brushed hers.

The touch was brief, accidental... yet it sent a strange shiver through her.

“Be careful,” he said quietly, his voice low.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

He waved it off. “Just focus. You’ll learn fast.”

As she left the office, Lena’s heart was pounding. She told herself it was nerves. But deep down, she knew it was something else—something dangerous.

When she finally sat at her desk outside his door, she caught herself glancing through the glass wall again. He was back at his desk, focused, unreadable. But once—just once—he looked up, as if he’d felt her watching.

And when their eyes met again, the world seemed to pause.