Chapter 5: Entering the Lion's Den

The Bæbë Phi Universe building loomed before me, a sleek, modern skyscraper that seemed to pierce the clouds. It was a monument to success, a testament to the Chen family’s power and influence. As I stepped out of the cab, clutching my (borrowed) designer handbag, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was entering the lion's den.

The lie was firmly in place. I was Kayla Moore, devoted mother to eight-year-old Leo, ready to conquer the corporate world. The "family photo," courtesy of Jordan and a surprisingly cooperative Leo, was safely tucked away in my purse, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice.

I took a deep breath and walked through the revolving doors, stepping into a lobby that was even more impressive than I had imagined. Gleaming marble floors, towering sculptures, and a waterfall cascading down a glass wall created an atmosphere of opulent tranquility.

The receptionist, a statuesque blonde with an unnervingly perfect smile, greeted me with a practiced warmth. "Good morning, Ms. Moore. Welcome to Bæbë Phi Universe. Please take a seat, and I'll let Mr. Chen know you've arrived."

Mr. Chen. Liam. My fake fiancé, my potential boss, and the man who had dragged me into this ridiculous charade.

I sat down in one of the plush velvet chairs, trying to appear calm and collected. But inside, I was a bundle of nerves. I was a fraud, an imposter, and I was about to be exposed.

As I waited, I scanned the lobby, observing the other employees. They were all impeccably dressed, radiating an air of confidence and ambition. I felt like an outsider, a wolf in sheep's clothing.

"Kayla Moore?"

The voice was sharp, imperious, and laced with a distinct undercurrent of hostility. I turned to see a woman standing before me, her eyes narrowed in a calculating gaze.

She was stunningly beautiful, with long, flowing black hair, porcelain skin, and a figure that could launch a thousand ships. But her beauty was marred by a coldness, a hardness that sent a shiver down my spine.

"I'm Natali Hye Chen," she said, extending a hand. "Liam's stepsister."

I shook her hand, trying to maintain eye contact. Her grip was surprisingly strong, almost aggressive. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Chen."

"Please, call me Natali," she said, her smile not reaching her eyes. "So, you're the new… addition to the family. Liam hasn't mentioned you before."

"We've been keeping things quiet," I said, forcing a smile. "It's all been rather… sudden."

"Sudden, indeed," she said, her gaze sweeping over me with thinly veiled disdain. "Liam usually has a… type. You don't quite fit the mold."

The insult was subtle, but unmistakable. Natali clearly saw me as an interloper, a threat to her family's carefully constructed world.

"I'm sure Liam has his reasons," I said, my voice hardening.

"Oh, I'm sure he does," she said, her smile widening. "Liam is a very… strategic person. He always has a plan."

Her words were a veiled warning. She knew something was up, and she was letting me know that she was watching me.

"Well, I should let you get settled in," she said, turning to leave. "Welcome to Bæbë Phi Universe, Kayla. I hope you enjoy your stay."

As she walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just entered a war zone. Natali was clearly my adversary, and she was determined to make my life a living hell.

I stood up, intending to find the restroom and splash some water on my face. But as I took a step, I felt a sharp, sudden pain in my ankle.

I stumbled, my arms flailing wildly, trying to regain my balance. But it was too late. I crashed to the ground, my handbag flying open, spilling its contents across the marble floor.

My borrowed lipstick, my fake engagement ring, and, most damningly, the "family photo" scattered around me. I looked up to see Natali standing over me, her face a mask of feigned concern.

"Oh, dear," she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "Are you alright, Kayla? How clumsy of me. I didn't see you there."

It was a deliberate act. She had tripped me, intending to humiliate me in front of everyone. And she had succeeded.

As I lay there on the floor, surrounded by the debris of my fabricated life, I felt a surge of anger wash over me. I was tired of being pushed around, tired of being underestimated.

"You did that on purpose," I said, my voice trembling with rage.

Natali's smile widened. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Kayla. Perhaps you should watch where you're going."

"You're a snake," I hissed, struggling to my feet. "A manipulative, power-hungry snake."

"And you're a liar," she retorted, her voice dripping with venom. "A pathetic little liar who doesn't belong here."

Our eyes locked, and for a moment, I thought she was going to strike me. But then, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking triumphantly on the marble floor.

As I gathered my belongings, my face burning with shame, I noticed a figure standing on the balcony overlooking the lobby. It was Liam. He had been watching the entire scene unfold, his expression unreadable.

He hadn't intervened. He hadn't helped me. He had simply stood there, observing me like a lab rat in a maze.

A wave of betrayal washed over me. He had known this was coming. He had known that Natali would try to break me. And he had let it happen.

"You bastard," I muttered, my fists clenching.

I stood up, dusted myself off, and walked towards the elevator, my head held high. I was entering the lion's den, alright. But I wasn't going to be devoured. I was going to fight back.

Liam Chen had underestimated me. He thought he could control me, manipulate me, use me for his own purposes. But he was wrong. I was Kayla Moore, and I was about to show him what I was really made of.