Chapter 5: 98th floor

Elena woke up before dawn, the weight of the day pressing against her chest. She had barely slept, her mind restless with possibilities.

By the time she arrived at Mrs. Kensington’s home, the morning sun was just beginning to streak the sky with soft gold. The estate was massive, a fortress of wealth and influence. She hesitated in front of the towering black gates, unsure how to announce her arrival.

Before she could knock, the gates parted on their own.

Two security men in black suits stepped forward, their gazes sharp and assessing.

"State your business," one of them said, his voice firm.

Elena swallowed, straightening her shoulders. "I’m here to see Mrs. Kensington. She’s expecting me."

One of the men pulled out his phone and made a quick call. A few seconds later, he nodded. "You’re clear. Follow me."

She stepped inside, and for a moment, the beauty of the place almost stole her breath—lush gardens, marble fountains, and a driveway so pristine it gleamed under the rising sun. But she quickly pushed past the awe.

She wasn’t here to admire wealth.

A man led her to the entrance of the duplex and signaled for her to enter. Inside, the air smelled of fresh flowers and expensive polish. She had never been in a house like this before, and every inch of the space screamed power.

"Hello," a familiar voice called out.

Elena turned to see Mrs. Kensington descending a grand staircase. The woman was as poised as ever, dressed in an elegant white blazer and matching heels.

"You came early!" Mrs. Kensington noted, a pleased smile on her lips.

"Thank you for this opportunity, ma’am," Elena said quickly, nerves making her voice slightly breathless.

Mrs. Kensington waved a hand dismissively. "I admire your eagerness. Let’s get straight to business." She gestured for Elena to sit.

Elena lowered herself onto the plush seat, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Blackwood Enterprises has over fifty properties in and outside the country," Mrs. Kensington began. "This city holds its headquarters, which is why Adrian Blackwood is so well known."

At the mention of his name, Elena stiffened.

"Adrian oversees all the operations. I manage three of the structures, but he’s the final authority. Recently, he fired several cleaning staff for failing to maintain standards, and now there’s an urgent need for replacements at the headquarters. The pay is substantial—much higher than what you’d typically expect."

Elena nodded, gripping her handbag tightly.

"Let me see your qualifications again," Mrs. Kensington added.

Elena had anticipated this. She quickly pulled out her neatly arranged documents and handed them over.

Mrs. Kensington skimmed through them, nodding approvingly. "Your grades are impressive. You seem like a smart girl."

"Thank you, ma’am."

Mrs. Kensington turned to one of the housekeepers. "Prepare the white vehicle. We’re heading to Blackwood Tower."

The drive to Blackwood Tower felt surreal. Elena sat beside Mrs. Kensington in the sleek white car, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

As they arrived, she tilted her head up, staring in awe. The building was a masterpiece of glass and steel, towering so high it seemed to pierce the clouds. The entrance was sleek and modern, with polished floors that reflected the grandeur of the space.

Mrs. Kensington led the way, her heels clicking against the marble as they entered. The glass doors slid open smoothly, revealing a pristine, professional hall buzzing with activity. Employees in crisp suits moved with purpose, their conversations low but urgent.

Without pausing, Mrs. Kensington walked straight to an elevator and pressed the button for the 98th floor.

The moment the doors closed, Elena felt her stomach dip.

"Are you nervous?" Mrs. Kensington asked, glancing at her.

Elena exhaled slowly. "A little."

Mrs. Kensington smiled. "Good. It means you care."

The elevator dinged, and as the doors opened, they stepped onto a high-end executive floor.

A receptionist sat at a pristine white desk. "Good morning, Mrs. Kensington."

"Morning. She’s here for the position," Mrs. Kensington said, tilting her head toward Elena.

The receptionist nodded. "She can wait here."

Mrs. Kensington gave Elena a reassuring pat on the shoulder before disappearing down a hallway.

Elena sat still, taking in her surroundings. Everything about this place radiated power. The high ceilings, the luxurious furniture, the air of quiet efficiency—it was a world completely different from hers.

She didn’t have to wait long.

A door in front of her opened, and someone signaled her to come in.

Her legs felt wobbly as she stood, but she pushed forward.

Inside, a well-dressed woman greeted her. "You’re Elena, correct?"

"Yes, ma’am."

"Let me see your resume."

Elena handed it over, and the woman scanned through it with a nod. "You meet the requirements. You’ll start today."

Elena blinked. "Today?"

"Yes. If you want the job, that is."

She couldn’t believe it. Just like that… she had gotten the job!

"Yes! I’ll take it!"

The woman gave her a knowing smile. "Welcome to Blackwood Enterprises."

Chapter 5 (Continued)

"The position isn’t just a regular cleaning job," the hiring officer said, tapping a pen against her desk. "You’re the manager of the cleaning staff. That means every office—especially the head office—must be spotless at all times."

Elena’s fingers tightened around her documents. Manager? That was unexpected.

"Mr. Blackwood has zero tolerance for untidiness," the woman continued. "If he finds anything out of place, he won’t hesitate to be… unpleasant."

Elena frowned. "Unpleasant?"

"You’ll see soon enough," the woman replied, handing over a folder. "His P.A. will give you further instructions. The security officer outside will take you to him."

Elena inhaled deeply.

Outside, a security officer in black uniform gestured for her to follow. The halls of Blackwood Tower were sleek, intimidating, and silent. Every step echoed against the polished floors, amplifying the growing tension in her chest

She barely had time to process when the officer stopped at a door, knocked twice, and—

Boom.

The door swung open.

And Adrian Blackwood stormed out.

Elena’s entire body locked up.

His strides were sharp, commanding, his presence overpowering. His P.A. struggled to keep up, rattling off notes from a tablet.

"Sir, the investor call has been moved to Friday—"

Adrian wasn’t listening.

His gaze had landed on her.

His steps slowed. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, scanning her face. Something flickered.

Recognition?

Doubt?

"Who is this?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.

The security officer straightened. "Sir! She’s the new cleaning staff manager. She’s here to see your P.A."

Elena’s throat felt dry.

Adrian’s gaze didn’t waver. His eyes bore into hers, unreadable, but something about the way he looked at her sent chills through her spine.

Then—he took a step closer.

Elena’s breath hitched.

The space between them disappeared in an instant, and before she could react, he leaned in, his voice a quiet, deadly murmur.

"I don’t like you."

A shiver ran down her spine.

Then, as if she were nothing, he straightened, speaking loudly this time.

"Do your job properly."

Then he turned and walked away.

Elena’s hands trembled—not with fear, but rage.

“This was the thanks she got?After risking her life to save him?Did he really not remember her?Or… was he pretending?” She thought to herself

No.

"Wait!"

Her voice rang out, sharp, before she could stop herself.

Adrian froze.

Slowly, he turned back.

And this time, the look in his eyes was very, very different.