Chapter 4: Hired

Author’s POV

The confrontation didn’t last long.

Anna answered every question carefully, choosing her words like fragile glass. She avoided mentioning Rita’s name, not because she was protecting her—but because something deep inside warned her not to.

Eden noticed.

He always noticed.

What surprised him most wasn’t her lateness or her nervousness.

It was the fact that she didn’t remember him.

Not the club.

Not his voice.

Not that he was the one who carried her home.

She barely looked at him.

Her gaze stayed on Ethan—safe, warm, familiar.

But every time her eyes accidentally met Eden’s, fear flickered across her face. Instinctive. Raw.

And each glance did something to him.

Something unfamiliar.

Something he didn’t like.

Anna handed her CV and documents to Ethan with trembling fingers.

Ethan took them, scanning carefully.

Birthplace.

Parents.

Schools.

Then his brows furrowed.

“You attended Eva Hills High?” he asked, disbelief lacing his voice.

Anna nodded slowly. “Yes, sir.”

Ethan looked up—straight at his brother.

Eden met his gaze.

They didn’t say a word.

They didn’t need to.

Eva Hills High wasn’t just any school.

It was their school.

Something tightened in Ethan’s chest. A strange, unsettling feeling—like recognition without memory. He dismissed it quickly.

He didn’t allow himself to feel things like that anymore.

Not since Belle.

The girl who had saved him.

He forced his attention back to the CV.

Too good.

First-class degree in Business Administration and Management.

Outstanding recommendations.

Perfect academic record.

Impossible to dismiss.

They were still reviewing her documents when the office doors opened.

Mr. Vilonia walked in.

His sharp eyes landed on Anna—and widened.

Blonde hair.

Graceful posture.

Seafoam green eyes that stood out even in fear.

Anna immediately stood and bowed.

“Oh—good day, Mr. Vilonia,” she said politely.

“Oh dear, please sit,” he said warmly. “You’re in the middle of an interview.”

Ethan and Eden handed him her CV.

Mr. Vilonia adjusted his glasses, scanning.

His brows rose.

Then higher.

“This CGPA…” he murmured. “Remarkable.”

He looked at her again, impressed.

“Wonderful. You’re hired—as Ethan’s new assistant.”

Ethan’s head snapped up. “What? Why?”

Eden stood abruptly, walking to the water dispenser.

His plan had failed.

He wanted her close.

Within reach.

Where he could watch her.

Why did Father always ruin everything?

He turned, sipping water.

“Well,” Eden said coolly, “I was about to employ her as my assistant.”

“Nonsense,” Mr. Vilonia waved him off. “Just yesterday you were plotting how you’d kill her today.”

The words hung in the air.

Anna’s face drained of color.

“K—kill me?” she whispered.

“Oh no, dear,” Mr. Vilonia said quickly. “I was exaggerating.”

She nodded, but the fear didn’t leave her eyes.

Minutes later, Anna was shown her workstation—right outside the twins’ office, separated only by glass.

Too close.

She quickly began setting up, hands shaking slightly as she arranged her things.

Anna’s POV

Why would Mr. Vilonia joke like that?

Does Eden really hate me that much?

I glanced up.

The three tall men were standing together, speaking in low voices.

As if they felt my stare, they all turned.

Their eyes landed on me at once.

My heart skipped.

I offered a small, polite smile—and returned to my work.

Pretending my hands weren’t trembling.

Pretending I wasn’t surrounded by danger.