Alex could hardly believe it as he sat at the edge of his bed, a crisp new suit hanging by his closet. He'd just landed a job at Hamilton Corp, the most prestigious company in the city, and not just any job—he was going to be the secretary to the president himself. A real, stable position, with a salary that meant he wouldn't have to live off instant noodles anymore.

For the past two months, that had been his life: endless days of job applications and fruitless interviews, then retreating to his tiny apartment to make yet another cup of noodles. It was hard to remember a time before the anxiety had settled in, the constant worry over rent and bills, wondering if he'd have to move back to his parents' place. He was only twenty, fresh out of college, and he'd thought the world was waiting for him. But reality had been harsh, reminding him of just how competitive things were.

But this? This was his big break. When he'd applied at Hamilton Corp, he hadn't expected anything to come of it. The company was known for its elite employees, people with resumes packed with experiences and degrees from the best universities. Yet here he was, with a start date and a company email in his inbox.

After a final check in the mirror, he took a deep breath, straightened his tie, and stepped out of his apartment. His nerves fluttered, but excitement pushed him forward. Hamilton Corp's glass skyscraper loomed in the distance as he made his way to the subway, its glossy exterior reflecting the morning sun like a beacon of his new beginning.

The lobby was bustling, a hub of high-powered professionals in sleek suits, and Alex felt a little out of place at first. He clutched the strap of his bag, willing his steps to stay steady as he made his way to the receptionist, who directed him to the executive floor. It was the first day of the rest of his life, and he was ready.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a pristine, polished hallway with a set of heavy glass doors at the end. On the other side of those doors was Drake Hamilton's office. Everyone in the industry knew his name—he was brilliant, mysterious, a man who built the company from the ground up and led it to massive success. There were stories, half-whispers about his power, his influence. They called him "The Phantom" because he seemed to know everything, like he was everywhere at once.

As Alex stepped through the doors, he took in the high ceilings, the marble floors, and the dark wood that lined the walls. A woman with sharp eyes and a friendly smile greeted him.

"You must be Alex," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Rachel, Drake Hamilton's chief of staff. Welcome to Hamilton Corp."

"Thank you so much," Alex replied, trying to keep his voice steady as he shook her hand. "I'm really excited to be here."

She nodded approvingly. "Drake is a demanding boss, but he values hard work. If you put in the effort, there are incredible opportunities here."

The thought gave him a thrill. After months of feeling like he was drowning, this was his chance to prove himself. Rachel led him to his desk, situated just outside Drake's office, a massive glass-walled space with an impressive view of the city.

For the rest of the morning, Rachel walked him through his responsibilities. He would manage Drake's schedule, coordinate meetings, handle confidential documents—tasks he'd never dreamed he'd be trusted with so soon. Every time Rachel mentioned Drake's name, Alex's pulse quickened. He hadn't met his new boss yet, but he'd already heard how intense and sharp he could be.

The hours passed in a blur of paperwork and orientation. As he settled into his new desk, the initial nerves began to fade. He felt a sense of belonging he hadn't known in months.

By lunchtime, he finally had a moment to catch his breath. He pulled out a sandwich, grateful to eat something besides noodles. As he chewed, he reflected on how far he'd come in such a short time. Just weeks ago, he'd been jobless, desperately searching for anything that would keep him afloat. He'd been worried he'd have to settle for something less than he'd dreamed of, but fate had a funny way of turning things around.

A few minutes later, Rachel returned, smiling warmly. "Drake is ready to meet with you now."

Alex's heart skipped a beat as he stood up, trying to calm his nerves. He smoothed his suit, squared his shoulders, and followed Rachel down the hall. She knocked on the door, then pushed it open, gesturing for Alex to step inside.

Drake Hamilton stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, his sharp silhouette framed by the city skyline. As he turned, Alex caught his gaze—a piercing, almost predatory intensity that made him feel as if Drake could see straight through him. There was something both magnetic and unsettling about him, a charisma that demanded attention.

"Alex, welcome," Drake's voice was smooth, deep, commanding. "I look forward to seeing what you bring to the team."

Alex cleared his throat, trying not to be intimidated. "Thank you, Mr. Hamilton. I'm really honored to be here, and I'll work hard to make sure I meet your expectations."

Drake's mouth curved into a faint smile. "Good. I expect nothing less."

With that, Drake dismissed him, and Alex left the office, his heart pounding. He was now part of something bigger than he'd ever imagined, a world that demanded excellence and rewarded ambition. But as he walked back to his desk, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different about Drake Hamilton, something he couldn't quite put into words.

For now, though, he would focus on his work.