Sophia Grant adjusted the collar of her blazer and took a deep breath as she stood outside the sleek glass doors of Blackwood Enterprises. The towering skyscraper loomed above her, a symbol of wealth and power in the heart of the city. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
"Here goes nothing," she muttered, stepping into the luxurious lobby.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric—employees darted about, their designer suits and sharp heels echoing against the polished marble floor. Sophia clutched her portfolio tightly, her mind racing with reminders to stay composed. Landing the job as Damian Blackwood's personal secretary was no small feat. The billionaire CEO was notoriously demanding and known for his no-nonsense attitude. But Sophia wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
"Miss Grant?" A woman's voice broke through her thoughts.
Sophia turned to see a sharply dressed assistant with a tablet in hand. "Mr. Blackwood is ready for you. Follow me."
The assistant led Sophia through a maze of glass-walled offices before stopping in front of an imposing set of double doors. Without knocking, the woman pushed them open, revealing an office as breathtaking as it was intimidating. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, and sleek black furniture complemented the modern decor.
Behind an expansive desk sat Damian Blackwood. His piercing gray eyes locked onto Sophia as she entered, and for a moment, she felt like prey caught in the sights of a predator.
"Miss Grant," Damian said, his voice smooth and commanding. He gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit."
Sophia obeyed, her heart pounding. Up close, Damian was even more striking than in the magazines. His tailored suit emphasized his broad shoulders, and his chiseled jawline looked like it had been sculpted by the gods. But it was his eyes—cold and calculating—that unnerved her the most.
"I've reviewed your application," Damian began, flipping through a file on his desk. "Your credentials are impressive. A first-class degree in marketing and two years as a manager. Why leave all that behind to work as a secretary?"
Sophia straightened her posture, refusing to let his gaze intimidate her. "I see this as an opportunity to learn from the best. Your reputation speaks for itself, and I believe I can contribute to your organization while gaining invaluable experience."
His lips quirked into a faint smirk. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Miss Grant."
"It's not flattery, Mr. Blackwood. It's the truth," she replied, holding his gaze.
For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the faint hum of the city below. Then Damian leaned back in his chair, studying her with an unreadable expression.
"You'll find that working for me is not for the faint-hearted," he said finally. "I demand perfection. I expect loyalty. And I do not tolerate excuses."
"I understand," Sophia said firmly.
"Good. You start tomorrow. Seven a.m. sharp."
Sophia blinked. "I—thank you, Mr. Blackwood."
"Don't thank me yet, Miss Grant," Damian said, his voice as cold as steel. "The real work hasn't even begun."
As she left the office, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that she had just stepped into the lion's den. But if there was one thing she knew about herself, it was this