The faint hum of Addison Burke's kettle on the stovetop filled her modest Brooklyn apartment. Sunlight poured through the lace curtains, dappling her living room with soft golden patches. It was one of those rare afternoons when life felt manageable, almost peaceful. Addison sat cross-legged on her worn couch, scrolling through travel blogs on her laptop and dreaming of escapes she couldn't afford.
Her phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table, breaking the tranquility. She glanced at the screen and groaned. Pete.
Addison let it ring twice before answering. "Hey, Pete. What's up?"
"Addy," her brother's voice came through, tight with urgency, "I need a favor."
Her brow furrowed. "What kind of favor?"
"A big one," he replied, the words rushing and edged with unease. "And before you say no, just hear me out."
Addison sighed and leaned back against the couch. "Why do I feel like I'm not going to like this?"
Pete exhaled audibly. "Because you probably won't. But I'm out of options. Justin's flying to Saint Martin tomorrow for a critical deal, and I'm supposed to go with him. Only... I can't."
Addison tilted her head. "Can't? Pete, is this about your leg? Because I told you biking down that trail was a terrible idea."
"Yes, it's about the leg," he admitted, ignoring the jab. "I can't manage the flight or the walking. And Justin, you've heard me talk about him. He's not the type to forgive excuses."
Addison could practically see her brother pacing, even with the cast on his leg. "Get to the point, Pete."
"I need you to go in my place," Pete said, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Addison's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"Just hear me out," Pete pleaded. "You're smart, capable, and great under pressure. All you'd have to do is keep Justin organized, make sure the logistics run smoothly, and... well, deal with him."
Addison blinked, struggling to process. "Deal with him? Pete, from what you've told me, Justin Ross eats people alive. Why would I volunteer to be his next snack?"
"Because I'm begging you," Pete said, his tone tinged with desperation. "Addy, this deal is enormous for the company and for my career. If I let Justin down, it's over for me. He doesn't do second chances."
Addison rubbed her temples. "I don't know anything about corporate deals, Pete. I'm a photographer, not a PA."
"You don't have to know the details," Pete insisted. "Just keep him on schedule, anticipate his needs, and don't take his temper personally. You're better at handling difficult people than I am, and you've dealt with plenty worse than him."
Addison scoffed. "That's not exactly a glowing endorsement."
Pete's voice softened. "Addy, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't life or death for me. Please. You're my only option."
She hesitated. Despite her irritation, she couldn't ignore the uncharacteristic vulnerability in her brother's voice. Pete had always been the strong one, the golden boy who seemed invincible. Hearing his sound so raw tugged at something deep within her.
"If I say yes," Addison began cautiously, "what exactly am I walking into?"
"It's just a few days," Pete said quickly. "Justin's trying to close a deal with Katrina Sawyer. She's brilliant but elusive, and the negotiations are... tense. Justin needs someone to keep him steady. That's all."
Addison's stomach tightened at the thought. "What if I screw it up?"
"You won't," Pete said, his voice filled with conviction. "You're a natural problem solver. And besides, I'll prep you on everything before you go."
Addison stared at the phone, confused. Her quiet life was simple and predictable. Inserting herself into a billionaire's high-stakes world felt like asking for disaster. But Pete's plea echoed in her mind. He'd always been there for her—helping her with her portfolio, loaning her money when work dried up, and being her rock when their parents passed.
"Fine," she said at last. "I'll do it."
"Oh, thank God," Pete breathed, relief flooding his voice. "You're a lifesaver, Addy. I owe you big time."
"You sure do," Addison muttered, already regretting her decision. "And Pete? You'd better give me every detail about Justin, or I'll strangle you when I get back."
"Deal," Pete said with a nervous chuckle.
As they ended the call, Addison put down the phone and stared at her laptop. The travel blogs she'd been browsing now felt like a cruel joke. In less than 24 hours, she'd be thrust into a world of private jets and cutthroat deals, navigating the volatile temperament of a man she'd only heard about in horror stories.
The kettle's whistle grew shrill, snapping her back to reality. She shuffled to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of tea, her hands trembling slightly.
Addison thought about Justin Ross, the man whose reputation preceded him. Pete's stories had painted a vivid picture of an ambitious, ruthless tycoon who demanded perfection from everyone around him. It wasn't just the stories, though—it was the way Pete spoke about him, with equal parts admiration and fear. She wasn't sure which unsettled her more.
Sipping her tea, Addison's thoughts shifted to her brother. Pete wasn't one to ask for help, not unless he truly had no other choice. That's what worried her most. If he was this desperate, things must be worse than he'd let on.
The weight of her decision settled heavily on her chest. This wasn't just about stepping into an unfamiliar world; it was about protecting her brother's future. And whether she liked it or not, she couldn't back out now.
The evening light faded, and Addison stood at her window, gazing out at the city that never slept. Somewhere out there, Justin Ross was preparing for a high-stakes negotiation that could change everything. And she—a photographer with no corporate experience—was about to dive headfirst into his world.
"What have I gotten myself into?" Addison whispered to herself. The city lights twinkled back at her, offering no answers, wondering if this could be just a dream.