The plane touched down in Saint Martin just after noon, the tropical air thick with humidity and the promise of sun-drenched days. Addison's skin prickled as the door opened, the gust of heat hitting her like a wall. She stepped off the plane, her sandals sinking slightly into the asphalt, and glanced around. The island was beautiful, yes, but nothing about it screamed relaxation.
She'd barely stepped into the luxury SUV that had been waiting for them when her phone buzzed.
Justine, please have the team assemble the materials for the deal presentation by 3 PM. I need it ready when I get there.
It was Justin.
Addison took a deep breath, steeling herself. She could do this. She could handle him. After all, her brother had survived working for him. How bad could it really be?
The villa where they were staying, perched high on a cliff, was a sprawling property, its walls a brilliant white, trimmed with deep blue. The air was infused with the scent of saltwater and tropical flowers. Addison could almost imagine relaxing here—if she didn't have a billionaire's ego to contend with.
They were met at the entrance by a string of staff, from chefs to cleaners to security guards. It was all so ostentatious, so meticulously curated. Addison tried not to let her discomfort show, but there was something unsettling about the world Justin moved through. She'd known people like him—people who took it all for granted, never having to consider anyone but themselves.
As they walked into the grand foyer, Addison couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the luxury and the forced smile of the staff. Justin had yet to arrive, but his presence was already felt—a quiet, oppressive weight.
"Addison," Pete's voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see him limping toward her, a half-cup of coffee in hand. "I need to get a few things set up before Justin arrives. Can you make sure the team is ready for the presentation? I'll be in the office working on some logistics."
Addison nodded, but the mention of Justin brought a tightness to her chest. "I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up, Pete. He's unbearable."
Pete gave her an apologetic smile. "You're doing great, Addy. Just hang in there a little longer. We're almost there." He glanced over his shoulder toward the entryway. "I'll make sure to keep you in the loop. Thanks again for doing this."
Addison watched him walk away, feeling a pang of sympathy for her brother. She knew he was just trying to keep up with Justin's demands, but at what cost?
She was about to walk toward the office when she heard Justin's unmistakable voice cutting through the room.
"Is this supposed to be a villa?" Justin's tone was dripping with contempt. He was standing in the doorway, his sharp features scrunching as he surveyed the grand space like it was a dilapidated shack. "I asked for a place with a view of the sea, not this overblown monstrosity."
Addison froze.
A staff member, a young woman with an almost apologetic expression, was clearly struggling to hold her ground. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ross. We'll ensure that the curtains are drawn so the view can be... more to your liking."
Justin's eyes narrowed. "Do you even understand what I asked for? Just do it." His words were clipped, dismissive.
Addison felt the air grow heavier. She stepped forward, hoping to diffuse the tension. "Mr. Ross," she said, keeping her tone even, "I'm sure the staff is doing their best. Perhaps it's just a misunderstanding."
Justin turned to her sharply, his eyes flaring with sudden, intense scrutiny. "And you are?" he asked, his voice cold.
"Addison Burke," she replied, trying to remain composed. "Pete's sister. I'll be helping with the logistics while he—"
"I don't need an explanation," Justin cut her off, his gaze already shifting back to the staff. "I need results." He waved a hand dismissively, as though she were a fly buzzing around him.
Addison's patience began to wear thin. She glanced at the staff member, who looked like she might burst into tears. But she didn't speak up. Instead, she forced a tight smile, nodding as Justin's attention shifted to the next trivial detail of the villa.
She couldn't understand how someone could be so oblivious to the people around them. Was it really that difficult to show a little appreciation? Was humanity such a foreign concept to someone like him?
As Justin was led away by a staff member to inspect the rest of the villa, Addison stood still for a moment, allowing herself to collect her thoughts. She had a job to do.
The tension between Justin and the staff was palpable—a fragile dynamic just waiting to break. And as she followed him into the expansive conference room to prepare for the meeting, Addison knew she had to find a way to navigate this world—this relentless, cutthroat world—without losing herself.
But every time she glanced at Justin—his expensive tailored suit, his arrogant posture, the sharp edges of his words—she felt that sharp, uncomfortable sting of something deep inside her: disgust.
"Addison," Pete's voice broke through her thoughts as he entered the room, his crutches clicking softly against the floor. "I've set everything up. Just make sure he stays on track. He'll try to derail the meeting if he feels like it. Don't let him."
Addison nodded, the weight of the task ahead settling heavily on her shoulders. "I'll try."
But how long could she try before Justin's ego swallowed her whole? How long before she became just another one of his disposable assistants?
Pete's presence, though steady, only seemed to remind her how quickly the stakes were rising. She was caught between wanting to do right by her brother and keeping her own integrity intact. And so, she steeled herself for what was sure to be a long, grueling few days ahead.
The meeting would be the first real test, and Addison knew she couldn't afford to fail. Not now.