Ashley Robert's heart pounded as she rushed through the streets of Chicago, dodging pedestrians and honking cars. She was late—again.
She barely had time to greet her neighbors as she sprinted toward the bus stop, silently cursing her luck. This job interview meant everything. Another rejection, and she might just lose her mind.
I just want a soft life like everyone else… She sighed. A stable job, a car, maybe even a driver. Is that too much to ask?
But reality had other plans.
When she finally reached the towering glass building, her breath hitched. It was breathtaking—a place where power and money ruled.
Ashley straightened her blazer, forced a smile, and stepped inside.
"Good morning, Miss Ashley Robert," the receptionist said, barely glancing up from her screen.
Ashley beamed. "Yeah, I'm here for the interview. Hope I'm not too late?"
The receptionist hesitated. "I'm sorry, but… we sent an email. We're no longer recruiting."
Ashley's smile froze. "…What?"
"Orders came from above."
A cold weight settled in her stomach. The third time. The third time she had prepared, hoped, only to be shut down without even a chance.
"We apologize for the inconvenience."
Ashley clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She forced a tight-lipped smile. "It's fine. Not your fault."
But as she turned to leave, she muttered under her breath, "God will punish you all for this nonsense."
The cool Chicago breeze brushed against her face as she walked aimlessly. Her phone buzzed.
Victoria.
"Hey, how was the interview?" her best friend's voice chirped.
Ashley exhaled. "Same as always. Another waste of time."
Victoria sighed. "Come meet me for lunch. My treat."
Ashley hesitated, then nodded to herself. "Fine. Send me the address."
---
The restaurant was warm, buzzing with energy. Ashley spotted Victoria immediately—her glossy brown hair standing out like a beacon.
"There you are!" Victoria pulled her into a hug, the scent of expensive perfume clinging to her clothes.
Ashley smiled faintly. "You smell rich."
Victoria laughed. "You look stunning."
They ordered food, but Ashley barely tasted hers. She forced a few laughs at Victoria's stories, but her thoughts drifted.
Then Victoria's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her face lighting up in shock.
"Ashley, I have to go. The CEO—our long-absent boss—just arrived."
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "The boss you've never seen in five years?"
Victoria nodded. "Sanchez Vincenzo. They say he's ruthless."
Ashley scoffed. "Rich people and their drama."
Victoria grabbed her bag. "I'll call you later, okay?"
As she rushed out, something shiny fell from her pocket.
Ashley picked it up. Her ID card.
"Damn it, Vic," she muttered, hurrying outside.
Ashley pushed through the sleek glass doors of Victoria's office.
The place screamed wealth. Everything—from the marble floors to the gold-accented décor—oozed power.
She clutched Victoria's ID card, scanning the busy floor for her friend. Just as she was about to call her, a loud voice cut through the air.
"YOU CALL THIS PROFESSIONALISM?"
Ashley's head snapped toward the source.
A tall, broad-shouldered man in an expensive tailored suit stood in the center of the room, his icy glare pinning a trembling receptionist to the spot.
Her hands shook as she stammered, "I-I'm sorry, sir! It was a mistake—"
Before she could finish, a slap echoed through the room.
Ashley's breath caught. The receptionist crumpled to her knees, tears spilling down her face. The entire floor fell silent.
Ashley saw red.
The sharp click of her heels shattered the silence as she stormed forward, eyes blazing.
"HEY!"
The man turned, amusement flickering in his cold gaze. He smirked.
Ashley didn't care who he was. "Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Gasps rippled through the room.
Vincenzo tilted his head, intrigued. "Excuse me?"
Ashley took another step. "You don't have the right to put your hands on her. Who raised you? A pack of wolves?"
A flicker of annoyance crossed his face. "This is none of your business."**
Ashley scoffed. "Oh, but it is. I don't care if you're the President. You should be ashamed of yourself."
Vincenzo's smirk vanished. His gaze turned lethal. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
Ashley didn't flinch. "I don't give a damn."
Before anyone could stop her, her palm connected with his cheek.
The impact sent a shocked hush through the room.
Vincenzo staggered slightly. A thin trickle of blood formed at the corner of his lip.
Everyone froze.
Victoria yanked Ashley's arm. "What the hell did you just do?"
Ashley tossed her the ID card. "I came to return this. Didn't expect to teach a grown man some manners while I was at it."
Vincenzo wiped the blood from his lip, his cold eyes locking onto hers.
"You'll regret this."
Ashley smirked. "Bring it on, asshole."
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"Wait… isn't that Sanchez Vincenzo?"
Ashley's stomach twisted. Shit.
Victoria paled. "Ashley, that's the CEO of this company."
The air was thick with tension.
Vincenzo gave her one last look before turning on h
is heel.
Ashley refused to shrink. Even as reality set in, she squared her shoulders.
This man might be powerful, but I refuse to be intimidated.