Karen had never felt this tense in her life. Not during exams. Not even when her ex tried to propose at a funeral.
Yes her ex proposed to her at a funeral, so funny.
She kept her head down at her desk, pretending to read the same email over and over while her heart beat like it wanted to sue for stress.
"Alex Knight".
Even his name sounded sharp, powerful, dangerous.
She couldn't believe she'd run face-first into the man who signed her paychecks and had the audacity to shove her like trash.
"I hate him. Rich, rude, and built like a villain and now I have to work here... great"
💼 Later That Day…
"Karen!" Dani's voice called out, "We need to drop off these reports to the CEO's office."
Karen froze.
"M-me?"
"Yes, you. Don't worry, he won't bite. Much."
She walked to the elevator with trembling hands, carrying a slim black folder marked CONFIDENTIAL.
" Okay Just knock,drop it,leave,don't die".
She stepped out onto the top floor. Her heels echoed like gunshots in the quiet corridor.
Karen took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in." That voice again
Cold, sharp, same as before.
She entered slowly, carefully like she was stepping into a lion's den.
Alex sat at his desk, suit perfect, gaze unreadable.
But he wasn't alone.
Another man stood beside him. Taller, broader, with messy dark hair and a playful smirk.
He looked at her and smiled.
"Oh? Who's this beautiful interruption?"
Karen blinked.
Alex didn't even look at her.
"My assistant. She's leaving."
But the other man stepped forward and extended a hand.
"Luca Valentino. Investor, occasional troublemaker. And you are?"
Karen hesitated, but shook his hand.
"Karen. I… just came to drop this."
She handed the file to Alex, but he didn't take it. He glanced at it once and said coldly:
"You're five minutes late."
Karen's lips parted, "What"
"Sorry. I got the file just a moment ago, I—"
"Excuses bore me." He finally took it, eyes never meeting hers.
"You can leave now, Miss... Karen."
The way he said her name like it was both a warning and a threat made her spine straighten.
"Thank you sir," she muttered, then turned to go.
But just as she reached the door, she heard Luca's voice, low and amused
"She's cute. You should smile more, Knight. Might help with that terrifying reputation."
"I don't smile," Alex replied flatly, "Especially not at distractions" he added.
Karen froze for half a second.
Then walked out without looking back but inside?
Her blood was boiling.
Distraction?
We'll see about that, Mr. Knight.