When Elena returned to New York, reality hit her like a storm.
Her mother's medical bills had piled higher. Her brother had called, voice shaking with worry. The little interior design firm she worked for was struggling to survive.
Every dollar from the Knight International contract was already spoken for.
Late one evening, she sat at her kitchen table, staring at the numbers until they blurred. The weight on her shoulders felt unbearable.
That's when her phone buzzed.
Alexander.
"Meet me tomorrow. 9 a.m. Sharp. Don't be late."
No explanation. No courtesy. Just a command.
Elena wanted to throw her phone across the room. But she couldn't. She needed this project. She needed him—though she hated admitting it.
The next morning, she found him waiting in his office, immaculate as always. He studied her face for a long moment before speaking.
"You're distracted."
Her chin lifted. "I'm fine."
His eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me. I don't tolerate weakness."
Anger flared inside her. "Not everyone has billions to hide behind, Mr. Knight. Some of us actually have to struggle."
For once, Alexander didn't fire back. He just looked at her—really looked at her—with something that almost resembled… guilt?
"Elena," he said finally, his voice lower, softer. "If you need help—"
"I don't want your charity," she snapped.
The tension hung thick between them. But when she stormed out of his office, Alexander's gaze followed her, dark and unreadable.
And deep down, Elena knew he wasn't done with her.