Amara Reyes adjusted the strap of her tote bag for the fifth time, though it didn't stop her nerves from buzzing. She stood across the street from the glass-and-steel tower of Kane Global, craning her neck to take in the height of it. The building sliced into the clouds like it had every right to own the sky, just as its owner had claimed nearly every corner of the business world.
Her heart thudded. This was it—the chance she couldn't afford to lose.
She exhaled a shaky breath, whispering a pep talk to herself. You've handled worse, Amara. You've worked double shifts, pulled all-nighters, kept things together when everything was falling apart. This is just another challenge. Just… with more marble floors and richer people.
Crossing the street, she stepped through the revolving doors and into a lobby that could have doubled as a museum. Crystal chandeliers glowed from ceilings high enough to hold a cathedral. Polished marble floors reflected her scuffed heels, and massive arrangements of white orchids graced tables that probably cost more than her rent.
Her breath caught as she took it all in. She felt small, out of place, like a street performer who had stumbled into a palace.
Still, she forced her shoulders back and approached the sleek reception desk. "Amara Reyes," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. "I'm here for the assistant position."
The receptionist glanced up, her perfect bun and designer blouse making Amara instantly aware of her discount-store blazer. Still, the woman's professional smile didn't waver as she typed quickly. "Take the elevator to the sixty-second floor. Mr. Kane is waiting."
Amara blinked. Mr. Kane? Himself? She'd expected a human resources representative, maybe an office manager. Not him.
Her stomach dropped. "Oh. Thank you."
The elevator ride stretched like an eternity. She tried to steady her breathing, but each floor that ticked upward only tightened the knot in her stomach. She thought of her younger sister, Sofia, who had texted her that morning: Good luck today. Don't let him scare you.
Easier said than done.
The doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a hallway of glass-walled offices and panoramic views of Manhattan that nearly stole her breath. She followed the signs until she reached a pair of frosted glass doors at the end of the corridor. They were already open.
Inside, a man stood with his back to her, framed by the city skyline. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his posture radiating confidence. Even from behind, he looked powerful—untouchable.
When he turned, Amara's breath faltered.
Adrian Kane was not just handsome. He was devastating. His suit fit as though it had been stitched onto him by hand, his sharp jawline catching the golden morning light. But it was his eyes that rooted her to the spot—piercing steel-blue, assessing her like she was a stock price he could raise or ruin with a single glance.
"Miss Reyes," he said, his voice low and commanding. "You're late."
Her cheeks burned. She checked her watch—she was on time. Correcting the most powerful man in New York on her first meeting seemed suicidal. But swallowing her words didn't sit right either.
She lifted her chin. "Actually, Mr. Kane, I'm exactly on time."
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in his eyes. Surprise. Amusement. Then it was gone, replaced by a cool, unreadable mask.
"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to a sleek leather chair opposite his massive glass desk.
Amara obeyed, clutching her tote on her lap. His office was minimalist but breathtaking—abstract art on the walls, awards gleaming on shelves, a bar cart glinting in the corner. Every inch screamed wealth and control.
Adrian sat across from her, folding his hands. "I don't hire assistants," he said.
Her brow furrowed. "I… don't understand."
"I replace them." His voice was flat, as though reciting facts. "They burn out. They make mistakes. Or they quit. This company doesn't wait for anyone. Neither do I."
Her stomach twisted, but she steadied her voice. "And yet… you keep hiring."
The corner of his mouth twitched, almost a smile. "Bold."
"I'm not trying to be bold," she said quickly. "I'm trying to be useful."
For the first time, his gaze softened. Not much, but enough to make her breath catch. He leaned back in his chair, studying her as if she were a puzzle.
"You're not like the others."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Don't." His lips curved faintly. "You'll find out soon enough if it is."
Silence stretched between them. The city glittered behind him, sunlight bouncing off skyscrapers. Amara's pulse hammered in her throat.
Adrian flipped open a file on his desk. "Your résumé. Administrative work. Small firms. No corporate experience."
"Yes," she admitted. "But I learn fast. And I work harder than most."
"Define harder."
"I don't quit when things get difficult," she said, meeting his gaze. "I've had two jobs at once since I was sixteen. I put myself through college. I don't scare easily."
Adrian leaned forward, elbows on the desk, eyes sharp as blades. "Everyone scares, Miss Reyes. The question is—what happens after?"
Her throat went dry. But she didn't look away. "Then I keep going."
A beat of silence. Then, unexpectedly, he closed the file.
"You start Monday."
Amara blinked. "Wait—just like that?"
"Do you want the job or not?"
"Yes, of course, but—"
"Then don't question it." He stood, already dismissing her. "You'll report directly to me. Don't be late. Don't make excuses. And don't try to impress me. You'll fail."
Her chest tightened at the bluntness, but she forced herself to nod. "Understood."
She rose, clutching her tote. As she turned toward the door, his voice stopped her.
"One more thing, Miss Reyes."
She froze. "Yes?"
His gaze was steady, unreadable. "You only get one chance with me. Don't waste it."
Her pulse quickened. "I won't."
He studied her a moment longer, as if testing the truth of her words. Then he turned back to the window, the city sprawling beneath him like an empire.
Amara slipped out of the office, her legs trembling, her mind racing. She should feel relieved—she had the job. But all she could think about was the way Adrian Kane's gaze had pierced through her, as if he saw far more than her résumé.
And though she hated to admit it, something deep inside her stirred. A spark she hadn't expected. Dangerous. Thrilling. The kind of spark that could change everything.