The glass doors of StarVision Entertainment towered above Clara like the entrance to another universe. The building gleamed in the morning sun, its polished windows reflecting the bustling city. She clutched her bag tighter against her side, her heart thumping as she walked into the grand lobby.
Everything about the place screamed wealth and glamour. Posters of chart-topping artists lined the walls, their perfect smiles larger than life. Assistants in sharp suits hurried across marble floors, their earpieces buzzing with instructions. Clara felt out of place in her simple blouse and skirt, but she straightened her shoulders. She was here to work, not to dazzle.
"Clara James?" A brisk voice pulled her from her thoughts. A woman in her forties, dressed immaculately in navy blue, stood holding a tablet. "I'm Ms. Grant, Mr. Cole's senior manager. Follow me, please. And… good luck."
The way she said good luck made Clara's stomach tighten.
They walked through a maze of hallways before stopping in front of a heavy wooden door. Ms. Grant knocked once, then opened it. "Mr. Cole, this is your new assistant. Clara James."
The room was spacious, the kind of office that screamed exclusivity. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city. Gold records lined the walls. And on the leather couch by the window sat Adrian Cole himself, sunglasses on, scrolling lazily through his phone.
Clara's breath caught despite herself. He was even more striking in person tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair falling effortlessly into place. But his presence carried an edge, a quiet arrogance that filled the room.
He didn't look up as he spoke. "She looks too quiet. I said I need someone efficient, not a wallflower."
Clara stiffened. She hadn't even opened her mouth yet.
Ms. Grant gave her a sharp glance, as if warning her to stay calm. "Clara comes highly recommended. She'll handle your schedule, calls, and events."
Adrian finally looked up, lowering his sunglasses just enough to reveal piercing gray eyes. He studied Clara for a moment, his lips twitching into something that wasn't quite a smile. "We'll see about that."
He stood, towering over her as he closed the distance. "Rule number one my time is gold. Don't waste it. Rule number two don't bother me with questions I don't feel like answering. And rule number three". He leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping. "Don't mistake my kindness for friendliness. I don't do… personal."
Clara's cool composure almost cracked, but she forced a polite smile. "Understood. Though from what I've seen so far, kindness isn't something I'll have to worry about."
Ms. Grant's eyes widened, but Adrian's lips curved in genuine amusement. He hadn't expected her to bite back.
"Hmm," he said, tilting his head. "Maybe you're not as dull as you look."
Clara wanted to roll her eyes but kept her expression neutral. She was here to do a job, not win an argument.
Adrian tapped his watch. "Your first test my schedule for today. Meetings, a radio interview, then rehearsal. Keep me on track. One slip, and you're out."
"Noted," Clara said calmly, taking out her notepad. "Shall we start with the meeting at ten? If you leave in fifteen minutes, we'll be on time. Traffic reports show delays on Fifth Avenue."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "You've been here for five minutes, and you already checked traffic?"
"I came prepared," Clara replied smoothly. "If your time is gold, I won't waste it."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Adrian studied her like she was a puzzle he hadn't expected to be interesting. Then he smirked and slid his sunglasses back on.
"Fine. Let's see how long you last."
As he walked past her toward the door, Clara exhaled slowly. She wasn't sure if she'd passed his test or simply stepped into a storm she wasn't ready for.
But one thing was certain working with Adrian Cole was going to be nothing like her ordinary life. And though she didn't know it yet, this was only the beginning of something neither of them could control.