The M.K. Company skyscraper towered over the city like a steel giant, its reflective glass exterior gleaming under the morning sun. From a distance, it looked like a beacon of success—luxury, wealth, and power all wrapped into one immaculate structure. To most people, it was an inspiring sight. To Emmy Carter, it was war in its purest form.
She paused at the base of the building, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag a little tighter. The fake employee ID pinned to her chest felt heavier than ever—not just a piece of plastic, but a symbol of the deception she had spent months perfecting.
This is it, Emmy. Years of planning… all leading to this moment. Don't screw it up.
Her jaw tightened. Her mind flashed back to the tragedy that had stolen everything from her: the fire that had taken her parents, the betrayal of people she once trusted, and the countless nights she had cried herself to sleep while scraping by with menial jobs just to survive. Yet, she had not broken. She had rebuilt herself, sharpening her mind like a blade. Today, she walked into the lion's den with that blade ready to strike.
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Stepping Into the Battlefield
The lobby was a world unto itself. Polished marble floors reflected the morning light, and glass panels made the space feel infinite. Employees in sharp suits glided past her, carrying cups of overpriced coffee, murmuring in hushed tones that smelled of ambition, power, and—if she wasn't careful—corruption.
Keep your head down. Play the part. No one can know why you're really here.
She adjusted her posture, straightening her back and plastering on a polished corporate smile.
"Emmy Carter, new hire," she said confidently, her voice calm despite the storm raging inside.
The receptionist barely looked up, her sleek hair brushing past her shoulders as she flicked through her screen.
"Seventh floor," she said flatly. "Report to Mr. Dovdona's office."
Mr. Dovdona? Emmy's brow creased. She had memorized every executive name at M.K. Company—but this one wasn't on her list.
New player… or someone Keylor keeps hidden in the shadows? she wondered, pushing the thought aside. Now wasn't the time for doubts.
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The Elevator Ride
The elevator doors slid closed with a soft ding, enclosing her in silence. The air smelled faintly of disinfectant and cool metal—a sterile, unwelcoming scent. She pressed the button for the seventh floor, feeling the floor numbers tick upward one by one: 3… 4… 5…
This is it. One wrong move and everything falls apart. One wrong glance, one poorly chosen word…
Emmy took a deep breath, letting her mind focus. Years of preparation had taught her control, patience, and the ability to think ten steps ahead. This moment was simply the first move on her chessboard.
The elevator stopped at the seventh floor, and the doors slid open. The atmosphere changed instantly—quiet, sharp, almost electric. The executive floor was a world apart from the bustling lower levels. Employees moved with precision and poise, their tailored outfits and controlled movements radiating power and authority.
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The First Encounter
Her heels clicked against the pristine black tiles as she approached a desk. Before she could even place the files she carried down, a smooth, deep voice cut through the silence.
"New girl?"
Emmy froze, her heart skipping a beat. She looked up—and there he was.
Aiden Dovdona.
He leaned casually against the edge of the desk, his blue eyes sharp and unreadable, taking her in with an almost predatory calm. His black suit was tailored perfectly, every line and crease in place, and his aura screamed privilege, confidence, and danger.
Infuriatingly handsome… and arrogant as hell, Emmy thought, her chest tightening.
"Name?" he asked casually, as if the question was more of a formality than an interest.
"Emmy Carter, sir," she replied, forcing her lips into a polite smile.
Aiden's smirk widened, the corner of his mouth twitching as if amused by the word "sir."
"Sir? Oh, one of those overly respectful types. How… boring," he said, leaning back slightly, eyes glinting with mischief.
Emmy's jaw clenched. Oh, this is going to be fun…
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The Challenge
Without warning, Aiden grabbed a stack of thick files and dropped them onto a nearby desk with a resounding thud. The papers slid and rattled across the surface.
"Read through these," he ordered. "Summarize the key points. Have a full report ready by lunch."
Emmy's eyes widened. Lunch? Two hundred pages? Are you serious?
She forced herself to inhale slowly, squaring her shoulders. Of course. I didn't come this far to be intimidated by a pile of papers.
"Of course," she said, her voice smooth, controlled. "I love a challenge."
Aiden's smirk deepened, almost imperceptibly approving, as he leaned back in his chair.
He thinks he's testing me… good. Let him. I've been ready for this my entire life.
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Stepping Into Her Role
Emmy lifted the files, feeling their weight in her arms. Each sheet was a reminder of why she was here, a symbol of the years of planning, the sleepless nights, the intelligence and cunning she had honed to perfection.
She turned toward her desk, ignoring the magnetic pull of Aiden's gaze. She didn't need him to watch; she thrived under pressure, and this was just the beginning.
This isn't a job. This is war. And Emmy Carter never loses.
The files hit the desk with a soft thud, papers cascading slightly from the top. She sat, organized her thoughts, and began scanning through the dense, complex information. Every line, every word, every hidden implication mattered. This wasn't just a task—it was her first strike inside Keylor's empire.
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The First Spark
Even as she worked, she felt it—a tension in the air whenever Aiden glanced at her, a silent acknowledgment that this wasn't just another employee. He knew there was fire behind her eyes, and for the first time in his life, someone matched him in focus, determination, and intelligence.
She didn't look up. She didn't need to. But she felt it—the battle had begun, and neither would back down.
This is only the beginning, Emmy. The empire falls one move at a time. And today… today is the first move.
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