The next morning, Lina stood in front of a building so tall it seemed to touch the clouds.
She tilted her head back.
And back.
"…This is insane."
The glass tower gleamed under the morning sun, people in formal clothes walking in and out like it was nothing.
Meanwhile, she stood there in her simplest outfit, nervously fixing her sleeves.
She looked down at the card again.
Adrian Hale. CEO.
"No way… this has to be a joke…"
But it didn't feel like one.
Taking a deep breath, Lina stepped inside.
The moment the glass doors opened—
Cool air wrapped around her.
The lobby sparkled. Marble floors, gold accents, quiet conversations, the faint clicking of heels.
Everything felt… expensive.
She suddenly became very aware of her shoes.
Don't overthink it, she told herself. You're here to work.
She walked up to the front desk.
"Um, excuse me…"
The receptionist looked up, polite but slightly confused.
"Yes?"
"I'm here to… work?" Lina said awkwardly. "Mr. Hale told me to come."
There was a brief pause.
"…Do you have an appointment?"
Lina quickly handed over the card.
The receptionist's expression changed instantly.
"Oh—!"
She straightened.
"One moment, please."
Within seconds, someone was called.
And just like that—
Everything shifted.
People started paying attention.
Whispers spread.
"Who is she?"
"Why does she have the CEO's card?"
"Is she important?"
Lina shrank slightly under the attention.
I don't belong here…
Then—
A familiar voice cut through the tension.
"She's with me."
Lina turned.
And there he was.
Adrian Hale.
Perfectly dressed. Composed. Untouchable.
Except now—
He was looking directly at her.
"You're on time," he said.
"I—yes!"
"Good."
He turned and began walking.
"Follow me."
Lina hesitated only a second before hurrying after him.
As they stepped into the private elevator, the doors sliding shut behind them—
Her heart pounded.
She glanced at him.
Then quickly looked away.
"…Sir," she said softly.
"Yes?"
"…Are you really making me work in a place like this… just to pay for your suit?"
A pause.
Then—
"No."
Lina blinked.
"…No?"
Adrian looked at her.
And this time—
There was no trace of coldness in his eyes.
"I'm giving you a chance," he said quietly.
The elevator continued rising.
And Lina had a feeling—
Her life was about to change in ways she never imagined.