The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Ava Serrano stepped into the thirty-fifth floor of Vale Industries.
Polished black marble floors. Silver and glass panels. Everything reflected power—and danger.
Ava's heels clicked confidently as she walked across the lobby, but her mind was sharp, scanning exits, cameras, and guard rotations. This wasn't just a job interview. It was a mission.
Beneath her sleek black blazer and soft white blouse was a hidden wire, connected to Elena on the other end. A simple tap to her earring could send a distress signal.
But Ava didn't plan to be caught.
She approached the receptionist with a practiced smile.
"I'm here to see Mr. Vale," she said smoothly. "Ava Sinclair."
The fake name rolled off her tongue with ease. One of many identities she'd rehearsed.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, typed something into her system, and gave her a guest badge. "He's expecting you."
Expecting her. That made her pause.
Ava entered the inner offices, escorted by a silent assistant. Past frosted glass doors and minimalist art. Vale's empire looked cold and beautiful. Like him, she'd heard.
When the assistant left her in a dark, silent room, Ava finally exhaled.
She took in her surroundings: the glass desk, the leather chairs, the view of the city. And then…
A door clicked.
She turned.
And there he was.
Damien Vale.
He walked in without a word, tall and shadowed in a fitted black suit. His pale blue eyes studied her like an x-ray, as if he already knew everything about her.
Ava stood straighter, meeting his gaze head-on.
"Ms. Sinclair," he said in a low voice. "You look... capable."
Her heart beat once—too fast.
"Thank you, Mr. Vale."
"You've worked in pharmaceuticals, data logistics, and behavioral consulting. Impressive, but inconsistent."
Ava smiled. "I adapt quickly."
Damien sat. "Or you lie well."
The air froze.
She kept her expression neutral, legs crossed, voice steady. "Is that a problem?"
He leaned forward, smirking slightly. "Not for me."
The tension stretched. Not just professional—something else. Dangerous. Intriguing.
Then, Damien slid a contract across the desk.
"Be here tomorrow at 7 a.m. sharp."
Ava blinked. "I have the job?"
"You had it the second you walked in and didn't flinch."
He stood. She did, too.
Just before she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.
"Oh, and Ava…"
She froze.
He looked straight into her eyes.
"…don't ever lie to me again."
The door closed behind her.
And Ava smiled—for the first time that day.
Because she'd just lied to him... and gotten away with it.
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