(Evelyn's POV)
I was halfway through getting dressed when my phone rang.
I glanced at the screen, unfamiliar number, international code. For a second, I considered letting it ring out. Then I answered.
"Evelyn Hart," I said.
"Good morning, Ms. Hart," a woman's voice replied—polite, calm, professional. "This is Halcyon. You're expected at the headquarters within the hour."
Expected.
Not invited.
My fingers tightened around the phone. "Today?"
"Yes," she said smoothly. "Please come directly. No delays."
The call ended before I could ask anything else.
I stood there for a moment, phone still pressed to my ear, then slowly lowered it.
So this was how it began.
Liora was already in the kitchen when I came downstairs, coffee in hand, hair tied back neatly. She looked up the moment she saw my face.
"That expression again," she said. "What happened?"
"Halcyon called," I replied. "They want me there. Now."
Her eyebrows shot up. "Already?"
I nodded. "Apparently."
She grabbed her keys without another word. "Go change. I'll drive."
The ride was quiet at first. Not tense—just focused. The city blurred past the windows as traffic thickened, morning noise settling into its usual rhythm.
"Nervous?" Liora asked, eyes still on the road.
I considered it, then shook my head slightly. "Not really."
She glanced at me. "That doesn't sound convincing."
I smiled faintly. "I'm past nervous. I just want to see who thinks they can summon people like this."
Halcyon's building rose into view soon after—tall, clean-lined, glass reflecting the sky. It didn't try to intimidate. It didn't need to.
The moment we stepped inside, everything changed.
Staff members greeted me by name. Doors opened before I reached them. Smiles were polite but measured, as if everyone already knew exactly where I stood in the hierarchy.
A woman approached us near the elevators. She was composed, sharp-eyed, dressed in neutral tones that screamed authority without effort.
"Evelyn Hart," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Sophia."
I blinked once. Of course.
She smiled lightly. "I oversaw the Milan evaluation."
"I know," I replied, shaking her hand. "You didn't waste time."
She chuckled. "Halcyon rarely does."
She gestured toward the elevators. "The CEO is expecting you."
Liora stepped closer instinctively, but Sophia raised a hand gently. "You'll wait here."
Before Liora could protest, another woman appeared—young, fair, striking in a soft way. Perfect posture. Calm smile.
"I'll take Ms. Hart from here," she said.
Sophia nodded and turned to Liora. "Someone will stay with you."
Liora shot me a look. I gave her a small nod. I'm fine.
The assistant led me down a long corridor, quiet and carpeted, until we reached a door at the far end.
"This is it," she said, unlocking it. "Go in."
"And you?" I asked.
She smiled once. "I'll be outside."
The door closed behind me with a soft click.
Then I heard the lock.
I didn't turn immediately.
The room was large. Minimal. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, sunlight pouring in. At the far end, a man stood with his back to me, hands in his pockets, staring out at the skyline like it owed him something.
"Sit," he said.
Not unkind. Not loud.
Just final.
I did.
He didn't turn.
"Halcyon moves fast," he continued. "Once a decision is made, we don't linger on ceremony."
I crossed my legs, keeping my posture steady. "That's obvious."
A pause.
"You'll begin preliminary campaigns next week," he said. "International exposure will follow within the quarter. You'll represent the brand in Europe and Asia. Full exclusivity."
I listened carefully. No hesitation. No warmth either.
"There will be restrictions," he added. "Your public image matters. Personal affiliations will be monitored. Media narratives will be curated."
"So," I said calmly, "I won't belong to myself anymore."
He exhaled, almost amused. "You will belong to Halcyon."
I glanced down at the table in front of me.
A folder lay there. Thick. Immaculate.
"The contract," he said. "Read it. Sign if you agree."
Still, he didn't turn around.
I opened the folder.
Every page was precise. Clauses layered with protection—mostly for them. Expectations were high. Penalties were brutal. But the opportunities… undeniable.
This was the price.
When I finished, I picked up the pen and signed.
The sound echoed louder than it should have.
"Congratulations," he said. "You're officially Halcyon's."
I closed the folder slowly. "You haven't even looked at me."
Silence.
"You're dismissed," he replied instead.
I stood.
As I turned toward the door, my eyes caught the nameplate on his desk.
Alexander Vale.
CEO.
I stopped.
"So this is how you do things," I said, my voice sharp despite myself. "No face. No handshake. Just orders."
He didn't move.
I let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "Good to know."
Then I opened the door and walked out—already certain of one thing.
Working with Halcyon wouldn't be easy.
And working with Alexander Vale would be worse.