The elevator ride to the top floor felt too slow. Lila’s heels clicked nervously on the polished marble. Her fingers clutched the leather folder in her arms like it was armor. Her resume was perfect. Her GPA flawless. Her recommendations glowing. But nothing prepared her for him.
Julian Cross.
CEO of Cross & Vale. Billionaire. Forty-two. Built an empire from dust and ruthlessness. Every article called him a genius. Every whispered office rumor called him cold. Calculating. Intimidating. Impossible to work under.
And now she was about to interview with him.
The elevator opened with a soft ding. The reception area looked more like an art museum—glass walls, abstract sculptures, silence that swallowed every footstep. The receptionist didn’t even glance up. “You can go in.”
Lila blinked.
