The building loomed ahead like a silver monolith—sleek, expensive, unapologetically powerful. Just like him.

I adjusted my blazer, took a breath I didn’t quite believe in, and stepped into the lobby of Black & Ryker Consulting. My heels echoed on the marble as I reminded myself: this is a new start. A fresh beginning. I needed this job.

The receptionist smiled too brightly. “You must be Ms. Carter! HR’s been waiting.”

I nodded, smiled, and tried not to think about how my ...