The building was glass and steel—sleek, modern, intimidating. I adjusted the hem of my skirt for the fifth time, knowing it was maybe an inch too short, but also knowing I needed every edge I could get. I was just a girl with a good GPA, no family name, no connections, and a dream of making it in this ruthless city.

The receptionist barely glanced at me before motioning to the elevator. “Thirty-second floor. Mr. Hale will see you.”

Mr. Dominic Hale. Founder of the elite Hale & Lex ...