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. ...