Chapter 3 Closer to the Enemy

The elevator doors opened to a world of glass and quiet power.

Kane Enterprises stood higher than any other building in Halston City.

Every corner shined with polished perfection.

Every step echoed softly against marble floors.

Ava adjusted her blazer and took a slow breath.

Her heels clicked as she walked toward the front desk.

This was her first day at Leo Kane's company.

It felt strange to walk in through the front door after breaking in through the window only nights ago.

The receptionist smiled politely. "Good morning, Miss Montgomery. Mr. Kane is expecting you."

Ava returned the smile. "Thank you."

She could feel the weight of eyes following her as she walked toward the private elevator.

Some knew her as the rich daughter of Richard Montgomery.

None knew she was also The Night Fox.

The elevator doors opened again, revealing the top floor.

It was quiet.

Too quiet.

Ava stepped out, taking in the wide space of glass walls, black furniture, and soft city light.

A man stood by the window with his back to her.

He turned when she entered.

Leo Kane.

He was wearing a dark suit again.

Calm, composed, impossible to read.

The morning light reflected off his silver watch.

"Ava Montgomery," he said with a small smile. "You are early."

"I like to be prepared," she said softly.

"I like that," he replied. "Let us hope you are also as good at your job as you are at sneaking into offices."

Her heart skipped, but she kept her face still. "Excuse me?"

He smiled slightly. "A joke. I wanted to see how you handle surprises."

Ava smiled politely. "I handle them well."

He watched her for a moment longer before nodding. "Good. Follow me."

He led her through the office, explaining her role.

She would assist him with data reviews and upcoming company meetings.

She was also to help prepare for the merger with Montgomery Industries.

Every word he said sounded calm and professional.

Yet every time their eyes met, she felt the tension between them.

It was quiet but strong.

When they reached his office, he gestured toward a smaller desk near his own.

"This will be your workspace," he said.

Ava nodded. "It is perfect."

He leaned against his desk. "Tell me something, Miss Montgomery. Why does the daughter of a billionaire want to work here?"

Ava met his gaze. "I like challenges."

"Do you?" he asked softly.

"Yes. They make life interesting."

Leo smiled faintly. "I will keep that in mind."

For the next hour, Ava focused on her computer, pretending to work through spreadsheets.

In truth, she was scanning through encrypted folders, looking for anything connected to her father's secret deals.

She was careful. She knew Leo's office had high security.

Still, she felt his eyes on her more than once.

When she finally looked up, he was standing near the window, talking on the phone.

His voice was low and steady.

Even when he spoke to someone else, his presence filled the room.

Nina's voice came quietly through Ava's earpiece.

"You are inside his office. How does it feel?"

"Dangerous," Ava whispered. "He is sharper than I thought."

"Then keep your distance."

"I will try," Ava said, but she was not sure she meant it.

When Leo ended his call, he walked over to her desk.

"You look focused," he said.

"I am," she replied.

"Good. I like people who know what they want."

He placed a file in front of her. "Review this contract. Tell me what you think."

Ava opened it. The numbers inside looked clean, but something felt off.

She frowned slightly.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

"There is a hidden clause," she said quietly. "It changes the payment structure. It is written to look harmless, but it will shift control to the other company."

Leo's eyes sharpened. "You saw that already?"

"Yes," she said simply.

He smiled. "Impressive. Most people do not notice until it is too late."

"I pay attention," she said.

"I can see that," he replied. "Maybe I underestimated you."

"Most people do," she said softly.

He gave her a small, unreadable smile. "That is their mistake."

Hours passed quickly.

They worked side by side, their conversations short but full of quiet sparks.

Every word felt like a small test, a slow dance neither could step out of.

By lunchtime, Ava was exhausted but strangely excited.

When she tried to leave, Leo stopped her.

"Eat with me," he said simply.

Ava hesitated. "That might not look professional."

"I am not asking for a date," he said with a hint of amusement. "I am asking for company."

She hesitated again, then nodded. "Alright."

They sat in the small private dining room beside his office.

Food was already set on the table, neatly arranged.

Leo poured them both water.

"So," he said, "tell me about yourself."

Ava smiled slightly. "What would you like to know?"

"Anything you are willing to share."

She looked down at her plate. "I like quiet places. I like reading. And I do not trust people easily."

He smiled faintly. "Honest answers. I like that."

"What about you?" she asked.

"I like control," he said. "And I like when people surprise me."

Ava looked up, meeting his eyes. "Do I surprise you?"

He leaned back slightly. "Every minute."

The room fell silent for a moment.

She felt her heart beat faster.

She looked away, pretending to study her glass.

He changed the topic quickly. "Your father speaks highly of you. Says you have his mind."

Ava's lips curved. "I hope not."

Leo chuckled softly. "You do not get along?"

"We get along when I stay quiet," she said.

He nodded slowly. "That sounds familiar."

Ava looked up at him. "Your father too?"

He hesitated, then said softly, "Something like that."

For a second, the walls between them lowered.

It was only a heartbeat, but it was real.

Later in the afternoon, Ava received a message from Nina.

Nina: You are doing well. But I found something. There is a secret meeting tonight at nine. Kane and your father will both be there.

Ava typed quickly. Ava: Where?

Nina: At the Sky Lounge. Top floor of the Meridian Hotel. Be careful.

Ava's pulse quickened. She looked up and saw Leo standing near his desk again, reading through papers.

He did not know she was watching him.

He looked calm, serious, and too hard to read.

She whispered under her breath, "What are you hiding, Leo Kane?"

When the workday ended, Ava stood to leave.

Leo looked up. "Long first day?"

"It was interesting," she said.

He smiled slightly. "I expected nothing less."

She reached for her bag, but he stopped her with one quiet question.

"Will you be at the Sky Lounge tonight?"

Her heart skipped. "Why?"

"There is a private meeting. Your father said he might bring you."

Ava forced a calm smile. "Maybe I will."

"Good," he said softly. "I like surprises."

That night, Ava stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her mask again.

The black fabric fit perfectly against her face.

Her heart was steady.

The heiress was gone.

The Night Fox had returned.

She whispered softly, "If he wants to play, then I will play too."

Outside, rain began to fall over Halston City.

Lightning flashed faintly in the sky.

Somewhere across town, Leo Kane was also getting ready for the same meeting.

Both were walking straight into a storm, and neither planned to lose.