Chapter 2 The Interview

Chapter Two

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and the woman looking back at me barely resembled someone ready to face the day. My eyes were rimmed with fear, the stress between my brows carved deep like a permanent mark. I hadn't slept a single second last night but thanks to a generous hand of concealer, it didn't look as awful as it felt.

I let out a long breath, only one name echoing over and over in my mind.

Jaxon Thorne.

The same name I'd been hearing nonstop since returning to Chicago. He was the miraculous billionaire who resurrected his father's failing empire and pushed it so far up the ladder that other corporate giants were scrambling to keep up. No one could deny the man's brilliance.

But that wasn't what had me trembling like a brittle leaf in a freezing storm.

It was the legend surrounding his reputation for being cold, brutal, and utterly void of mercy. They said he was the most dangerous businessman in Chicago.

That he had sent his own mother to prison.

That he kept a gun for people who dared cross him.

My God...

Working under a man like that?

Stealing information from right beneath his watchful eyes?

It felt as insane as resurrecting the dead.

If he discovered what I was doing, I might as well dig my grave beforehand. A violent shiver ran down my spine.

Please, God... I need help.

My phone buzzing broke me out of my spiraling thoughts. I walked over and watched the caller ID blink until the final ring sounded before I picked up.

"Your appointment is at exactly 10:00."

"Hm."

"Seraphina, don't try anything clever. If I find out and trust me, my gray-haired friends won't even get the chance to say goodbye."

My fingers clenched around the phone. "If you hurt even one of them, I swear, Mr. Creed"

He hung up.

Cowardly bastard...

A glance at my watch told me it was 9:27. I was already dressed, waiting for that call like a nervous prisoner awaiting judgment. Steeling myself, I grabbed my documents, walked to my car, and drove toward the Thorne Corporation headquarters. With every mile closer, my heartbeat sped up, and panic clawed higher in my chest.

Why did life insist on being so cruel?

When the skyscraper came into view, I parked and stepped out. My hands smoothed down my knee-length skirt and my blue blouse, trying to flatten out nervous creases more than actual fabric wrinkles. Inhaling deeply, I forced myself to enter the building. After the receptionist directed me, I took the elevator to the top floor.

The devil's nest.

When the doors slid open, I stepped out and wiped my sweaty palms on my skirt. The floor was sleek and modern white, gray, and black tones with splashes of color from the tasteful paintings lining the walls.

"Ms. Seraphina Vale?"

I turned to see a neatly dressed man walking toward me. Late twenties, confident stride, professional expression.

I nodded though my grip on my documents tightened. For a horrifying second I imagined him pointing at me and yelling TRAITOR!

Instead, he smiled and reached out his hand.

"Milton Cortez. Manager of Thorne Corporation. Please follow me."

He opened the door to his office and motioned for me to sit. As I settled, my eyes darted to the corner where a small, black security camera blinked quietly.

My stomach twisted.

If even the manager's office was under heavy surveillance, that meant the entire floor had eyes. This job was becoming harder by the second.

I rubbed my temple instinctively, then dropped my hand when I remembered I was being watched. Looking up, I found him studying me with sharp eyes, as if calculating risks.

"So, you're Sarah's cousin," he said, voice pointed but not unkind. "You're filling in until she returns from her treatment abroad?"

"Yes."

Sarah-Jaxon's previous secretary. I had no idea how Creed convinced her to be part of his scheme.

"And your mother is unwell, so you're urgently in need of a job."

"Yes."

He leaned back, folding his arms. "Tell me, why should we hire you?"

Because I need to save people who rely on me.

"Because I believe a good secretary makes their boss's work more efficient and more pleasant," I replied calmly. "And I'm confident I can be that secretary."

His lips curved in approval. He flipped through my documents. "You're qualified. Experienced."

Then his eyes lifted again. "Ms. Vale, is there anything you need to disclose before we proceed?"

My stomach dropped. Did he know? No, Creed made sure my real documents had no link to him. Even my last name came from my biological father.

I pushed back my fear and forced a straight spine. "Only that I'm a little... perfectionist."

He stood and extended his hand. His expression didn't give away his decision. I smiled weakly and shook it.

Please, God... let me get this job. For them. For my family.

"Congratulations, Ms. Vale. The job is yours."

I gasped. "Thank you!"

I felt excited and terrified all at once thrilled I could protect the people I loved, terrified I would be forced to betray a man even the bravest feared.

Mr. Cortez opened a drawer and handed me a folder. "Here are your responsibilities. Sign at the bottom."

I went through everything, signed the papers, and followed him to a small office adjacent to the CEO's. There, he told me to wait until Mr. Thorne returned from a meeting. I glanced around and sure enough, another camera glinted from behind me.

Like I'd been dropped into an ocean full of sharks and told to steal from them.

Sighing, I walked to the window, watching the busy city below. I had always been known for loyalty. For honesty. But fate shoved me into a situation where I'd have to betray someone all to keep my family from falling apart.

The desk phone beeped suddenly, making my pulse jump. I clutched the spot over my heart and paced.

"You can do this. You have to do this," I whispered. "Deep breaths, Seraphina. Deep breaths..."

The phone beeped again, snapping me out of it. I grabbed the tablet, hurried out, and knocked on the CEO's door.

"Come in," a sharp voice commanded.

I entered and froze.

The office was enormous. Nearly five times the size of mine and larger than Creed's. A massive window took up the entire back wall, showcasing Chicago's skyline in all its steel-and-glass glory. In front of it stood a man, tall and broad-shouldered, hands in his pockets. His vest clung to his sturdy frame like it was tailored for no one else.

"Sir, you cal-"

"Since you're new," he said, voice deep and controlled as he cut me off, "there are three things you should know about me."

Slowly, he turned.

"First"

His gaze landed on me like a physical weight.

"I do not tolerate lateness."

I swallowed.

"Second"

His eyes locked with mine, harder than stone.

"My dealings stay private."

My breath caught.

"And third"

His jaw tightened as a dangerous fire burned in his stare.

"I despise liars."

The air left my lungs.

He hadn't even finished looking at me... and already, I was drowning.