Chapter 3 THE INTERVIEW

Sofia's POV

The days passed quickly, and my determination to infiltrate the Alejandros grew stronger. I started preparing myself for the interviews. I spent hours in front of the mirror, practicing my smile and my answers. I needed to present myself as someone who was completely oblivious to the danger surrounding their world.

"Remember, Sofs, keep it cool. Don't show any signs of fear or hesitation," Diego reminded me during one of our late-night talks.

"I know, Dee. I'll be just fine," I reassured him, trying to calm his nerves as well as mine. I understood Diego's worry. He cared for me, and it made my heart ache knowing that I might put him in danger by going after the Alejandros. But I couldn't let fear dictate my actions. I had to do this for Elena and for myself.

A day before the interview, Diego and I moved to Detroit. It was a two-hour journey by flight. We flew at night; I didn't want us reaching at broad daylight. Our men were all over the city, so they could spot us, and my dad knowing what I was up to was the last thing I wanted. He was still not supportive of me taking revenge on the Alejandros. All I needed was to ace the interview and penetrate the Alejandro empire. We lodged in a suite at a hotel close to A.A. Enterprises and tried to get some sleep.

Finally, the day of the interview arrived. I woke up early, a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through my veins. The morning air felt heavy with anticipation as I dressed meticulously, wanting to appear both professional and approachable. I had to convince them of my innocence.

"Just remember to breathe, Sofia. You got this," I whispered to myself, looking in the mirror. I practiced my smile, leaning into the confidence I knew I could project. This time, I wouldn't be the girl who faded into the background. This time, I would take center stage.

"I have made breakfast. Come have some," Diego's voice greeted me.

"My ride is waiting downstairs; I'll get this," I said, showing him the cookie I took from the plate.

"You can do it, Sofs. All the best," he replied as I made my way to the door.

"Sure," I smiled, and with that, I went out.

As I stepped into the car that would take me to the A.A. Enterprise building, I felt my heart pounding fiercely in my chest. Each beat echoed my resolve, each second a reminder that I was doing this for Elena, for justice.

Arriving at the building, I nearly froze as I glanced up at its imposing stature. The A.A. Enterprise building loomed over me, a fortress guarding secrets that could change my life forever. Its sleek glass exterior shimmered under the light, reflecting the opulence of the world inside. Shadows flickered in the corners, and I tried to shake off the feeling that I was being watched.

Taking a deep breath, I walked into the lobby. Immediately, I was engulfed by the atmosphere-opulence dripped from every corner. The walls displayed modern art pieces, bold colors splashed against a stark white background, as if to say that beauty could exist even in chaos. The marble floors gleamed under the bright lights, reflecting the lavish decor that surrounded me.

The receptionist greeted me with a practiced smile. "Welcome to A.A. Enterprise. Please take a seat; your interview will begin shortly."

I sat down, my pulse racing, a flurry of thoughts crowding my mind. I scanned the room; there were nearly a hundred applicants, each face a mirror of my own uncertainty. As I sat there, I felt the weight of all those who had been lost pushing down on me. I had to succeed for them, for Elena, but most importantly, for myself.

The clock ticked, each second stretching into an eternity, but my resolve only grew stronger. I was ready to step into this world-this world that had taken so much from me. I would gather the pieces and transform this pain into my weapon.

"Time to show them who I really am," I whispered under my breath, my heart steadying as I prepared for what lay ahead.

The interview started exactly at ten, and I was the 87th person. I was nervous for real because sitting there watching all the applicants go inside-except for the two who appeared happy - came out with sad faces really got to me. All those I thought deserved the spot couldn't get employed.

"Maya Fernandez," my name was called. I had to change my name to get here. Everything that related me to the Valor dynasty had been eradicated.

"This way," the secretary showed, and I followed her through the hallway. The large hallway filled with immense statues seemed to watch my every move. As I approached the entrance of a huge office, I spotted the statue of the great Adrian himself. Many twisted, framed pictures of great artists were displayed like an exhibition. We took a turn, and seeing the statue made my blood run cold. I felt like running and leaving everything behind; his statue alone was too big for me to handle-talk more of him.

We made our way into the office, and there he was, standing dressed in a black tuxedo. He was only in a shirt and trousers, with his back facing us, sipping his coffee and watching God knows what through the window. My eyes traced each and every part of him, feeling both lust and resentment for the man who was responsible for my sister's death. "How I wished he had no hand in my sister's death." "How I wish I could have him to myself." "How I wish I could get a taste of him." My thoughts spiraled as my eyes dropped to his torso, and I gulped down my saliva, wondering what was hiding beneath those perfectly fitted pants.

"I know i am good looking"He said

OMG! His voice laced with sin and lust, killing with no mercy. A deep voice full of confidence with no fear. A voice that could make any man feel vulnerable. That voice could command a lady to 'drop on your knees, baby,' and without a second thought, she would be naked on her knees." Many dirty thoughts came to my mind, which I secretly wished to experience with him, but my revenge overshadowed that lust. How could someone so dangerous appear so devastatingly attractive? I shook my head, trying to push the thought away. His eyes remained focused on the window, but it was clear he knew I was checking him out.

"And hot," I replied without a second thought.

With a final sip of his coffee, he turned around. The intensity in his piercing blue eyes was enough to send shivers down my spine. He examined me, and I felt exposed, my vulnerabilities bared and when those blue eyes met mine, my heart fluttered. He gestured toward the seat, and I sat down. Before I knew it, he was leaning closer to me.

"You don't look bad yourself," he said, his hands tracing my jawline. Even though I dressed nerdy, Diego told me I looked good thanks to the features I'd gotten from my dad. As for my mother i had nothing of hers and our relationship was terrible; I hated her, and she hated me as well. We never had a good relationship-just like we and the Alejandros. We were typical enemies. Even on her deathbed, the only thing she told me was, "I hate you, Sofia," and with that, she died. I cried even though I wasn't heartbroken; knowing she hated me was different when said out loud. I tried talking to my dad many times, but all he would say was that she faced some trauma during my pregnancy and birth.

I felt his hand tugging a hair strand behind my ear.

"I know," I winked.

He paused, then moved back, tucking his hands into his trousers. The way his shirt clung to his form exposed the shapes of his six-pack abs, his torso, and everything underneath, making me realize just how attractive he was. I was feeling damp in my pants, and damn it, I was wet for him. Wet for my sister's killer. Wet for my enemy.

"Why?" was all he asked.

"Why what?" I replied, confused and overwhelmed by desire.

"The job." Okay, believe me, Adrian's arrogance is unmatched. How could he ask such silly questions during an interview?

"Your good looks can't be let go of."

"You think you have a chance?" he frowned.

"If I don't have one, I'll make one," I winked.

"You're hired," was all he said, ringing the bell. I was speechless-his voice thick with authority as if he had pronounced a death sentence rather than giving me a job.

Lucy came in like a flash, and he just nodded. With that, Lucy congratulated me and told me to be at the Enterprise by 9:00 the next morning making our way out of the office.

As I left the office, my heart was a whirlwind of emotions-triumph mixed with uncertainty. I was in now. The battle for revenge had started, and I was determined to rise above the shadows, even as the Alejandros loomed over me like a dark storm cloud.

A sense of urgency filled my gut. I knew I had one chance to make things right, and I was willing to do whatever necessary. The Alejandro empire was ruthless, built on fear and manipulation. Drug deals, betrayal, and power plays shaped their world, and I intended to use this position to gather intel, to dismantle a kingdom that had taken so much from me.

The drive back to the hotel was a blur. My mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. I imagined myself infiltrating their operations, learning their secrets, and finding a path to justice for Elena. The icy grip of despair slowly began to shift into a burning determination.

That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, envisioning the tangled web of the Alejandros' world-a world filled with lieutenants, enforcers, and an atmosphere that reeked of blood and treachery. Their kingdom extended well beyond their lavish mansion. It radiated chaos and control, reaching its tendrils into every dark alleyway of Detroit. I was now a part of that, and embracing this darkness was my only way forward.

But I would not let it consume me. I would remain vigilant, focused on my goal, ready to strike back. The Alejandros would fall. I would ensure that the blood on their hands would not go unpunished, and I would be the one to bring their empire crashing down.

As sleep finally took me, my resolve only hardened. The world ahead was treacherous, but I wasn't afraid. I wouldn't just survive-I would thrive in the shadows, absorbing the truth until I was ready to unleash my revenge. The game was just beginning, and I intended to play.

ADRIAN'S POV

I could feel her gaze penetrating my skin as I stood at the window, watching the bustling world outside, where shadows moved between the flickering lights of Detroit. The darkened streets were a stark contrast to the bright, chaotic rhythm of the city. It both fascinated and unnerved me. The fact that people recognized us as the most powerful mafia syndicate, ruling almost half of Detroit with an iron fist, yet still sought to work with us, never ceased to surprise me. I knew I was the one who called this meeting, but the turnover of prospective employees had been unexpected.

Among all the applicants I had interviewed, she was different. Maya. She felt different, and for reasons I couldn't quite articulate. There was something magnetic in the way she held herself-not the quivering uncertainty that I typically saw in others. Instead, she radiated confidence, a fierce determination that tugged at something deep within me. Her beauty was undeniable, striking in a way that made it hard to focus on anything else. What struck me even more was her straightforwardness. She answered questions with a directness that was uncharacteristic for someone in her position, and there was a flirtation in her demeanor that took me off guard. Most of the others I had interviewed were too intimidated to convey anything but fear. They stumbled over their words, nervousness dripping from their lips like water from a leaky faucet.

Even the applicants who managed to maintain composure often shared information that raised my suspicions-secrets known only in the underbelly of the mafia world unduly uncovered in interviews. It was almost a script they followed, their rehearsed lines evident in the way their eyes flickered nervously. My instinct told me they were sent by rival syndicates, probing into our affairs. But with Mata, there was a refreshing honesty, an air of mystery and allure that pulled me closer, each word she spoke a thread woven into an intricate tapestry that I wanted to unravel.

Though I had my suspicions about her as well, something inexplicable pushed me to bring her on board. I had barely managed to ask the appropriate questions during our meeting before I found myself hiring her-not just as another employee but as my personal assistant.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Michael, my right-hand man. The line connected, and I wasted no time. "I sent you her details. Conduct a thorough background check on her," I instructed, my voice firm and unyielding.

"Everything, sir?" he asked, a note of caution in his tone.

"Yes, everything. Don't overlook even the smallest detail. Sometimes, the answers lie in the minutiae," I reiterated, my mind momentarily drifting back to Sofia and her confidence.

"Right away, sir," Michael confirmed before we ended the call.

With that, I rounded up the interviews, dismissing the remaining applicants. Most had been disappointingly lackluster, unable to meet the standards I required in a personal assistant. I hired just one more person, ending what had become a tedious and drawn-out process.

After wrapping up the interviews, I had dinner-a lavish spread consisting of rich, perfectly seared steaks paired with an exquisite red wine. Following that, I held meetings with several high-profile clients, discussing business matters that often treaded into murky waters.

As the day wound down, I finally returned home, pulling my keys from my pocket as I stepped into my lavish penthouse. The interior was a testament to my wealth and influence-a blend of modern aesthetics and classic charm. Dark wood paneling adorned the walls, contrasting beautifully with the expansive windows that offered sweeping views of the city below.

Each piece of furniture was carefully curated, from the plush leather sofas that hugged the room to the fine art hanging on the walls. I had an appreciation for the finer things in life-paintings by renowned artists and lifelike statues crafted from marble and bronze, depicting powerful images of kings and fierce animals frozen in glorious poses. One statue, a grand lion positioned at the foot of the staircase, symbolized strength and dominance-the very essence of what the Alejandro name represented.

My gaze drifted outside again, where the expansive grounds surrounding my kingdom came into view. The lavish estate sprawled across several prime acres on the outskirts of Detroit, mosquito-infested yet filled with a sense of quiet power. Lush gardens lay meticulously manicured, vibrant colors splashed against the greenery, while fountains erupted at intervals, water glistening in the evening light.

Connecting to the main house was my penthouse apartment, a mere few feet away from the opulence of our estate. The residence was designed as a fortress, almost daunting in its grandeur yet a necessary element of my life. Massive wrought-iron gates stood guard at the entrance; a high-frequency alarm system ensured safety against any threats that lurked outside these walls.

The main house was a veritable palace, with intricate architectural details that spoke of old-world charm infused with modern security features. A sweeping staircase greeted guests upon entry, leading to spacious sitting rooms adorned with velvet drapes and shimmering chandeliers. Each room told a story, a collection of art and artifacts that had been passed down through generations of the Alejandro name.

Beyond the lavish interior lived the pulse of our empire-a well-coordinated team of maids and guards. The maids, dressed discreetly in crisp uniforms, moved like shadows throughout the house, keeping every space immaculate. They understood the importance of discretion in our world-their loyalty paramount to our operations. Their quarters were located on the second floor, a secluded area designed to ensure their privacy while still allowing them quick access to the rest of the house.

But the heart of our operations lay beyond the luxurious living spaces. Adjacent to the house was a high-tech training center, well-equipped and staffed with dedicated guards. It was expansive, featuring areas designed for combat training, target practice, and physical conditioning. The scent of sweat mixed with the faint tang of iron hung in the air, a constant reminder of the rigorous training our men underwent to ensure their readiness for any situation. Guards, clad in tactical gear and armed with an array of weapons, patrolled the property, their expressions stern and vigilant.

Tonight, I rendezvoused with my father, Mr. Alejandro, for a critical conversation regarding my recent choices-more specifically, the decision to hire someone from outside our syndicate. Clad in a crisp black shirt and tailored trousers after a refreshing shower, I made my way to the main house, my mind swirling with thoughts.

As I approached the sprawling main structure, adorned with intricate stonework and illuminated from within, I could see my father silhouetted against the backdrop of a chandelier that hung low, casting a warm, inviting glow. He had a commanding presence, one that demanded respect, tempered by his wisdom gained through years in this dangerous world.

"Adrian," he greeted, his voice deep and gravelly, belying the authority he wielded.

"You called me," i replied.

"I did"he continued, his eyes narrowing slightly, questioning my choice to hire outsiders.

I replied, taking my place across from him. "They are different from the others, and I believe theycan bring something valuable to our operations."

"It's dangerous to employ outsiders, son," he warned, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "We need to know who we can trust. Everyone outside this family is a potential threat, and for the P.A you hired I don't trust her."

"I understand, but there's something about them especially her," I defended, my instincts kicking in. "She wasn't intimidated-her answers were direct, and she showed potential. A lack of fear is a trait we could use within our walls."

Mr. Alejandro studied me intently, his gaze piercing. "You know the risks. If she gets too close, she may uncover things that should remain hidden. Our world is filled with secrets."

"I know," I admitted, my voice resolute. "But sometimes, fresh eyes can see opportunities that we can't. I'll be vigilant."

He sighed, the weight of leadership etched on his brow. "Very well, but remain cautious. Your instincts have served you well, but trust lightly, Adrian. One mistake, and it could cost us everything."

With that, our conversation shifted into plans for upcoming meetings and discussions around shifting alliances within the Detroit underbelly. As we hashed out the details, I felt a renewed determination breathe life into my veins. I was stepping into uncharted territory, one fraught with danger, but I wouldn't back down. Maya would be my path forward, whether my father understood it or not. The Alejandro name would thrive, and I would ensure our legacy endured, even as the shadows closed in around us.