Chapter 5 Into the lion's den

Emma adjusted the collar of her crisp white blouse for the fifth time as she stood in the glass-walled reception area of Cross Enterprises. The building itself was intimidating, a towering structure of steel and glass that seemed to look down on the rest of the city. Inside, the air was cool, and the employees moved with military precision, their sharp suits and purposeful strides a testament to the company's reputation.

Her palms were slightly clammy as she clutched the strap of her bag. It wasn't nerves, at least that's what she told herself. It was the weight of knowing she was about to meet the man who was, in her father's words, the embodiment of all their problems.

A sleek, well-dressed woman approached her. "Miss Collins?"

"Yes," Emma said, straightening.

"Follow me. Mr. Cross will see you now."

Her heart quickened. She had rehearsed this moment a dozen times in her mind, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality of meeting Damian Cross.

The woman led her through a series of hallways until they reached a large oak door. She knocked once, opened it slightly, and stepped in. "Mr. Cross, your new assistant is here."

"Send her in," came a deep, commanding voice from within.

Emma squared her shoulders and stepped inside.

The office was vast and impeccably designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. A large mahogany desk sat at the center, and behind it stood Damian Cross.

He wasn't seated. Instead, he was reviewing a document, his tall frame radiating an air of quiet authority. When he looked up, Emma felt the breath hitch in her throat.

His eyes were the first thing she noticed, sharp, piercing, and cold as ice. They seemed to look right through her, as though he was studying her every thought. His chiseled features and neatly styled dark hair made him undeniably striking, but there was no warmth in his expression.

"Miss Collins," he said, his voice smooth but devoid of any friendliness. "Welcome to Cross Enterprises."

Emma managed a small nod. "Thank you, Mr. Cross. It's an honor to be here."

He didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than was comfortable. Then he gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit."

Emma did as instructed, trying to keep her composure. She had prepared for hostility, but the sheer intensity of his presence was unnerving.

"I don't tolerate incompetence," he began, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands on the desk. "If you're here to waste my time, I suggest you leave now."

"I assure you, sir, I'm here to do my job and do it well," Emma replied, her voice steady despite the way his gaze bore into her.

"We'll see about that," he said, his tone neutral but his eyes calculating. He shifted a file toward her. "Your first task will be to familiarize yourself with this project. You'll be working closely with me on it."

Emma picked up the file, her hands steady, though her mind was racing. The file was thick with charts, figures, and legal documents. It was clear this wasn't going to be an easy task.

Damian continued, "I expect efficiency, precision, and absolute discretion. Anything less is unacceptable."

"Yes, sir," Emma replied.

For a brief moment, his eyes flickered with something she couldn't quite place, curiosity, perhaps? Or was it suspicion? She couldn't tell, but the weight of his gaze made her feel as though he was already dissecting her every move.

As she left the office, clutching the file tightly, her mind was spinning. She had seen the coldness in his eyes, the way he seemed to size her up like an opponent. This wasn't going to be easy. Damian Cross wasn't just a private man; he was an enigma wrapped in layers of steel.

Back at her desk, Emma tried to focus on the file, but her thoughts kept drifting back to their meeting. For the first time, doubt crept into her mind. Could she really pull this off? Could she get close enough to him to uncover the truth without getting caught?

She thought of her father, his weary face and the fear in his eyes. She had come too far to back out now. Whatever it took, she would see this through.

But one thing was certain: Damian Cross was going to make her fight for every inch.

As the day went on, Emma observed Damian from afar. He moved through the office with a sense of purpose, his employees snapping to attention whenever he entered a room. He was respected, yes, but also feared. His sharp mind and relentless work ethic were legendary, and she could see why. Every decision he made seemed calculated, every move deliberate.

"Don't expect him to go easy on you," one of the senior staff members whispered to her in passing. "He's brilliant, but he's ruthless. If you're not careful, he'll eat you alive."

Emma nodded, her resolve hardening. She knew this wasn't going to be easy. But she also knew she couldn't afford to fail.

As the day ended, she gathered her things, her mind buzzing with the events of the day. Meeting Damian Cross had been a wake-up call. She had underestimated him, and now she knew better.

Standing outside the towering building, she looked up at the illuminated logo of Cross Enterprises. This was only the beginning, and she was already in over her head. But there was no turning back now.

Whatever it took, she would get to the truth, even if it meant facing Damian Cross and his calculating gaze every day.