Chapter 1 The Job Offer

Elena Carter gripped the worn envelope in her hands, her heart pounding as she stared up at the towering glass structure before her. Sinclair Enterprises. The empire built on ruthless ambition and destruction. The empire that ruined her family. And at the top of it all-Damien Sinclair.

The name alone sent a storm of hatred swirling inside her.

She had spent years dreaming of this moment. Years watching her father's downfall, his business crushed under Damien's merciless hand. Now, she was finally here. Not as an equal. Not as a business rival. But as his maid.

A twisted kind of fate.

"Are you going in, or are you planning to stand there all day?"

The impatient voice jolted her from her thoughts. A uniformed woman stood at the entrance, arms crossed. She had sharp eyes, the type that missed nothing.

"Elena Carter?"

She straightened her shoulders and nodded.

"Follow me. The staff entrance is this way."

Elena took a deep breath and stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the lion's den.

Inside Sinclair Tower

The service corridors of the skyscraper were a world away from the sleek, modern offices Damien and his executives occupied. Here, the walls were plain, the air smelled of cleaning chemicals, and no one gave a damn about who you were.

"Rules are simple," the woman-Mrs. Holloway, the head housekeeper-began. "Stay out of the boss's way unless summoned. No wandering. No touching things that aren't yours. And most importantly-" she paused, giving Elena a knowing look, "Mr. Sinclair does not tolerate incompetence."

Elena clenched her jaw. She knew exactly the kind of man Damien was. Cold. Cruel. Untouchable.

"I understand," she said smoothly.

"Good. You'll be assigned to his penthouse. The other maids handle the rest of the floors, but Sinclair prefers a smaller, trusted staff in his private residence."

Elena's fingers curled around the strap of her bag. Perfect. That meant she'd have direct access to him. To his world. To her revenge.

"This is your uniform," Mrs. Holloway handed her a neatly folded set of clothes. "Your shift starts at five a.m. sharp. Don't be late."

Elena took the uniform, nodded, and followed the woman deeper inside. She was officially in.

Now, all she had to do was bring Damien Sinclair to his knees.