Chapter 4 THE NEW JOB

The following Monday, Sophia arrived at Blackwood Estate, the sprawling mansion that housed Damian Blackwood's private art collection. The estate was a fortress of wealth, its towering iron gates opening only after she confirmed her identity. A butler escorted her inside, where Elena Monroe was waiting.

Dressed in a crisp white blouse and black pencil skirt, Elena gave Sophia a once-over before gesturing for her to follow. "Mr. Blackwood keeps his collection in a secured gallery wing," Elena explained as they walked through marble-lined hallways. "You'll be working with a small team, but most of your tasks will be handled privately at his request."

Sophia nodded, keeping her expression neutral. Private access. Exactly what I need.

They reached a set of large, ornate doors. Elena pushed them open, revealing a breathtaking private gallery. Sophia's breath caught. Priceless Renaissance paintings, abstract masterpieces, and sculptures stood under carefully curated lighting. It was a museum in its own right-except unlike museums, this collection was hidden from the world.

And somewhere in this room, the answers she needed were waiting.

"Elena, you can go," a deep voice commanded from the entrance.

Sophia turned to find Damian Blackwood himself, standing in the doorway, exuding the same powerful presence that had unsettled her during the interview. Today, he was dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his dark eyes unreadable.

Elena gave a small nod and exited, leaving them alone.

Damian walked toward her with slow, deliberate steps. "I assume you're impressed."

Sophia met his gaze, careful not to seem too eager. "It's... extensive."

His lips twitched slightly. "That's one way to put it."

He stopped in front of her, studying her like one of the paintings on his walls. It felt like a test.

"This collection is my legacy," he said finally. "Every piece has a story. Every artist, a secret."

Sophia's pulse quickened. Secrets. That was why she was here.

"I expect you to treat this collection with the same care you would a museum's," he continued. "But unlike museums, we don't tolerate mistakes."

A warning. Sophia tilted her chin up. "I don't make mistakes."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-curiosity, or perhaps amusement. "We'll see," he murmured.

Then, just like that, the moment passed. He turned away, his voice cool and commanding once more. "Your work begins today. Don't disappoint me, Miss Carter."

Sophia exhaled slowly. The game had officially begun.

As she watched Damian walk away, Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What had she gotten herself into?

She took a deep breath and began to explore the gallery, taking in the sheer scope of the collection. There were paintings by masters she had only read about in books, sculptures that seemed to defy gravity, and artifacts that whispered secrets of the past.

Sophia's mind was racing with questions. What secrets lay hidden behind these masterpieces? And what did Damian Blackwood really want from her?

She stopped in front of a particularly striking painting, a Renaissance masterpiece that seemed to glow with an inner light. As she gazed at the painting, Sophia felt a sense of calm wash over her.

She was here to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.

As she stood there, lost in thought, Sophia felt a sense of determination rising up within her. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to uncover the secrets that lay hidden behind the Blackwood collection.