When the elevator doors opened, the space that greeted her looked nothing like the buzzing cubicles she came from. It was silent, sleek, and intimidating. Polished marble floors reflected the light from modern chandeliers. The air itself seemed more expensive, colder.
A tall receptionist with icy eyes glanced up. "Claire Anderson?"
"Yes."
"You've been reassigned," the woman said crisply. "You'll be working under the direct supervision of Mr. Nelson."
Claire's mouth went dry. "I, Mr. Nelson?"
Before she could protest, the receptionist was already motioning her forward.
The CEO's Office
Brad Nelson's office was an empire of glass and steel. The floor-to-ceiling windows stretched behind his desk, overlooking the city like he owned not just the building, but every light that glittered below.
Brad was there, in a tailored navy suit, reading over a document. His head lifted when Claire stepped in.
"Miss Anderson." His voice was deep, smooth, carrying authority that filled the room.
Claire tried not to show her nerves. "Sir, you asked for me?"
Brad closed the file and stood, moving around the desk with measured calm. He was taller up close, his presence overwhelming.
"I did," he said. "From today, you'll be working with me directly. Marketing input on executive strategies, special projects, campaign oversight. Congratulations."
Her lips parted slightly. "Sir, with respect... I don't think I'm qualified for that kind of promotion."
Brad's eyes softened, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I don't promote people who aren't qualified." He let the words hang for a beat before adding, "I believe in you."
Claire felt warmth rush to her cheeks. Few men had ever looked at her the way he did now like she wasn't just another employee, but someone who mattered.
"Thank you, Mr. Nelson," she said, steadying her voice.
"Brad," he corrected. "When it's just us, call me Brad."
Her heart skipped. She nodded slowly. "Brad."
A Warning
That afternoon, Mr. Brown entered Brad's office with a cautious expression. Claire was already seated across from Brad, going over campaign strategies.
Mr. Brown gave her a polite nod, then turned to Brad. "May I speak with you privately?"
Claire rose to excuse herself, but Brad held up a hand. "Stay, Miss Anderson. Mr. Brown can speak freely."
Mr. Brown's brows furrowed. "Very well. Brad, I can't ignore this sudden reassignment. Promoting a junior employee to this level people will talk."
"Let them," Brad said simply, flipping through the folder in front of him.
"With respect," Mr. Brown pressed, "you're treading dangerous ground. The board won't like rumors of favoritism. And this young woman " He stopped, correcting himself. "Miss Anderson she may not be ready for the spotlight that comes with working so close to you."
Brad's gaze lifted, storm-gray eyes locking onto Mr. Brown's. "If there's a storm, I'll shield her from it."
Claire's breath caught at the words, though she kept her face neutral.
Mr. Brown exhaled heavily. "You've always been a risk-taker, Brad. But remember every fire you play with leaves a scar."
The Spark
That evening, the office was quiet as most workers had gone home. Claire remained, reviewing presentation slides at Brad's request.
She leaned over the table, flipping through the projector notes when she felt him move behind her. His cologne clean, expensive, intoxicating wrapped around her.
"You work too hard," Brad murmured, close enough that his voice stirred the hair at her temple.
Claire swallowed, keeping her eyes on the papers. "You told me this presentation matters."
"It does." His tone was lower now, softer. "But so do you."
Her chest tightened. She turned to face him, and for a suspended moment, they stood too close his hand resting lightly on the back of her chair, his gaze locked on hers.
"Brad..." Her voice was barely a whisper.
The phone on his desk rang, shattering the moment. Brad cursed under his breath and stepped away to answer.
Claire gathered her things quickly, her pulse racing. She needed air, distance, anything to steady herself. She slipped out of the office before the temptation could burn her alive.
JK Arrives
Later that night, Brad met JK at an upscale lounge. His friend was already sprawled on a leather couch with a drink in hand and a grin that spelled trouble.
"Well, well," JK drawled as Brad sat down. "I hear you've pulled a little nobody from the lower floors and set her right next to your throne. What's the story?"
Brad's eyes narrowed. "Who told you that?"
"News travels fast," JK smirked. "She's cute, isn't she? Don't tell me our mighty Brad Nelson is finally catching feelings."
Brad sipped his whiskey without replying.
JK leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Careful, my friend. A girl like that? She'll either be the making of you or the ruin of you. And if you're not careful, maybe I'll find out which one first."
Brad's jaw tightened. "Stay away from her, JK."
JK chuckled. "Relax. You know I can't resist temptation."
The words lingered like a threat.
Foreshadowing Shadows
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Rachael Smith spun around a chrome pole under flashing lights. She collected her tips with a sly smile, but her thoughts weren't on the men drooling in the dark. They were on the tall, storm-eyed billionaire who had slipped into her world days ago and hadn't left her mind since.
Across town, Tatiana Miller adjusted her diamond bracelet as she walked into an elite charity gala. Her phone buzzed a new message from Brad Nelson himself. She allowed herself a slow smile.
Three women. Three worlds. All about to collide.
The Cliffhanger
Back at the tower, Claire stepped off the elevator into the parking garage. Her heels clicked against the cement as she made her way to her car. She couldn't stop thinking about Brad, the way he'd looked at her, the warmth in his voice when he said I believe in you.
A figure leaned against her car, blocking her path.
"Claire Anderson," the man said, his grin sharp in the dim light.
She froze. It was JK.
He pushed off the car and walked toward her slowly, eyes glittering. "I'm JK. Brad's best friend. Thought I'd introduce myself... up close."
Something in his tone made Claire's pulse quicken not from attraction, but from danger.
And she suddenly realized: working close to Brad Nelson meant stepping into a world far darker than she'd ever imagined.
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The Billionaire's dilemma 
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