Twisted Billionaire Lies

Heart thumping with expectation, Sophie Carter stood in front of Black Enterprises' slick, tall structure. Ready to enter a world she had only imagined, she straightened her jacket and inhaled deeply. Her first day as the new marketing executive, a role she had fought so hard to obtain, was today.

Inside, with its marble flooring and soaring glass walls, the foyer was a monument to power and wealth. Sophie went up to the reception counter, where a put together woman grinned professionally to welcome her.

Here at Black Enterprises, Ms. Carter, welcome. Giving her a visitor's pass, the receptionist stated, "Mr. Black is expecting you."

Sophie felt her pulse pick up. That first day, meeting Ethan Black was exciting and terrifying at the same time. She practised her introduction, keen to make a good impression, as the elevator took her to the executive floor.

The doors opened to show a roomy workspace with a broad vista of New York City from floor to ceiling windows. A voice blasted into the room, giving Sophie no time to process it.

Sophie Carter, you arrived on time. I like timeliness.

Turning, she saw the mysterious CEO, Ethan Black, seated behind his desk. Tall, dark-haired, and with piercing blue eyes that seemed to stare straight through her, he was every bit as stunning as his reputation indicated.

Giving her hand, Sophie remarked, "Mr. Black, it's an honor to meet you."

Shaking it hard, Ethan said. Phone me, Ethan. When it doesn't compromise professionalism, we like informality here.

A spark at his touch caused Sophie to nod. Ethan, I appreciate the chance. Writing for Black Enterprises excites me.

There was a sharp look from Ethan. I looked over your portfolio. Really excellent effort. Nothing less than that is what I anticipate here. Getting our new product range onto the market is your first responsibility. My right hand guy, Marcus, and you will collaborate closely.

Marcus walked into the room as if on cue. He exuded confidence almost to the point of conceit and was well-dressed.

Our new marketing executive, Sophie Carter, is here, Marcus, Ethan remarked.

Marcus cast a doubtful and curious look at Sophie. Thanks for coming along, Sophie. Maybe you're up for a challenge.

I like difficulties, Sophie said, looking up at him.

All well, Ethan said. Marcus is going to tour you around. I have to be in this meeting.

Sophie was left wondering whether Ethan was hiding something from her as he exited the room. Marcus showed her about the large workplace, pointing out important spots and introducing her to other team members. But he had a chilly, almost aggressive manner.

What then is the Ethan story? Walking along, Sophie inquired in passing.

Marcus looked at her, his face a blank. "Ethan is a man of privacy. Most wise to stay out of his personal life.

Even so, Sophie nodded, her interest aroused. Ethan Black was obviously more than first appearances.

Sophie threw herself into her new position as the day went on, keen to show her worth. She lingered late, writing plans and reading over market studies. She chose to end the evening long after sunset.

Gathering her belongings, she headed for the elevator when she noticed a glimmer of light coming from Ethan's office. The sound of voices murmured softly through the slightly open door. She walked slowly up, peeking through the opening, unable to resist.

Ethan was arguing furiously with Marcus inside. Marcus replied, clearly frustrated, "We can't keep this under wraps forever."

Ethan said in a chilly tone, "We don't have a choice." All we have constructed will fall apart if this comes out.

Heart rate accelerated in Sophie. Hiding what? To attempt to hear more of the talk, she stepped closer.

You have to believe me on this, Marcus said. "The board is dubious already. Our time is running out.

A phone ringing interrupted Ethan in his answer. With questions racing through her head, Sophie backed away fast. What constituted a threat to Black Enterprises?

She almost hit Anna, another executive she had met earlier, as she ran to the elevator.

"Whoa, Sophie! OK, you? Steadying her, Anna inquired.

Sophie forced a grin and added, "Yeah, sorry, just in a rush.

Ann scowled. Aware. There are mysteries in this place.

The warning shivered Sophie to her core. Thanking Anna, she eventually arrived at the elevator, her head whirring with all she had heard.

Sophie was keen to get back into her job when she arrived early the following morning. Marcus showed there, looking more focused than usual, just as she had barely settled at her desk.

Ethan wants to see you in his office, he stated firmly.

Twisted in her tummy was Sophie. Had they realised she was listening in? Calmly, she trailed Marcus to Ethan's office.

Standing beside the window, Ethan peered out at the city. His face inscrutable, he turned as they walked in.

I need your judgment on an issue, Sophie," he said. It's important that whatever comes up stays inside these walls.

Heart hammering, Sophie nodded. Ethan, of course. Is anything wrong?

Before going any more, Ethan glanced at Marcus. "We could have a leak. There is someone within giving our rivals information. Helping me find the source is what I need.

It surprised Sophie to get the request. How come me?

"Because you're new here," Marcus said. It's not like you participate in the current office politics. Eyes that are new are what we need."

Sophie gave this some thinking. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate her abilities and commitment as well as a great responsibility. "I'll do it," she resolutely said. We begin where?

Give her a file, Ethan said. This has our suspected list of individuals. With these names, start, but be covert. Should news spread, everything may be in jeopardy.

Thoughts racing, Sophie grabbed the file. She felt as she was leaving the workplace that she was being pulled into something far more than a straightforward leak.

Sophie painstakingly went over the material over the following four days, quietly watching her coworkers. Against the warning signs, she felt herself pulled more and more to Ethan. Unspoken tension pervaded their brief exchanges, and she was unable to resist the developing desire.

A mysterious message on her phone one evening while she was browsing through the file in the stillness of her flat said, "Stop digging if you value your life."

Cold rushed through Sophie. Somebody knew she was looking into it. She looked about the room fast, the shadows growing darker by the minute. Resolved not to be scared, she sent Ethan the message.

Calling her into his office the following day was Ethan. We must discuss, he remarked in a serious tone.

Showing him the message, Sophie said, "I got a threat last night."

Ethan's jaw locked. We are almost there, this shows. That also indicates that you are in risk, though. Watchfulness is required.

Excitement and dread mixed together, Sophie nodded. She was resolved to see this through even if the stakes were bigger than she had thought.

Sophie remained back late one night, desperate to locate a lead, to go through more data. There was commotion outside her office while she worked. Heart thumping, she slipped to the door and peered into the poorly lighted hallway.

It startled her to see Marcus going through her desk. Mind racing, Sophie thought. For what purpose was he there? Walking back, she unintentionally knocked down a light. Through the office reverberated the ruckus.

Sharply raising his head, Marcus met Sophie's gaze. How are you here, he asked?

Hard swallowing, Sophie. I could ask the same question.

Marcus curved into a smile that stopped short of his eyes. Just checking to be sure everything is in order. You ought not to be here by yourself.

Sophie put up a brave front. That will stick in my mind. Good night, Marcus.

Sophie's thoughts raced as he turned to go. Marcus was concealing what, really. And just how far did this conspiracy extend?

Sophie met Ethan the following morning in a quiet café, out of sight of onlookers. Urgently whispering, "I think Marcus is involved," she said. I saw him rummaging around my desk.

Eyes of Ethan grew black. As much has been suspected by me. We must go sensibly. Marcus is risky, if he is our mole.

Feeling the weight of the circumstances, Sophie nodded. They discussed what to do next and decided to set Marcus up to be caught in the act.

Sophie stayed late that evening once more, posing as a worker. A phoney file with misleading information intended to entice Marcus had been put on her desk. Her nerves were fraying as the hours passed.

It was footsteps at last. Watching as Marcus walked into her office and began going through the file, she held her breath. While Ethan was waiting close by, she texted him.

Ethan and a security squad stormed into the office in a few minutes. "Caught in the act," Ethan remarked icily.

Marcus lifted his eyes, disbelief and rage on his face. "You'll regret this, Ethan."

Sophie had both lingering terror and relief as he was led out. She understood the fight was far from finished even if the immediate threat had passed.

Ethan summoned a meeting of the whole firm the next day to discuss the matter. "We've found the leak's source and acted appropriately," he said. "I want to thank bravery and dedication of Sophie Carter."

Next day, Sophie was both relieved and nervous when she got to work. She was shook but determined by what had happened the night before. Though Marcus was now in custody, the threat was not gone. She sensed that. The air heavy with the fallout from treachery, the building seemed strange.

Resolving to keep things somewhat regular, she took a seat at her desk and started going through emails and reports. Her thoughts kept going to Ethan, to their well executed plan. She was struck, in spite of the shadows over his life, by a sense of connection and respect for him.

Ethan texted her in the middle of the morning, saying, "Meeting at my office in 10. Have to talk about future actions."

Her heart accelerated. Getting her notes together, she went to the top level. She could hear Ethan mumble in his office through the open door. She gave a little tap.

Calling, "Come in," was Ethan.

When she walked in, Ethan stood behind his desk, appearing as tough as usual, but when their gazes connected, he softened. By gesture, he motioned for her to sit.

"I appreciate you coming, Sophie," Ethan said. "I wanted to express my gratitude for your bravery in person. We would never have revealed Marcus without you.

Sophie flushed warmly as she grinned. Ethan, all I was doing was going about my business. But accept my gratitude.

Studying her, Ethan leaned back. You went above that, too. You took an awful lot of chances. And I am aware that things have not been easy, particularly in light of recent events.

With a nod, Sophie acknowledged the gravity of his comments. "There's been a lot to absorb, but I'm here to support. Next step for us?

With a serious look, Ethan said. Still untied are certain threads. We must be sure the business is not threatened any more. First though, I had something I wanted to give you.

Curiousity sparked, Sophie lifted an eyebrow. It is what?

Ethan took a stylish black folder out of his desk drawer. You are now formally promoted to Head of Marketing, by me. You have produced excellent work, and I think you can handle the position with ease.

A heartbeat skipped by Sophie. Nothing she could have predicted was this. What to say, Ethan? Many thanks.

You deserve it, smiled Ethan. "Let us now talk about the current chores. Reviewing our security procedures will help to make sure there are no further leaks.

The talk moved easily between professional and more intimate subjects as they got into the specifics. It startled Sophie how easily they spoke. She could feel a draw toward Ethan that was getting stronger.

Following the meeting, Sophie went back to her office, her head buzzing with ideas of her promotion and the developing attraction between her and Ethan. Determining to establish her value, she pushed herself into her task.

Sophie got another text from Ethan later that evening as she was ready to head out: "Would you like to join me for dinner? We must further strategize."

With a little pause, she said, "Sure, where?"

A downtown expensive restaurant's address was what Ethan replied. Sophie showered up fast and headed for the place. Elegant and with a warm, personal atmosphere was the restaurant. At a remote table close to the rear, she noticed Ethan.

Standing as she walked up, Ethan said, "Sophie, glad you could make it."

I appreciate the invitation, Sophie said, settling in.

When the server showed up with menus, Ethan leaned forward and softened his look. I was itching to leave the office and all of the stress. I also reasoned that a more casual environment would be good for our conversation.

With a smile, Sophie let the strain go from her shoulders. "Thank you so much. It has been madness.

It has, Ethan said in agreement. You have, nonetheless, managed it with amazing elegance. Admire that.

Talking about anything from business to more intimate tales, their discussion moved effortlessly along. Ethan gave snippets of his history, including the hardships he encountered establishing Black Enterprises and the betrayals that had hardened him.

Sophie apologized sincerly for having to experience it. It had to be tough.

Yes, Ethan acknowledged. That has, however, also shaped who I am now. I also feel like I can at last begin to trust again.

When he said it, Sophie's heart leaped. A key is trust. Particularly in our area of employment.

Nodding, Ethan fixed his eyes on me. And Sophie, I also trust you. More so than everybody else.

Between them, the admission was packed with unsaid emotion. They continued their lunch, their talk becoming more private and close. Sophie and Ethan had an indisputable connection by the time they left the restaurant.

Ethan looked to her as they emerged into the crisp night air. Are you able to drive home?

Then Sophie nodded after a pause. Indeed, that would be preferable.

With the city lights fading past, they traveled in comfortable quiet. Ethan showed her to the entrance of her flat when they got there.

Sophie expressed a mixture of eagerness and thanks for tonight.

Keeping her gaze, Ethan said, "Thank you, Sophie." To everything.

After a little pause, a heated quiet, Ethan leaned in and planted a gentle, long kiss on her cheek. 'Good night, Sophie.'

Whispering, "Goodnight, Ethan," she watched him go.

The talks and strategic planning that occupied the following several days passed quickly. Thoughts of Ethan kept Sophie from being really present. She could not dispute their magnetism, which appeared to become stronger with every exchange.

Working late one evening, Sophie heard a tap on her office door. When she raised her head, Ethan was standing there, his face serious.

Do you have a moment, he asked?

With a gesture inviting him to enter, Sophie said, "Of course."

Seating across from her, Ethan shut the door behind him. "I have to discuss something with you."

Heart thumping, Sophie said. It is what?

Breathing deeply, Ethan sat. Someone is still employed by the firm to work against us. We have whittled it down, but I need your assistance to apprehend them.

Suddenly determined, Sophie nodded. I am available to assist you with anything.

Ethan lost his hard look. You are the only one I trust with this, even though I realize I'm asking a lot.

Sophie stretched out and laid a hand on his. "We'll work this through together."

Momentarily, the tension between them was evident as their eyes met. Then Ethan leaned in and planted a kiss on her, almost as though he were pulled by an unseen force. Promises and unsaid feelings were all there in the gentle, sensitive kiss.

Sophie was mentally whirling when they eventually separated. I, Ethan,"

Brushing a strand of hair off her cheek, Ethan said, "Shh." This will be handled one step at a time. We have to give the work at hand our whole attention right now.

Heart hammering, Sophie nodded. OK. Come along, traitor.

Secret investigations and tactical meetings occupied the next few days. Working closely together, Sophie and Ethan's relationship became closer every day. Notwithstanding the mayhem all around them, they had secret moments of intimacy and their romance grew.

As they looked over paperwork in Ethan's office one evening, Sophie saw something strange. Numerous unrelated financial transactions. "Ethan, look at this," she remarked, pointing to the screen.

Ethan drew in, wrinkles on his forehead. These transfers-they are not allowed. Money has been taken out by someone.

Mind racing, Sophie thought. Maybe this is our betrayer.

It is feasible, Ethan said. We must follow these transactions and determine the parties involved.

Tracking the digital trail, they worked late into the night. At last, they had a moniker. A little skeptic in her voice, Sophie added, "It's Daniel, one of our senior accountants."

Jerk his jaw. "I believed in him. He has to be confronted, yet gently. Dangerous he may be.

They worked out a scheme the following day to corner Daniel covertly. The strain as they carried out their strategy was nearly intolerable. At last they had Daniel in a conference room with the proof in front of him.

Face paled, Daniel said. "I have no idea what you mean," he said.

Say nothing to us, Ethan said icy. "We have every proof we need."

Sophie briefly thought Daniel may try to flee as his gaze sped about. Then, though, his shoulders slumped in defeat. A fine. You know who it was. That money was needed. I assure you though, I'm not the only one involved.

Ethan glanced at Sophie. With anybody else?

After a moment of hesitation, Daniel mentioned another senior official. Sophie was very cold. Deeper than they had thought, was the treachery.

Ethan promised to address things internally. But Daniel, you are done here.

Sophie and Ethan were left to sort through the fresh information while Daniel was led out. We must exercise caution, Sophie remarked. Should there are more parties engaged...

"We'll find them," a ferocious-looking Ethan cut off. Alone.

Nodding, Sophie felt a rush of resolve. "In concert."

Sophie was sitting at her desk, feeling the weight of the long-standing treachery within Black Enterprises seeping in. She was a jumble of ideas, feelings, and preparations. Her friendship with Ethan had deepened despite the difficulties, entwining their personal and professional lives.

Message from Ethan on Sophie's phone late in the afternoon said, "Join me for a coffee break on the terrace?"

Smiled back, she said, "Be there in five."

With its breath-taking vista of the city, the terrace provided a tranquil haven in the middle of the action. Already there, lost in thought, Ethan leaned over the railing. She drew forward, and he turned, a kind grin on his lips.

Holding out a cup of coffee, Ethan said, "Hey."

Taking the cup, Sophie said, "Hey yourself." OK.

For a little while, they enjoyed the vista and the infrequent respite from the mayhem in comfortable quiet.

How are you doing these days? A soft-spoken Ethan asked.

With a shrug, Sophie glanced out to sea. "There is a lot to absorb. There will be difficulties, I knew that, but this Such degree of dishonesty surprised me.

Nodding, Ethan looked serious. Myself, neither. But remember that we are in this together?

Sophie turned to look into his eyes. "I agree. And Ethan, I like you. It will pass.

Standing next to one other, their hands touched, their bond evident. Ethan looked away, then clasped her hand in his.

Low and sincere, he said, "Sophie, I need you to know something." "I have never had this kind of feeling toward somebody before. In the best conceivable manner, you have completely upended my existence.

A beat went out of Sophie's heart. 'Ethan, I'

Ethan leant in and planted a kiss on her before she could say anything further. A gentle, long kiss that expressed every feeling words could not. When they did separate, Sophie was out of breath.

Whispering, "I feel the same way," she said. "I can't seem to fight it," I said.

Warmth poured into Ethan's eyes as he grinned. Let us then give up fighting it. Watch where this leads us.

The days after that were a mix of hard labor and snatched intimate moments. As Sophie and Ethan overcame the obstacles together, their bond became closer. But they were reminded of the risky game they were playing by the continual threat of treachery.

A particularly exhausting day later, Ethan extended an invitation to Sophie to supper in his penthouse. It was a clean, contemporary room with amazing city views from floor to ceiling windows.

Looking about in wonder, Sophie said, "Wow, this place is incredible."

A definitely happy smile from Ethan. "That you enjoy it pleases me. Set up house.

They ate a great dinner together, and the talk was easy. Moving into the living area, Ethan handed them each a glass of wine.

To us, he said, lifting his glass. And to conquer whatever that comes our way.

As Sophie clinked her glass with his, she said, "To us."

With the city lights softly glowing through the windows, they took up residence on the couch. Sophie was drawn in close by the arm that Ethan was draping over her shoulders.

"It feels like I can breathe at last when I'm with you," Ethan said. 'You've made my life brighter, Sophie.

Head resting on his shoulder, Sophie grinned. "For me, you have done the same. Never have I felt so a part of a relationship.

Their talk became more intimate as they related dreams and anecdotes they had never told anyone else. That vulnerable moment drew them closer further.

"Ethan, I know this is all complicated with everything going on at work," Sophie added. But you have me here. Anytime.

With a softened look, Ethan planted a kiss on her forehead. Knowing. And you have me here as well. This will pass. Collaboratively."

Even as the relationship deepened, the threat inside the organization remained. For their personal safety as much as the benefit of the business, they understood they had to proceed cautiously.

Sophie came to work one morning to see a fresh development waiting for her. Excited and worried at the same time, Ethan beckoned her into his office.

"We've made a breakthrough," Ethan told her, passing her a folder. Consider this.

Sophie scanned through the folder after opening it. Information there connected a number of senior executives to the most recent betrayals. A couple names sprung to her attention.

With a glance up at Ethan, Sophie said, "This is huge." It is risky as well, though. Powerful persons they are.

Nodding, Ethan said. That much is known. We must go sensibly. But now that we know this, we can begin to remove them."

They worked out a scheme to progressively reveal the offenders, making sure they had strong proof before acting. Their only chance of cleaning up the business was with that hazardous tactic.

Subtle operations and rigorous planning characterized the weeks that followed. Working nonstop, Sophie and Ethan became closer as they overcame every obstacle together. Their friendship did, however, flourish in the middle of the chaos, offering comfort and hope.

Ethan looked serious at Sophie one evening as they were finishing up another exhausting day. Then

Something needs to be shown to you.

Sophie trailed behind him to a wall-mounted secret panel that he unlocked to show a safe. Entering a combination, Ethan pulled out a little, unidentified box. Putting it down on the desk, he seemed determined and nervous at the same time.

How much is in the box? Her interest aroused, Sophie questioned.

Breathing deeply, Ethan sat. Lifting the cover, he declared, "This is the key to everything."

Several papers and a flash drive were inside the package. Ethan gave Sophie the flash drive, which she put into her laptop. She went over the files as they loaded, her eyes getting bigger by the second.

These are correspondence and financial documents. Speaking little above a whisper, Sophie said, "This is proof of a conspiracy."

Nod from Ethan. Beyond simple corporate sabotage, that is. Not just Black Enterprises are involved in this network of corruption; other businesses as well. These folks have spent years rigging markets, buying off authorities, and laundering money.

A chill scuttled Sophie's back. If this leaks, well.

Finished with her thinking, Ethan said. Some really influential individuals could be brought down by it. That may, however, potentially seriously endanger us.

Sophie shut the laptop with a rushing thought. We have to use great caution. They will not think twice to go after us if they believe we have this knowledge.

Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, Ethan said. "This will be handled by us together. Sophie, you have my faith. More than everybody else."

Planning took up the next several days. Before acting, Sophie and Ethan realised they had to have more proof and make sure they were secure. They hired a reliable, discreet private investigator who had previously worked with Ethan.

Sophie was in her office working late one evening when the investigator called.

You'll want to see what I've uncovered, he said. Meet me where you usually are.

Taking her coat, Sophie went to the covert, little café where they had made plans to meet. There already was the seasoned detective, Jack, sipping coffee.

Jack, Sophie said, slipping onto the seat across from him. Tell me what you have for me.

Jack gave her a file folder. I know these are recorded hand on her shoulder surveillance photographs. That is the reason we must carefully organize our future actions. Before acting, we will get further proof and make sure we are in the lead.

Sophie nodded, her first dread giving way to resolve. This far, we have not wavered, and we will not now. Come along.

Secret meetings and planning sessions filled the days that followed. Committed to finding the truth and holding the guilty parties accountable, Sophie and Ethan put in endless hours of labor. As they collectively negotiated the dangerous seas, their already solid bond grew even more robust.

A loud bang at the door shocked them one evening as they worked in Ethan's apartment, going over paperwork. Heart thumping, Sophie looked at Ethan.

I said, "Are you expecting anyone?"

Concerned, Ethan shook his head. He moved to the door, looked through the peephole, and then relaxed obviously. Opening the door to see his sister standing there, he responded, "It's just Isabella."

Isabella came in, a tight look on her face. Glancing between Sophie and Ethan, she remarked, "We need to talk."

What is wrong? With a last shut door, Ethan inquired.

Isabella drew a long breath. My own digging has been going on. I believe there could be a corporate mole disseminating information to our adversaries.

Sophie and Ethan looked at one other apprehensive. Do you know who that may be?

Isabella nodded glumly. "I need more proof, but I have a few suspicions. I wanted to caution you both to use great caution. Who can we trust is unknown to us.

Grunting, Ethan said. That makes things more difficult. But we'll watch out. Thanks Isabella for the warning.

Isabella nodded, a softening of her features. Just swear to me you will take care. Two of you.

Sophie was suddenly quite appreciative of Isabella's care. Ours will. Together, we will work this out.