You stand outside the gleaming glass tower of Valletta International Trading Co., trying to steady your breathing. Your first day as Lucien Romano’s personal assistant is about to begin, and the rumors about him—his power, his control, his whispered connections to something darker—play on a loop in your mind. But this is the opportunity of a lifetime, you remind yourself. All you have to do is prove you belong here.

The elevator ride to the top floor feels like it lasts forever. When the doors open, you step into a space that feels more like a high-end lounge than an office. The air is heavy with quiet intensity.

You push open the double doors to Lucien’s office, and there he is. Seated behind a sleek mahogany desk, his tailored suit perfect, his dark eyes assessing you the moment you step inside.

“So, you’re the new assistant?” he questions with scrutinizing eyes; his voice smooth, laced with authority. “The one chosen by the board?”

“Yes, Mr. Romano,” you reply, keeping your tone professional despite the knot in your stomach.

He studies you for a moment longer, then slides a folder across the desk. “Let’s see if you’re as competent as they claim. Handle this. No questions. No mistakes.”

You nod, picking up the folder as his gaze lingers, heavy and unreadable. Whatever you’ve stepped into, one thing is clear—it’s far more than a normal job.