The Secret Beneath

Elena Carter took a deep breath before stepping through the grand revolving doors of Vasquez Hotels. The scent of expensive cologne and freshly polished marble filled the air. She had spent weeks preparing for this moment, but nothing could have braced her for the sheer opulence of Dante Vasquez's empire.

A sleek chandelier hung above the lobby, casting golden hues on the mahogany reception desk. Employees in crisp suits moved efficiently, barely sparing a glance at the new architect joining their ranks. Good. She wanted to blend in, not stand out.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she approached the front desk, presenting her employment documents. The receptionist, a woman with impeccably styled hair, glanced at her name before flashing a rehearsed smile.

"Elena Carter, welcome to Vasquez Hotels. Mr. Vasquez has requested to meet with you personally before you begin."

Elena's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't part of the plan. She had expected to start unnoticed, to navigate her way through the company's files before anyone paid her much attention. But meeting Dante Vasquez on day one? That was dangerous.

Still, she nodded, masking her unease. "Of course."

The elevator ride to the top floor was smooth, but her pulse wasn't. She had studied Dante Vasquez, watched countless interviews, and read every piece of information available. Ruthless, calculating, devastatingly charming when it suited him.

When the elevator doors slid open, she was met with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the city skyline. A massive, glass-top desk stood at the center of the room, behind which sat the man himself.

Dante Vasquez.

He looked up from a document, piercing dark eyes locking onto hers. He was even more intimidating in person-towering, sharp-jawed, and dressed in a suit tailored to perfection. His presence alone made the air heavier.

"Elena Carter," he murmured, his voice smooth, assessing. "Welcome to my company."

She forced a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Vasquez. It's an honor."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "I make it a point to personally meet every high-profile hire." His tone was casual, but his gaze was anything but. "Tell me, Ms. Carter, what made you interested in working for Vasquez Hotels?"

The question was simple. The answer was anything but.

Because you destroyed my father.

Because I need to uncover the truth.

Because I need to bring you down before you do the same to someone else.

Instead, she smiled. "Vasquez Hotels is a leader in innovation. It would be an incredible experience to be part of such a prestigious brand."

He didn't blink. If anything, his expression darkened, as though he saw straight through her. "A very polished answer."

Elena's stomach tightened. Had she misstepped?

Then, to her surprise, he smirked, standing and buttoning his suit jacket. "Let's see if your work speaks as smoothly as your words."

He gestured toward the door, dismissing her. "Welcome to the game, Ms. Carter."

As she stepped out of his office, she exhaled slowly.

Game? She wasn't here to play. She was here to win.

Elena spent the rest of the day familiarizing herself with the office, her heart still hammering from the encounter with Dante. She had been prepared for an intimidating presence, but the way his gaze had lingered, the way he had watched her, unsettled her. Had he sensed something was off? Had she given herself away already?

She settled into her new workspace, a sleek glass cubicle overlooking the lower floors. It was functional, professional, and perfect for her mission. As she pulled out her laptop, she began mapping out her access points-what files she needed, who she had to watch.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Elena?"

She turned to see a tall, slender woman with warm brown eyes and an easy smile standing at her desk. "I'm Rachel," the woman said, extending a hand. "Welcome to the team. I'm in marketing, but I like to meet all the new faces."