The city's pulse was relentless, a backdrop of muted chaos that seeped into the walls of Morgan Enterprises. Liam Morgan stood by the massive windows in his corner office, his reflection faintly superimposed over the sprawling skyline of the Golden Bridge. His grip on the edge of his desk tightened as the intercom buzzed again.

"Mr. Morgan, Miss Whitmore has arrived."

The name felt like a ghost in the air, whispering memories of a past he thought he'd buried. Liam inhaled slowly, forcing the tension out of his body. He couldn't let her see it-the cracks, the lingering bitterness.

"Send her in," he said, his voice smooth but tinged with a calm malice.

The door opened, and the air shifted. Hazel Whitmore stepped inside, her heels clicking on the polished hardwood. She was poised, her chin held high, and her smile as bright as ever, though Liam caught the faintest hesitation in her stride.

"Mr. Morgan," she greeted, her voice laced with an attempt at professionalism.

Liam turned, letting his gaze sweep over her. She hadn't changed much-still radiating the same confidence that once made her untouchable. But there was something softer now, something almost vulnerable.

"Miss Whitmore," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting into a calculated smirk. "It's been a while."

Hazel's eyes narrowed slightly, her smile faltering. "Yes. It has."

Liam gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

She hesitated but complied, placing her bag on her lap. Liam remained standing, watching her for a beat longer than necessary before circling his desk and sitting down. He picked up her resume, his fingers brushing the edges of the paper as if it were something to be studied, dissected.

"I see you're applying for a position in the marketing department," he began, his tone detached, almost bored. "An interesting choice, considering your background."

Hazel leaned forward slightly. "I believe my experience speaks for itself."

Liam arched a brow. "Does it?"

Her jaw tightened, but she didn't break eye contact. "I've worked hard to get where I am. I can prove I'm capable."

The corner of his mouth twitched. "I don't doubt your capability, Miss Whitmore. I doubt your... resilience."

Hazel blinked, her confusion quickly masked by a forced smile. "I'm not sure what you mean."

Liam leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Let's just say I remember a time when you thrived on making others feel small. I wonder how well you'd fare on the other side of that equation."

The room fell silent. Hazel's face hardened, the professional mask slipping for just a moment.

"That was a long time ago," she said, her voice low but steady. "People grow up."

"Do they?" Liam asked, tilting his head. "Or do they just get better at hiding their true selves?"

Hazel's lips parted, a retort clearly forming, but she bit it back. Liam could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers gripped the strap of her bag. He was pushing her, testing her limits, and it was thrilling.

"Why did you apply here?" he asked abruptly, breaking the silence.

Hazel blinked, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

"You had options," he said, leaning forward now, his voice softer but no less pointed. "Why this company? Why my company?"

For a moment, she looked at him like she didn't recognize him. The boy she once tormented had been quiet, unassuming, easy to dismiss. This man was something else entirely-sharp, unyielding, and entirely in control.

"I didn't realize it was your company," she said finally, her tone even but defensive. "I applied because it's one of the best in the industry. My skills align with the position, and I thought I could make a difference here."

Liam's gaze didn't waver. "And now that you know who's in charge?"

Hazel hesitated, then lifted her chin. "I'm not afraid of you, Liam."

The name hung in the air between them, a reminder of their shared history. Liam's smirk faded, replaced by something more calculating.

"Good," he said after a moment. "Fear would be boring."

Hazel's eyes narrowed, but she didn't reply. Liam stood, walking to the window and looking out at the Golden Bridge.

"You'll start Monday," he said, his back to her.

"What?"

He turned, his expression unreadable. "You wanted the job. It's yours."

Hazel rose from her seat, her confusion evident. "Just like that?"

Liam smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just like that."

She stared at him for a long moment, as if trying to decipher his motives. But Liam gave nothing away, his calm exterior betraying none of the turmoil beneath.

"Thank you," she said finally, her voice cautious.

"Don't thank me yet," he replied. "This is just the beginning."

Hazel's gaze lingered on him, searching for something she couldn't quite name. Then, without another word, she turned and walked out, her heels clicking against the floor.

As the door closed behind her, Liam exhaled slowly, his smirk returning.

"Let's see how far you've really grown, Hazel," he murmured to himself.

And beneath the golden hues of the city skyline, the game had only just begun.