THE DANGEROUS AFFAIRS

Cassidy Dawson stared out the window of her apartment, the city skyline stretching endlessly before her. The skyline was a symbol of everything she wanted-success, recognition, power-but it was also a reminder of the sacrifices she had made to get here. New York City was alive with opportunity, yet its lights often felt distant, like stars she could never quite reach.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, breaking her reverie. She glanced at the screen. An email from her boss. Her fingers hovered over the device before unlocking it. She wasn't sure she was ready for whatever news awaited her, but her curiosity won over.

**"Cassidy, you've been selected for the Blackwell Towers project. Meet me at the Blackwell Group headquarters tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. We'll go over the details then. This is your big break. Don't let me down."**

Her heart raced. The Blackwell Towers project was one of the most prestigious in the city, a luxury skyscraper designed to showcase the cutting-edge of architectural innovation. To be selected to contribute to it was nothing short of a dream come true. But that was only part of the equation. It also meant she would have to work with Logan Blackwell-the billionaire tech mogul and real estate tycoon behind the project.

Logan Blackwell was a man who had built his empire from the ground up. Known for his brilliance in business and his icy demeanor, he was as much a figure of fascination as he was of fear. His reputation in the industry was unparalleled, and the thought of collaborating with him made Cassidy's palms sweat. She had heard stories of the man's unyielding control, his perfectionism, and how little patience he had for those he deemed inferior.

But Cassidy wasn't intimidated by reputations. She had worked hard for everything she had achieved, and this was no different. She'd earned her place in the industry and was determined to prove herself-especially to someone like Logan Blackwell.

***

The next morning, Cassidy arrived at the sleek, glass-and-steel tower that housed the Blackwell Group's headquarters. Her breath caught as she approached the entrance. This was the heart of the empire she had admired from a distance for years, and today, she would be stepping inside it. The polished floors, the contemporary art pieces on the walls, the hum of activity-it all screamed success. She took a deep breath before stepping through the glass doors.

Inside, the reception area was minimalist, yet luxurious-white marble floors, chrome accents, and a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A receptionist greeted her with a warm smile, but Cassidy could tell that the young woman's politeness was just a well-practiced mask.

"Ms. Dawson, Mr. Blackwell is expecting you. Please follow me," the receptionist said.

Cassidy's stomach flipped as she followed the woman down a long corridor. The walls were adorned with black-and-white photographs of the city's skyline, its iconic bridges, and bold, geometric designs that spoke to the company's cutting-edge ideals. At the end of the hallway, they reached a set of double doors.

The receptionist knocked before entering. "Ms. Dawson is here, Mr. Blackwell."

A deep voice responded from within. "Send her in."

Cassidy felt her pulse quicken. She stepped into the office, her heels clicking on the marble floor. The space was vast, dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with both business tomes and art books. A large, dark wood desk sat in the center of the room, behind which sat Logan Blackwell himself.

His profile was everything the rumors promised-tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair that was slightly tousled, and a jawline that could cut glass. His eyes, however, were what stood out most-sharp, calculating, and utterly unreadable. He glanced up from the papers in front of him, his gaze sweeping over Cassidy with the precision of someone who had seen it all and judged it before even giving it a second thought.

"Ms. Dawson, welcome," Logan said, his voice cool but not unfriendly. He didn't rise from his chair, nor did he extend a hand for a handshake. It wasn't rudeness-more like a deliberate test of her composure.

Cassidy held his gaze and gave a small nod. "Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Blackwell. I'm honored to be part of the project."

Logan didn't respond immediately. He simply studied her, his eyes flicking over her with the same sharpness they had when she first entered the room. There was something about his silence that made Cassidy uncomfortable, but she refused to show it.

Finally, he spoke again. "We've selected you for your skills, but I don't know much about you, Ms. Dawson. I'm curious-what makes you think you're cut out for this project?"