Tessa Maddox never imagined she'd trade her passion for social work for the cold, ruthless world of corporate finance. But when a scandal forces her to leave everything behind, she takes a job as the personal assistant to Adrian Steele New York's most feared and untouchable billionaire. Adrian is a man who controls everything and trusts no one. He built his empire with ruthless precision, hiding his secret philanthropic work behind an ironclad reputation. Love is a distraction he can't afford until Tessa storms into his life with her fiery defiance and a body that tempts him to break all his rules. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their connection? Forbidden. But when Adrian's vengeful ex-fiancée, Bianca Castello, sets out to destroy him, and Tessa discovers a shocking truth that could cost him everything, she's forced to make an impossible choice protect the man she's falling for or walk away before she loses herself in his world. He claimed her with a single touch. But in a world where power is everything, will love be enough to keep them together?
Chapter 1 1
The relentless hum of the city pulsed through the tinted windows of the black limousine as it cut through Manhattan's traffic. Inside, Adrian Steele sat in the backseat, one hand gripping his phone, the other tapping impatiently against the leather armrest. His steel-gray eyes were locked on the financial reports displayed on his screen, but his mind was elsewhere.
"She starts today?" His voice was smooth, authoritative.
"Yes, sir. Tessa Maddox should be arriving at your office within the hour," his assistant, Elijah, replied from the front seat.
Adrian's jaw tightened. He hated change, especially when it came to his staff. His last assistant had been efficient-until she made the mistake of trying to seduce him, thinking she could charm her way into his life. He had no patience for workplace entanglements. He needed competence, not complications.
"Background check came back clean?"
"Yes. She has an impressive record in the nonprofit sector, but after a... well, let's just say, an unfortunate situation, she's decided to transition into the corporate world. Overqualified for the role, honestly."
Adrian smirked. "Overqualified? That's never stopped anyone from wanting a paycheck."
Elijah hesitated. "There's more to it than that, sir. She was one of the best social workers in the city. Had a reputation for fighting the system, advocating for families others wouldn't touch. Then, suddenly, she resigned."
Adrian wasn't interested in sob stories. "As long as she does her job, I don't care why she left."
Elijah nodded but said nothing else.
Minutes later, the limousine pulled up in front of Steele Enterprises-a sleek, towering skyscraper of steel and glass that loomed over Fifth Avenue. Adrian stepped out, buttoning his charcoal suit jacket as he strode inside. Employees parted like the Red Sea as he walked through the lobby, his presence commanding attention without a word. He didn't need to speak-his reputation spoke for him.
By the time he stepped into his private elevator, his mind had already moved on. Another day. Another battle. Another deal to win.
Tessa Maddox stood in front of the massive glass doors of Steele Enterprises, gripping the strap of her purse a little too tightly. This wasn't her world. The towering building, the perfectly dressed executives brushing past her, the cold efficiency of it all-it was the complete opposite of the life she'd known.
But she didn't have the luxury of hesitation. Not anymore.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. A receptionist glanced up from behind a sleek white desk, offering a polite but detached smile.
"Name?"
"Tessa Maddox. I'm the new executive assistant."
The woman's expression flickered for a fraction of a second-something between curiosity and pity-but it was gone so fast, Tessa almost thought she imagined it.
"Mr. Steele is expecting you. Take the elevator to the top floor."
Tessa nodded and walked toward the elevator, her heart pounding harder than she wanted to admit. This job wasn't her dream, but it was necessary. After what had happened... she needed a fresh start.
She stepped inside the private elevator, the doors sliding shut with a whisper. As the numbers climbed higher, she inhaled deeply, straightened her shoulders, and reminded herself-this was just a job.
Then why did it feel like she was walking straight into the lion's den?
When she entered the top-floor office, she barely had time to take in her surroundings before a deep, commanding voice cut through the silence.
"You're late."
Tessa's head snapped toward the source of the voice.
Adrian Steele.
He sat behind an enormous black desk, the skyline stretching behind him like a throne room view. Dark-haired, sharp-jawed, with piercing gray eyes that pinned her in place. He exuded power-not just in the way he looked, but in the way he carried himself. As if the world itself bowed at his feet.
She swallowed. "Actually, I'm five minutes early."
His brow arched, a slow, calculating expression. "Interesting. Most people in your position wouldn't dare correct me."
Tessa lifted her chin. "Most people aren't me."
A flicker of something passed through his eyes-amusement? Annoyance? She couldn't tell.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "Tessa Maddox. Former social worker. No corporate experience. Yet here you are."
She clasped her hands behind her back, keeping her posture firm. "I learn fast."
"We'll see." He gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. "Sit."
Tessa hesitated a fraction of a second before obeying. The chair was ridiculously comfortable, but she refused to relax.
"Your job is simple," Adrian continued, watching her with an intensity that made her pulse skip. "You'll handle my schedule, manage my communications, and ensure everything runs smoothly. No mistakes. No excuses."
Tessa met his gaze head-on. "Understood."
His lips curled, but it wasn't quite a smile. "You're bold. That's either going to serve you well or get you fired within a week."
"Guess we'll find out."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. The air felt charged, crackling with something she couldn't name. Then, Adrian exhaled sharply, as if dismissing whatever had just passed between them.
"Report to Elijah for onboarding. We'll see if you're worth keeping."
Dismissed already.
Tessa stood, smoothing her skirt. She had barely taken two steps when his voice stopped her.
"One more thing, Ms. Maddox."
She turned.
His gaze was darker now, unreadable. "I don't mix business with pleasure. Keep that in mind."
Her stomach tightened, but she forced a smirk. "Good. Neither do I."
A slow, deliberate smile spread across his face, and for the first time, she realized something-
She may have just started working for Adrian Steele, but she had already stepped into a game she wasn't sure she knew how to play.
Chapter 1 1
02/02/2025
Chapter 2 2
02/02/2025
Chapter 3 3
02/02/2025
Chapter 4 4
02/02/2025
Chapter 5 5
02/02/2025
Chapter 6 6
02/02/2025
Chapter 7 7
02/02/2025
Chapter 8 8
02/02/2025
Chapter 9 9
02/02/2025
Chapter 10 10
02/02/2025
Chapter 11 11
02/02/2025
Chapter 12 12
02/02/2025
Chapter 13 13
02/02/2025
Chapter 14 14
02/02/2025
Chapter 15 15
03/02/2025
Chapter 16 16
03/02/2025
Chapter 17 17
03/02/2025
Chapter 18 18
03/02/2025
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