Toxic-Attraction

Name: Toxic-Attraction
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Rey E’ttie

Romance | Ongoing

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In Manhattan, New York, a ruthless billionaire, Andrew Cross builds a large business empire. He is feared by his rivals and employees too. A man of substance and a commanding aura. But beneath the cold attitude he portrays, he's a man haunted by his past and yearns for a consuming love but also afraid of it. He blames himself for his father's death and is haunted by the death of the woman he once loved dearly, he vows never to love again. But then Elena Santiago walks into his life as his personal assistant. She's fierce, stunning, determined and yet desperately in need of a job whereas Andrew seeks control. He desires to tame his spirited personal assistant and shatter her confidence. What starts as a toxic game of power ends as a dangerous pool of overwhelming love neither of them can escape. But threatening secrets lay beneath. And when betrayal strikes from within, love may not be able to survive the destruction.

Family Modern First love CEO Attractive Arrogant/Dominant Forbidden love

Chapter 9 The Suspension

Today 08:47

Chapter 1 The Interview

The cemetery was eerily quiet. So quiet that it could be felt. Grey clouds covered the sky. Andrew Cross stood in his black tailored suit, his black polished shoes coated in wet sand. "I'm so sorry, I should've been there for you, I should have answered your calls." "It's been years though. Years of pain," he murmured clearing out the leaves from the headstone. The headstone had words engraved on it. He stared at it for a while as if waiting to hear a word from it . "I couldn't save you both", he lowered his head and a gust of wind blew past. Just then his phone rang.

He allowed it ring two times before taking it out of his pocket. He stared at the name that flashed on his screen. "Ms. Emily?", he muttered twitching his eyes. He answered the call. "Hello, why the call?", he asked, voice dry. "Mr Cross", Ms. Emily, his legal advisor and head of Human Resources spoke. "You've got to attend to an interview in thirty minutes. The candidate would be here soon so I just called to remind you". "Another interview? I'm sick of this", he said bitterly. " With all due respect sir, it seems you forget that you're the Ceo of Steele and Cross Enterprises, and these interviews are part of your duties. You've rejected seven candidates in two weeks. And we need to hire someone permanently. Please be here on time". "Ok", he hangs up. Andrew took a deep breath then said touching and staring at the headstone, "Guess, it's time to leave. Good bye". He stood, wore his dark sunglasses then left.

*Steele and Cross Enterprises*

Elena Santiago stepped out of the solid glass doors and into the steel and glass lobby of Steele and Cross Enterprises. Her black heels clicked as she stepped on the shiny neat marble floors. Her heart throbbed with each step she took. She arranged the blue fitted blazer she was putting on and clutched the blue folder which had her cv and other documents tightly. "You can do this Elena. You're strong and brave", she muttered silently to herself. Just as she was about to move to the front desk, her phone beeped in her portable black handbag. She took it out and saw that it was a text from Jenna, her best friend. _' You've got this gal. Show'em what you've got. Don't be a dick. Jenna loves you'._ She smiled reading it. Then replied Jenna's message. ' _You're too much Jenna. Got it. Not gonna be a dick. Love you too'._ She smiled then shoved her phone into her bag. She made her way to the front desk. "Hello, I'm Elena Santiago. I'm here for the interview", she said to the receptionist. "Hold on a sec" The woman smiled gently, checked her monitor and confirmed. "Yes, please go to the forty-second floor. You'll meet Ms Emily there". "Ok, thanks" "You're welcome," the receptionist said with a smile. Elena left and stepped into the elevator. "Well here I go. Oh, gosh I'm nervous. God help me", she muttered to herself and took a deep breath. This company was just any kind of company. It was Steele and Cross Enterprises. One of the most prestigious business empires in Manhattan, New York. Headed by Mr Andrew Cross, the most feared and respected business tycoon. There were many rumors about him. They were rumors that he was ruthless and unmerciful. That he tolerated no mistake. He believed in perfection. There were rumors that no assistant of his lasted more than a month. That he barely communicated with them. She also heard hushed whispers that he has a dark past and is haunted by it. But could this be true? Could a cold billionaire like Mr Andrew Cross be haunted by some past? It sounded too good to be true. Well there would always be rumors since Mr Cross is such a successful man that hardly speaks, rumors are bound to occur. But that wasn't Elena's concern at the moment. She didn't want the rumors to weaken her resolve. She was there to win. The elevator opened and Elena stepped out gazing at the luxurious hallway with glass walls and black and white decors. Ms Emily stood in a neat navy blue suit and black trimmed glasses. She greeted her with a handshake. "You arrived early Miss Santiago. Come with me". Elena increased her walking speed inorder to catch up with Ms Emily. "Thanks so much. I really appreciate it". Emily gave her a faint smile that didn't reveal her true thoughts or emotions. "And I hope Mr Cross appreciates it too". She took her into a large exquisite office with large windows that had a nice view of Manhattan skyline, skyscrapers and magnificent buildings. At one one end of the office, stood the mahogany desk which away from the view. Andrew stood facing his back with arms crossed. He didn't turn to face them yet. "Sit down", he said, voice firm. Emily gestured for Elena to sit, then left quietly, leaving Elena with the metaphoric beast, Andrew Cross. Elena sat across from him with her hands on her blue folder that laid on her laps. With eyes still on the window, he asked, "What's your purpose for being here?" "I'm here because your company posted a vacancy for a personal assistant. And I believe I'm right for the job", she answered boldly. "Hmm, I see". He took a slow turn. Andrew Cross. He looked even more dashing in person than in magazines or on TV. He was tall, broad shouldered with dark wavy hair and sharp blue, charming eyes. And also, he had a perfect dentition. He was crazily handsome. That explained why ladies trembled and lost control at the sight of him. Elena could hear her heart beating just seeing him. An unusual and weird feeling crept in her. "The devil is steaming hot", she muttered quietly to herself. "Saying something Miss Santiago?", he asked. "No" He sat down, opened the file and took a quick look at her cv. "Miss Santiago. Twenty-five of age. Had a double major in communication and business admin. Wow impressive GPA. Worked three years at Brightmark Consulting and one year assisting COO Griffin Corp". After reading the contents, he closed the file. "And still, you're here". "Yes I am". "Why did you leave Griffin?" Elena rolled her eyes. "I left because I feel I'm ready for a bigger challenge". He observed her keenly as if trying to find her weakness. "Hmm. May I bring to your notice young lady that I've fired every assistant I have had in the past years". Elena didn't shake. "Yeah I know. I read it on the web", she replied. "And I also read that you don't take"no" for an answer. Maybe that explains it". Andrew raised his brow. "Are you implying that you would?" "I'm implying that I wouldn't be afraid to" "Interesting. You're bold", he said leaning his back on his chair with folded arms. "Not bold sir. Confident". "Others would call it recklessness". "Well, others mistake bravery for foolishness. I don't do such". Andrew felt a bit amused by her, but the amusement disappeared in a jiffy. "Well, you'll be responsible for managing my schedules, preparing my reports, handling sensitive and important correspondence, identify potential issues before they arise and note...", he paused a while then said, " I don't tolerate mistakes at all. I believe in perfection. And I don't have time for empathy or emotional issues" "Nice," Elena said. "Neither do I". There was a wave of silence between them. Elena felt her heart skip immediately she uttered those last words. She felt shaken but tried to compose herself. Andrew stood and moved to the window. "You have no clue what working for me involves. You won't have time for personal plans, you'll work late nights, go on impromptu travels. You'll listen to things you shouldn't, see things not meant for you. And you'll not quiver but remain composed". She stood from her seat and said. "The demands are understood sir. My coming here isn't to be given special treatment but to work" He turned, facing her. "Why?" "Because I believe I'm fit for the job more than anyone else sir. And I don't shy away from problems. I face them". He narrowed his look, observing her closely. "People do pretend to have strength. But in reality they don't". "And people pretend not to care, but they do," she defended. He paused for a while. "I assume you aren't shaken easily, Miss Santiago". "Well, I must say your assumption is correct". He paused again. "This one might be fun to break", he thought. "You're hired", he said flatly to her. She blinked. "That's it?". "You wanted a challenge. Now you've got one". Elena tried to make her expression normal but inside her, she felt a sudden rush of anxiety. "Please when do I begin?" "I don't waste time. Start now. Emily will brief you". He moved to his desk and opened a file, ending the conversation. Elena turned, holding her blue folder tightly, heading towards the door. As she was about exiting, she stopped and turned back facing him. "Thanks sir". He didn't look up, eyes fixated on the file in his hands. "You've got guts. We'll see how long that lasts". She smiled, turned around attempting to leave again but Andrew called her attention. "You'll be working directly under me. No errors. No excuses. No boundaries". She stalled. "Boundaries exist for a purpose Mr Cross". He looked at her with dark eyes. "And some exist just to be broken", he answered in contrast to her reply. Elena gave a faint smile and exited. She finally took a breath. She had just walked out of the lion's den.