The Billionaire's Forbidden Touch

omed like a giant over the bustling New York street- a perfect symbol of power, precision, and, according to every tabloid she'd eve

job interview. It w

e a dream that didn't belong to her. Elena had spent the last three years clawing her way up from the bottom- first as a receptionist,

ere sh

ng and the sterile scent of polished marble. The lobby was immaculate, every surface gleaming, every

receptionist, her voice steadier than

sional but curious. "Of course, Ms. Rivera. Please take the

or. Nat

wisted tighter. She'd prepared for days- studied John Ashcroft's business empire, his rise from a privileged but competitive family, his r

The windows bathed the space in light, showcasing a panoramic view of Manh

ivera?"

replied, step

roft's chief of staff

ush carpeting. At the end of the hall stood an imposing set of double d

l clean lines and neutral tones. Behin

Ash

red navy suit. His dark hair was swept back with effortless precision, his chiseled jaw tense as he reviewe

steel blue-met hers,

aid, voice smooth bu

air opposite him, carefully placing her portfolio on her la

an, setting the document aside.

my track record shows I'm a fast learner, M

position isn't for the faint-hearted. My previo

'm aware of yo

r of a smile-more a quirk of his

u expect loyalty and precision. I also know your company's success is built

eyes narrowing slightly. "

window, hands in his pockets. "Tell m

t harder than s

k to face her. His gaze pinned her

e people I work with. I want to succeed, but I also want

Compassion. That's

"Maybe it's what

n his eyes. He crossed back to his desk, si

hon

a button on his desk. "Simon

stomach

ned. "Congratulati

words to sink in. "Than

nterrupted, standing. "We sta

pping her portfolio t

is voice low and cool. "Don't m

his paperwork, dismissing her

ing, head spinning. She had the job.

t stepped into something far more complicated- and far more dangerous- than she'd

-

er fingers trembled as she pressed the ground floor button

ot th

hey almost hurt. Six a.m. tomorrow. She'd have to reorganize her entire life b

k, chestnut hair pulled into a low bun that suddenly seemed too severe. Her usual confidence felt rattled,

deep breath of crisp city air. Her phone buzzed in her purse. She fumb

g out as soon as Elena an

d, breathles

he phone. "Oh my god! I kn

estrians. "It was... intense. He's intimidating as

hcroft? The billionaire

ed. "The on

ng for him." Nadia's voice dropped conspirato

n't deny the flicker of agreeme

. Guys like him? They don't just

ded a little. "I

said gently. "Just... do

wondered if she was already standing at the

etting alarms, prepping files. Yet beneath it all, that same strange current hummed-an

he wealth and power, there was

f. This was wor

*

.m., clutching her coffee like a lifeline. The lobby was eerily quiet, the world outs

ffice doors, tablet in hand, lookin

Simone said with a b

uctions: phone protocols, calendar management, John's preferred

small, sleek workspace j

Mr. Ashcroft arrives at precisely six

her seat. Simone gave her a lingering look

hen- at exactly six- a s

g an imposing figure in another perfectly tailored suit. He didn't glance at her as

d without looking ba

grabbed her tablet a

have a meeting with the Singapore team at six-thirty. I want

ed. "Fiftee

d up, his eyes s

ed. "No, Mr

idn't make a mis

across the keyboard. Fifteen minutes to pull a report that would nor

with him

surface. This was just the beginning, but already, she knew one thing for

-