Owned by fate claimed by him.

leek. Polished. The name Damien Everhart, CEO embossed in clean silver letters shimmered under the early morning light. She dressed with extra c

esitated before stepping through the giant revolving door. Inside, everything gleamed. White marble floors reflected soft golden lights overhe

red her a glance before pointing her to the e

ike ascending into

ors slid open, Damie

d in a tailored charcoal suit, he looked like he belonged in

quickly.

n't call me 'sir.' It makes me

said, testing the nam

eiling windows and sleek offices. Everyone seemed

ern. Her laptop already set up, a stack of files waiti

ls, organizing meetings, reviewing contracts. Simple enough, exc

ng calendar invite, misfiled a contract,

refused t

rely raised a brow and said, "

as honest. And it pus

o get the rhythm. Damien rarely spoke, bu

in the city?" he asked rand

life," she repl

ou li

ike the idea of what it cou

and for a fleeting sec

at," he s

leaving her heart knocking

am disappeared, leaving the floor silent and still. Amara

here," he sa

are

half-smile

his office. "Come

ated, the

eath a framed photograph of a young woman smiling at the camera. Damien sat behind his desk, b

b isn't exactly what

nestly. "But I'm

w. "Most people can't handle my world.

ompliment, though she wasn't su

s tone

meone," he said quie

m fell

slightly. "Do you wa

yes shadowed. "Not ye

saw the man behind the suits, the empire, the money. Not just a

oday," she said.

ob... it's more than just answering emails and

ed. "Is that a war

d faintly. "

the city below filtering in through the tall window

is pho

iately stood, tension slashing

alarmed. "Is e

le again-but his voice was diffe

hospital," he said.

s leaving her standing alone in the shadows of