Bound by vow, burned by secrets

ing down on her. This wasn't just an application; it was her first tactical maneuver. Every word had to be precise, every detail carefu

e me coming.

company's dramatic downfall. Instead, she highlighted her innate understanding of complex financial systems, her knack for data analysis, skills honed

titans, specifically citing Kane Industries' innovative approach to global markets. She praised Lucien Kane's vis

unassuming young woman. Who could

e idealism, carefully balanced with an unwavering drive. She knew what powerful men like Lucien Kane looked for:

llen. Now, she waited. The internship was fiercely competitive, attracting thousands of applicants from around the gl

named Eleanor Vance (no relation to Julian, thankfully, but just as rigid). She knew the typical timeline for applications,

t the Sterling Group with public records of Kane Industries' past dealings. The connections between Arthur Thorne and Elias S

d. A deeper rot th

p on coding languages, and immersed herself in advanced financial modeling. Every spare moment was dedicat

email. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She opened it, her breath catchin

bered. The firs

sponses flowing like a well-rehearsed script. She spoke of her passion for corporate strategy, her analytical mind, and her unwaverin

tracurriculars are... unconventional. You spent a considerable amount of time volunteer

due to predatory practices, I became passionate about ensuring fair play in the ma

jab, one Eleanor Vance wouldn'

expression unreadable. "Ver

ed she'd been holding. Close. Too close. But I handled it. She

nd interview. In person. At the Kane Industries tower. A date. A time. An

it. The

ist of the Kane family, known for his shrewd judgment and unwavering dedication

verely, revealing the sharp angles of her face. She looked capable. Professional. Completely unlike the wo

t of the beast. Or perhaps, into the very lair of her potential ally. Security was tight, a dizzying array of checkpoints and s

t expanse of polished chrome and muted power. Alistair Finch's

her politely, gesturing to a seat. The interview began, questions about her aspirations, her understanding

to ask... why the Executive Office? Why not one of our more conventional departments, like finance or legal?

st level. I want to understand the very heart of an empire, to witness the strategies that shape global industries. And frankly," she paused,

flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He seemed to be weighing her wo

ps. "Very well, Ms. Hayes. We'll b

irm handshake. "Thank you

was looking for. And she knew she had given him precisely what he needed. She had presented he

who I truly am.

ut, a figure emerged from a private office just down the hall from Finch's. A tall, imposing si

en K

d closed. For a fleeting second, Amara thought their eyes had met. Impossible. He would