Instinctively, Olivia pressed the button to hold the doors. A woman with sleek black hair hurried inside, her sharp heels clicking against the floor.
"Madison," Olivia said in surprise.
Her friend flashed her a grin. Madison, a copy editor with a higher position in the company, had always been quick-tongued and sharper than most.
"Yes, it's me," Madison said, leaning closer as the elevator began to rise. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Olivia, have you heard the latest news?"
Because the elevator was noisy with chatter, Olivia didn't catch Madison's words. "What did you say?" Olivia leaned closer.
Ding!
The doors slid open, and the two of them stepped out into the bustling hallway.
Madison tugged her arm, eyes shining with excitement. "Did you hear the news? Mr. Andrews sold the company!"
Olivia blinked. "What? No—are you serious?"
"Yes!" Madison lowered her voice, excitement brimming in every word. "And not just to anyone. He sold it to the Lorenzo Ricci—the billionaire Italian bachelor himself! He owns the Grand Empire Hotel, one of the top three in all of New York."
Then what is he doing in New York instead of Italy? Olivia asked, frowning in confusion.
Well, I heard he owns several major companies in Italy," Madison said, her eyes shining with admiration. "He came to New York to expand his empire.
"In New York, he doesn't just own our company," Madison continued with excitement. "He also owns Eastbridge Steakhouse, the Midnight Rose nightclub, and countless other businesses. He's practically a legend."
Olivia frowned slightly, trying to keep up with her friend's enthusiasm. "And he's coming here?"
"That's what I heard from the editors." Madison nodded quickly. "He'll be visiting tomorrow to see how the company runs. And he's very strict. Rumor has it that if he finds you unsightly or you get on his bad side, you'll be fired on the spot.
Her voice dropped to a whisper. "They say he's cold… a ruthless workaholic who works all day, and even his employees aren't spared."
"I even heard rumors he's tied to the Mafia," Madison whispered dramatically before rolling her eyes. "But that's probably just fake news from some desperate reporter. Honestly, Olivia—how are you a reporter and still so clueless about the great Lorenzo Ricci? You really are something."
Olivia sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I've been busy chasing a bigger story—the Moretti Mafia Family. They're cautious. Too cautious. Getting close to them is like chasing shadows."
Madison shook her head, her excitement undimmed. "Well, you better be careful. I've heard of them—they're ruthless. Try not to get yourself killed just because you're still hung up on him."
She didn't clarify who she meant, instead quickly changing the subject. "Anyway, make sure you're here early tomorrow. I heard our new boss doesn't tolerate lateness. See you later, girl!"
She gave a playful wave before disappearing down the hall, leaving Olivia to return to her office.
"Olivia, you're still here? I thought you'd already left," James, her colleague, looked up from his desk in surprise.
"No, of course not. Lunch break just ended." Olivia dropped her bag onto her chair, her expression sharpening. "Listen—my contact says there's going to be a meeting tonight at Midnight Rose nightclub. The Moretti Family and the Silent Vipers are planning something big. We need to be there."
James frowned. "You know they won't just let reporters stroll in."
"That's why we won't be reporters tonight." Olivia's voice was firm, her tone leaving no room for argument. "They only let in groups that blend in. Go home and change into something that fits the scene. No cameras—they search everyone. I'll take care of the rest. Just meet me there."
James nodded reluctantly.
"Oh, and James," she added, patting his shoulder with a faint smile, "make sure you're early tomorrow. Our new boss is coming, and the last thing we need is to stand out for the wrong reasons."
"Yes, I heard. I'll head home now—call you by nine," James said, grabbing his bag before leaving the office.
Olivia exhaled, then turned and made her way to the editor's office. She paused, knocked gently.
"Come in," a soft, elegant voice called from inside.
Olivia pushed open the door and stepped into the well-kept office. Behind the desk sat editor Alexandra, a young brunette woman with sharp eyes and a reputation for being the first female editor to rise in the company—an achievement hard won in a workplace where most men still dismissed women. She was typing quickly, but glanced up as Olivia approached.
"Miss Alex," Olivia began with a polite smile, "I'm clocking out for the day. But I wanted to let you know—I've found a lead on The Moretti Mafia Family. Give me some time, and I promise I'll bring back a story that will surprise you."
Miss Alexandra's smile instantly faded. "Olivia, you're still chasing that? How can you be so sure the Moretti Family isn't just another mafia syndicate? That man died three years ago. Why can't you let it go? It's been so long—don't end up getting yourself killed because of your obsession."
"Alex, I'm not going after him," Olivia lied smoothly, not even blinking. "This is just like any other story. It has nothing to do with that man. Why does everyone keep insisting otherwise? I've moved on. In fact, starting today, I don't need to see the therapist anymore.
You're all just worrying too much." She forced a smile, hoping it would silence the concern lingering in Alexandra's eyes.
Alexandra's eyes hardened. "Alright then. But if I find out—even slightly—that this is about Vincent, I'll pull you off the story immediately."
"I promise, it's not about him," Olivia replied with a reassuring smile.
Alexandra exhaled and leaned back. "Good. Just be careful. The last thing I need is William knocking on my door to complain. You know how protective he is."
Olivia's lips curved faintly. Alexandra and William—her boyfriend—were cousins, so she and Alexandra had known each other long before she even started dating William two years ago. Their bond ran deeper than a simple boss-and-employee relationship.
"Don't worry. I've got this," she said, giving a reassuring smile. She left Alexandra's office, retrieved her bag from her own office, and with a final wave, headed out.
Minutes later, Olivia slid into the driver's seat of her Audi A4 and navigated the bustling city streets until she reached her downtown apartment. At the sleek glass entrance, she entered her code on the keypad. With a soft click and the doors sliding open, she stepped inside.
She lived in an apartment in the city center. Her job paid well, even though she didn't come from a wealthy family—her family was comfortable, and her boyfriend had helped her get the apartment at a discounted price through one of his friends.
Walking into her bedroom, she chose the outfit she would wear to the nightclub. Afterward, she went to the kitchen to cook a quick bowl of noodles, took a shower, and finally went to sleep.
Olivia woke to the sound of her phone ringing. Groggily, she reached into her nightstand drawer and grabbed it, answering without checking who was calling.
"Hello?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.
"Olivia! Where are you? I'm at the gate of your house waiting!" James shouted over the phone.
"Wait… why are you at my house?" Olivia asked groggily.
"Did you forget? We're going to the nightclub today!" James yelled.
Olivia blinked, then suddenly sat up with a start. "Please wait for me—twenty minutes! I'll be down!" she said, quickly ending the call.
She swung her legs off the bed and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up. Once out, she applied smoky eye makeup, red lipstick, and smoothed her sleek hair.
Standing in front of the mirror, she admired her reflection: a glittering black mini dress hugged her curves and ended high on her thighs. Strappy white heels made her legs look endless, while the smoky eyes and red lips gave her a dangerous allure. Grabbing her black purse and coat, she hurried out of the apartment.
Downstairs, James's red Benz gleamed in the parking lot, waiting for her.
Olivia tapped on the car window, and James rolled it down.
"Finally! Took you long enough," he said with a grin.
James had been her close friend for two years—they were practically inseparable. He wasn't just her coworker; he knew her better than anyone.
"I must have dozed off and completely forgot we were heading out to investigate," Olivia admitted, smiling.
"Alright, let's go," she said, and James started the car, weaving through the city streets.
"Well, you look amazing. Is your boyfriend joining us with his friends?" Olivia asked.
"Nope, I told him to sit this one out. You never know how heated it might get between the two mafias. Besides, I heard the club is owned by our new boss," James replied.
"Oh! I heard that from Madison too," Olivia said, glancing at her reflection in the car mirror as she checked her makeup.
Do you think the new boss will be handsome?" James asked with a playful smirk.
"You better forget about that, or you might get fired tomorrow," Olivia teased.
"Well, a guy can dream, right?" James shot back.
"You better not dream about it if you want to keep your job… or if you don't want Daniel to break up with you," Olivia said with a knowing smile.