At just 21 years old, Saphina Rose Hadley had already seen more of life's bitter side than most did in a lifetime. Orphaned at the age of ten after a tragic car accident stole her parents away, she had grown up learning how to survive — not by choice, but by force. The world didn't wait for anyone, especially not a girl with no family, no backup, and nothing but a stubborn heart full of dreams.
Now, standing outside a towering glass building in the heart of the city, she took a slow breath, adjusting her second-hand blazer and worn-out purse. This wasn't just a job interview. It was a shot at a new life — one that didn't involve worrying about rent, skipping meals to save money, or crying herself to sleep out of pure exhaustion.Saphina was petite, just a little under average height, but her presence was impossible to overlook. Her deep brown eyes held a quiet fire, framed by long lashes. Her soft curls were pulled back into a neat bun, though a few tendrils escaped to kiss her warm, bronze skin. She was beautiful in the kind of way that made people turn twice — not flashy, but striking. A gentle kind of beauty that lingered. Hope and grit clung to her like perfume.
She whispered to herself, "You've come this far… don't stop now," and pushed open the door.
**
Elsewhere, in a penthouse office with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the entire skyline, a man stood, watching the city below like a king surveying his empire.
He didn't speak. He rarely needed to. His presence filled the room in a way that words never could.---
Saphina adjusted her blouse nervously as she sat on the edge of the reception room sofa, hands folded tightly in her lap. The clock ticked loud in her ears, each second stretching into what felt like minutes. Her palms were sweaty, and she wiped them quickly on her skirt. She didn't want to mess this up.
Around her, everything screamed wealth — the marble floors, the gold-accented furniture, even the scent in the air. She'd never been inside a place this elegant before. This wasn't some local firm; this was Moretti's Holdings — one of the biggest, most feared business empires in the country. The kind of company that was whispered about, never questioned.
And yet, here she was. Hoping. Praying.
"Saphina Rose Hadley?" a soft, clipped voice called.
She sprang up. "Yes! I mean—yes, that's me."
The woman who'd called her smiled tightly. She wore all black and walked like someone who didn't have time for nonsense.
"This way. Mr. Moretti 's assistant will see you."
Her heart skipped.
Mr. Moretti.