The name sounded like something out of a crime drama. She didn't know what he looked like, but she'd heard stories — the man was smart, ruthless, and rich beyond measure. And now, his assistant wanted to see her?
She followed silently, her flats barely making a sound on the floor.
When they reached the office, the assistant — a clean-shaven, serious-looking man named Caleb — stood to greet her. "Miss Hadley. Thank you for coming. Please have a seat."
She did, clutching her file.
Caleb glanced over her résumé, nodding slowly. "Graduated top of your class… part-time tutoring, freelance writing… You've worked hard."
She smiled, unsure if she should say thank you or stay quiet.
"I'll be honest," he continued, "We don't usually take fresh graduates, but there's something promising here. Mr. Moretti takes notice of ambition."
Saphina's heart fluttered. Was she actually being considered?
Then the door behind Caleb opened — and in walked the storm.
She didn't see his face at first. Just the sound of his shoes. The room seemed to shift with his presence. Even the air felt heavier. And then — he looked up.
Their eyes met.
Her breath caught.
It was *him*.
The man from the elevator.
Earlier, when she'd arrived, she'd shared an elevator ride with a man who didn't speak, didn't even look at her — but she remembered his presence, the way he'd stood like the world didn't touch him.
Now he was here.
And he was him.
Tristan Lucien Moretti.
He didn't smile. Didn't blink. Just looked at her — like he was trying to solve a puzzle he hadn't expected to find.
Saphina quickly stood up. "Good morning, sir."
Tristan looked at Caleb. "You didn't tell me we had a new applicant today."
"I thought I'd screen her first," Caleb replied, clearing his throat. "She's… interesting."
Tristan's gaze remained locked on her. "I can see that."
His voice was smooth, deep, and commanding. He walked over to his desk, eyes still on her, then finally broke the stare to glance at her résumé.
"Hmm. Saphina Rose Hadley," he read aloud. "Twenty-one. No work experience in the corporate world… yet here you are."
She swallowed hard. "I'm willing to learn, sir."
He looked up slowly. "Everyone says that."
Silence filled the room.
Then, to her surprise, a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "But you… you don't look like you're here to waste time."
"I'm not."
Tristan studied her again. That fire in her eyes — it reminded him of something. Or someone. He couldn't place it yet.
He finally spoke to Caleb, "She starts tomorrow. Entry-level assistant. Let's see how long she lasts."
Saphina blinked. "Wait… I got the job?"
Tristan gave her one last look. "Don't make me regret it."
Then he turned and disappeared into the next room — leaving her standing there, stunned.
She had no idea what she'd just stepped into.
But from the look in his eyes… neither did he.
**
Far above, Tristan stood by his office window again, hands in his pockets, watching the streets below.
That girl — Saphina.
There was something about her.
He wasn't sure what.
But for the first time in a long time… he was curious.
And curiosity was dangerous.
Especially for a man like him.
---