Chapter 1: The Cold Billionaire
The city lights reflected off the sleek black car as Adrian Steele leaned back in the leather seat, a glass of champagne in one hand. Across from him sat a woman who had been practically thrown at him by a mutual acquaintance — beautiful, eager, and already hanging on his every word.
"You always know exactly what to say," she purred, her hand brushing his as she laughed softly.
Adrian smirked, tilting his head. "I don't always need to say anything. Sometimes it's enough that I look like I mean business."
The woman giggled, leaning closer. "And you do look like you mean business."
He raised an eyebrow, enjoying the way she fell into his charm so easily. Years ago, this had been his world — women drawn to him effortlessly, his name on everyone's lips. He had been a playboy, untouchable, dangerous, and desired. And yet, even as he let her flirt, even as the thrill of power hummed in his veins, there was something missing. Something he hadn't realized until… until her.
Maya Carter.
The thought made his chest tighten in a way he hadn't felt in years. He shook it off, finishing the champagne in one smooth gulp, and handed the empty glass back. "Enough small talk. I have business to attend to," he said, his voice calm but edged with authority.
The woman pouted, but he only smirked. Women always pouted. Women always wanted. And yet, none of them had ever mattered. None of them ever would again. Because there was someone else — someone who had made him abandon this world of fleeting pleasures and empty conquests.
He had loved her. And she had broken him.
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Maya Carter adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped into the gleaming lobby of Steele Industries, pushing thoughts of the billionaire out of her mind. The building itself screamed power — marble floors, glass walls, and a receptionist who looked like she belonged in a fashion magazine.
"Miss Carter?" the receptionist asked politely. "Mr. Steele is expecting you. Please head to the top floor."
Maya nodded, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She had worked hard for this opportunity, and she wasn't about to let nerves get the best of her. This was a job, nothing more. She reminded herself firmly that the man behind the reputation was just that — a reputation.
The elevator opened to a modern office space dominated by a single massive desk, behind which sat a man who could command the world with just a glance.
Adrian Steele.
He looked up, and those piercing gray eyes met hers instantly. For a moment, Maya felt a flicker of irritation — he wasn't smiling, wasn't even glancing at her portfolio, just appraising her as if she were a puzzle to be solved.
"Miss Carter," he said finally, his voice smooth and sharp. "You're here for the assistant position?"
"Yes, Mr. Steele," she replied, steadying her voice despite the tension in the air. "I believe my experience and skills make me a strong candidate."
He raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Bold," he remarked. "Most applicants would be trembling right now. You, however, seem… unafraid."
Maya crossed her arms. "Confidence is part of professionalism, Mr. Steele. Fear has no place in this office."
A flicker of amusement passed over his face, quickly masked by his usual cold expression. Adrian Steele had once been the city's most irresistible playboy. Women fell at his feet, and he never cared for any of them. But she wasn't impressed. She didn't flutter or stammer. She didn't fall. She didn't care.
And that irritated him more than he wanted to admit.
"Very well," he said after a long pause. "Let's see what you're capable of."
Maya handed over her portfolio. "Your assistant should be efficient, discreet, and proactive. I anticipate needs rather than wait for instructions."
He skimmed the documents quickly. "Ambitious," he murmured. "I like that."
"I don't work for praise," Maya said coolly. "I work to get results."
"Most people don't survive long in this office," he said flatly. "I don't tolerate mistakes. I don't tolerate attitude. And I certainly don't tolerate weakness."
"Then you'll be pleased to know I don't make mistakes," she replied. "And attitude? That depends on the person giving it."
For a brief moment, he leaned back, studying her. There was fire in her eyes — defiance and strength that reminded him painfully of someone he had once loved. Someone who had made him stop being the man he used to be. Someone who had left him with nothing but betrayal and heartbreak.
"Interesting," he said finally, leaning forward. "Most women would beg for a chance. You, however, seem… indifferent. Or perhaps, you just hate me."
Maya blinked, then straightened. "Indifferent? Hardly. I just don't like unnecessary arrogance. And I don't like men who think they can charm anyone into submission."
A slow, sharp smile spread across his face. "So you do dislike me."
"Yes," she said simply. "I don't care how much money you have or how many women you've… charmed. I'm not impressed."
Silence filled the room for a heartbeat, broken only by the hum of the computers. Adrian Steele, the man who had once made women weak with just a look, felt… nothing. Nothing except for the spark that was maddeningly alive in front of him — a mixture of irritation and fascination.
"You're bold," he said finally. "And irritating. Very well, Miss Carter. You start Monday. Don't make me regret this decision."
Maya's lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. "I doubt you will. But temper that ego, Mr. Steele. Some people might not survive your office. I intend to."
He leaned back in his chair, letting a slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "We'll see about that."
As she turned to leave, she felt his gaze burn into her back — heavy, intense, and impossible to ignore. She hated him. Truly. And yet… something about him still pulled at her, a dangerous attraction she refused to acknowledge.
"Miss Carter," Adrian called just as she reached the door.
She stopped and looked over her shoulder, eyebrow raised.
"Don't think this is going to be easy," he said. "I don't trust easily. And I certainly don't let people in."
Maya's lips pressed into a thin line. "Good. Neither do I."
That was the moment the battle lines were drawn — two strong, stubborn wills locked in a silent war. He was used to women surrendering to him; she was used to standing her ground. And in that clash of fire and ice, a spark was ignited that neither could ignore.
Little did they know, this was only the beginning.
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