(Amira's POV)
The rain had just stopped when my cab pulled up in front of the tall glass building. I gave the little money I had to the driver and stepped out, clutching my old brown folder to my chest like it was something precious. My cheap shoes sank into a puddle, soaking my socks, but I didn't even care.
All I could think about was this interview.
The sleek silver letters above the entrance read VANCE GLOBAL HOLDINGS. They gleamed even under the cloudy sky. I tilted my head back to stare at the skyscraper that disappeared into the mist. It looked rich and powerful;completely out of my league.
But I was desperate.
If I didn't get this job, I wasn't sure how I would pay Mom's next hospital bill. Rent was already overdue. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten all morning.
I took a deep breath and whispered to myself, "You can do this, Amira. Just breathe."
Inside, the lobby was like something from a dream. The floor sparkled under bright lights, and a huge chandelier hung above, dripping crystals like stars. Men and women in expensive suits walked past me, smelling of designer perfume and confidence.
I tightened my grip on my folder and tried to look like I belonged.
The receptionist looked up as I approached her desk. She was stunning with flawless makeup, a perfect bun, and a polite but distant smile.
"Good morning," how may I help you?" she said
"Hi,I'm here for the interview. Amira Daniels. Ten o'clock with the HR manager," I replied nervously.
She typed something into her computer, then lifted the phone. "Yes, she's here," she said quietly, then nodded. "Alright. Send her up." was the response.
When she hung up, she looked at me and said "You can go to the top floor. Mr. Vance will see you now."
"Mr. Vance? You mean the CEO?" I asked nervously.
"Yes, goodluck" she said, smiling faintly.
My heart started racing.Many thoughts rushed through my mind: Leonardo Vance himself? The billionaire CEO who was always on the news? The man everyone called "The Ice King of Wall Street"?
Why would he want to interview me;a nobody from nowhere?
Still, I forced my shaking legs to move toward the elevator. As the doors slid shut, I caught my reflection in the mirror. My hair was slightly damp, my makeup light but neat. I didn't look rich, but I didn't look hopeless either.
You've come this far, I told myself. Don't back out now.
The elevator stopped with a soft ding, and when the doors opened, I stepped into silence.
The top floor was nothing like the lobby; it was quieter and colder. The carpet was thick, the air faintly smelled of leather and coffee. My heels made soft clicks as I walked down the hall.
A tall woman with a clipboard gestured for me to follow her. She led me through large double doors, and that's when I saw him.
Leonardo Vance.
He stood by the window, looking out at the gray city skyline. His black suit fit perfectly, his shoulders broad, his hands tucked into his pockets. His presence filled the room like electricity.
"Miss Daniels?" His voice was deep and calm; too calm.
"Yes, sir," I managed to say.
He turned around slowly. His face was even more striking than the pictures online: sharp jawline, serious eyes, and an unreadable expression. I froze when his gaze met mine. It felt like he could see through every lie, every fear, and every secret I'd ever had.
"Have a seat," he said, nodding toward the chair across from his desk.
I sat down quickly, holding my folder tightly so he wouldn't see my hands shaking.
He picked up my résumé and flipped through it. "Mass communication degree. Short internship at a local media house."
"Yes, sir, but they had to let me go when they lost funding." I said quietly.
"You don't have much experience." he said, without even looking up.
"I know, but I learn fast; I can handle any task you give me. I just need a chance." I said quickly.
For a moment, he said nothing. The silence stretched, and I could feel my heartbeat in my throat.
Then he looked up at me, his expression unreadable. "You need this job."
It wasn't a question.
"Yes," I whispered.
His lips curved slightly; not quite a smile. "And you'll do whatever it takes to get it?"
My eyebrows drew together. "I'm willing to work hard, sir. I'm not afraid of long hours or pressure."
He leaned back in his chair, studying me. "Hard work is easy. Loyalty, however, is rare."
"I can be loyal," I replied.
He stood suddenly and walked around the desk until he was standing right in front of me. I could smell his cologne: expensive, clean, and faintly intoxicating. He wasn't just powerful; he knew it. Every move he made was deliberate and controlled.
"What if I offered you a different kind of position?" he asked quietly.
I frowned. "Different?"
He looked down at me, his eyes dark and intense. "One that pays more than anything HR could offer you."
My stomach twisted. "What kind of position?"
He smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in it. "A contract."
"A contract for what?"
He didn't answer right away. He walked back to his chair and sat down, his gaze still fixed on me. "You'll find out soon enough. For now, all you need to know is that it's... personal."
"Personal?" I repeated, confused.
He nodded. "You seem like someone who can keep secrets. You need money. I need someone I can trust. That's all you need to know for now."
I stared at him, my pulse pounding. "Mr. Vance, I came here for a regular job interview. Not whatever this is."
He tilted his head slightly. "You're free to walk away, Miss Daniels. But if you do, you might miss an opportunity that could change your life."
I swallowed hard. "Change my life how?"
He leaned forward, his voice calm but cold. "You'll see when the offer comes. Think about it before you say no."
"I don't understand what you're asking."
"You don't have to," he said simply. "Not yet."
Then, as if the conversation was over, he pressed a button on his desk. The woman with the clipboard appeared almost instantly.
"Show Miss Daniels out," he said without looking at me.
I wanted to say something; to ask more questions but my voice refused to work. I stood slowly, holding onto my folder like it was the only thing keeping me steady.
As I reached the door, he said quietly, "You'll hear from me soon."
The way he said it sent a chill down my spine.
When the elevator doors closed behind me, I finally let out the breath I'd been holding. My hands were shaking. My heart wouldn't slow down.
What just happened in there?
He didn't offer me a real job. He didn't even tell me what kind of contract he meant. But his tone and his confidence made me feel like walking away wasn't that simple.
Outside, the rain had started again, soft but steady. I stood under the awning, watching people hurry past with umbrellas. My mind was racing.
Part of me wanted to forget the whole thing, to go home and never think about Leonardo Vance again. But another part; the desperate part whispered that maybe I couldn't afford to.
"A billionaire offering me a secret contract?"
It sounded crazy,dangerous, Impossible,
and yet, deep down, I knew one thing for sure: My life was about to change, whether I wanted it to or not.