Chapter Six

The morning light filtered through the tall glass windows of Aaron Donovan’s office as I stepped inside, heart pounding louder than my heels against the polished floor.

I wasn’t sure why I’d agreed to come back, but I had. This was my shot. I had to make it count. The receptionist gave me a look—was it judgment, curiosity? I couldn’t tell. Either way, I held my chin up and walked straight to Aaron’s office without hesitation.

I hadn’t had time to fully think through my decision. But now that I was here, there was no turning back. No more second-guessing. I was going to prove I could do this job, no matter what it took.

Aaron didn’t intimidate me—at least, that’s what I kept telling myself. When I reached his door, I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. If this was going to be awkward, it wasn’t my fault.

I knocked, and before I could second-guess myself, I pushed the door open. Aaron was standing by the window, his broad back facing me. As always, he exuded power and control—like a man who had everything in the palm of his hand.

He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing just a fraction when they met mine. “You’re here,” he said, his voice as cool as ever. “Yes,” I said, trying to sound confident, but I could hear the slight tremor in my voice. “I’m here.” His gaze didn’t leave me, studying me as if he was trying to figure out my intentions.

For a second, I thought about walking out. Maybe I’d made a mistake. But I stood my ground. I wasn’t leaving. Not now. He motioned toward the chair across from him. “Sit.” I did, my legs feeling like they were made of lead, but I managed to sit upright.

This wasn’t about comfort; this was about making a decision that would change everything. We sat in silence for a moment, the tension thick in the air. I could feel his eyes on me, but I refused to fidget.

I was better than that. Finally, he spoke again, his voice low and deliberate. “You’ve made a decision, then?” I frowned. “A decision?” “To work here,” he said, as though it was obvious. “You came to my office. So, I take it you’re considering my offer.”

I wasn’t sure if this was the moment to give him my spiel or just be direct. “You’re offering me a position?” His lips curled, but it wasn’t a smile. It was something far colder. “I am. But don’t mistake that for charity. I don’t forgive easily.” “I’m not here to beg for forgiveness,” I shot back, my tone firm.

“I’m here because I have something to prove.” Aaron studied me for a long moment, as though weighing my words, as though deciding whether I was worth his time.

“What makes you think I’ll want someone like you around?” he asked, his gaze unwavering. “I can do the job,” I said, my voice unwavering despite the butterflies in my stomach.

“And I’ll do it better than anyone else. You made a mistake firing me. I don’t intend to let you forget it.” His eyes flickered, but his expression remained unreadable. “You’re audacious, Miss Hilary,” he said. “But what makes you think you can handle this job? You’ve already failed once.”

“I don’t give up,” I replied, each word deliberate. “I don’t care about your past judgment. I care about the future. And I’ll prove that I’m exactly what you need.”

His gaze softened—just a fraction—but it was enough for me to notice. He wasn’t entirely unaffected by me. I could see that, but he quickly masked it, returning to his usual coldness. He stood up abruptly. “Fine. You’ll start as my assistant.

But know this: if you make one mistake, you’re gone. Do I make myself clear?” I stood too, fighting the urge to smirk. He was testing me, pushing me to the edge, and I wasn’t going to back down. “Crystal clear,” I said, meeting his eyes. “You won’t regret this.”

He didn’t respond. Instead, he turned away and began to shuffle papers on his desk as if he’d already lost interest in me. But I wasn’t done. Not by a long shot. I walked out of his office feeling like I’d just won the first battle.

But the war was far from over. I had a long way to go. But I had a plan, and I had the drive. And that was enough. The door clicked shut behind me with a quiet finality.

As I walked down the hallway, the weight of what had just happened began to settle in. I was back. I was back in Aaron Donovan’s world, and this time, I was playing by my own rules. No more meekness, no more second-guessing.

I had a purpose now. But a part of me, deep down, couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.

Aaron Donovan wasn’t the type of man who handed out chances lightly, and I knew better than to think this would be smooth sailing.

I had to stay sharp. One slip-up and I’d be out. When I reached the elevator, I paused, my hand hovering over the button. For a moment, I considered what had led me to this point—the interviews, the anger, the humiliation.

It had all been for a reason. I didn’t want to admit it, but maybe Aaron was right. I was here to prove something—not just to him, but to myself.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and I stepped inside. My reflection stared back at me in the polished metal, and for the first time in days, I felt a surge of something unfamiliar—confidence.

Maybe I had underestimated myself after all. The ride down was quick, but the thoughts racing in my mind didn’t stop. I was only just beginning to scratch the surface of what I could do here. This wasn’t about being a secretary or a personal assistant.

It was about getting close to the power, the people who controlled everything. And that wasn’t something I was willing to let slip through my fingers.

As the elevator doors opened on the ground floor, I stepped out, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and dread. The world outside was bright and bustling, but here, in this building, everything felt like a game of chess.

And I wasn’t just a pawn anymore. I had my sights set on something bigger. I had to. Walking through the lobby, I kept my eyes straight ahead, ignoring the whispers from the receptionist and staff who were likely still gossiping about my return.

When I stepped outside, the city hit me with its usual hustle and noise. But beneath it all, there was a storm brewing—one that I was ready to face.

I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts. There was someone I needed to meet. I’d played my hand with Aaron, but there were other players I had to court.

People who knew the game better than I did. I pressed the call button. As the phone rang, my heart raced—not from nerves, but from the thrill of what was to come.

Because I wasn’t just here for a job anymore. I was here for something much more. Something far more dangerous.

And I had a feeling Aaron Donovan was going to be the least of my worries.