Chapter three: Unexpected ally?

THIRD PERSON POV

As the first light of dawn broke over the skyline, painting the city in hues of pink and gold, Emily found herself standing at the threshold of her apartment, the events of the night still swirling in her mind. She wanted to pinch herself to prove that it wasn’t a dream, as it seemed that some kind of miracle had happened. The encounter with Alexander Blackwood had left her in deep thought, the unexpected turn of events leaving her with more questions than answers. Why did he find her? When did he see her? She thought that he hadn't even noticed her, but apparently she was wrong.

Entering her apartment, she sank into the worn armchair by the window, her gaze drifting to the laptop still open on her cluttered desk. With a sense of renewed purpose by the night's events, she began to type, her fingers dancing across the keys as she chronicled the twists and turns of her encounter with the elusive billionaire. She didn't have much personal information, but she concentrated on all his mannerisms. His tone, the way he spoke, his facial expressions. They were all information that she could use to uncover the mystery of Alexander Blackwood.

As she poured her thoughts onto the screen, the weight of the night began to lift, replaced by a growing sense of anticipation. She had been granted a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Blackwood's world, an opportunity no one had been afforded. And though of the details of their conversation that remained shrouded in mystery. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was on the cusp of something significant. That she was going to be a sensation thanks to her interview, but she needed to find another opportunity, what she had was nothing. He was a far deeper mystery than she could ever imagine.

Lost in thought, Emily scarcely noticed the passage of time, her clock moved rapidly as she concentrated in her typing, until the sound of her phone ringing shattered the silence. With a jolt, she reached for the device, her heart pounding in her chest as she answered the call.

"Emily, it's Kevin," came the familiar voice on the other end of the line, the urgency evident in his tone. "I've been trying to reach you all day. Where have you been?" She didn't realize that her phone had been ringing all day, she was so inmersed in her world that she didn't even notice.

The reminder of her impending deadline brought Emily crashing back to reality, the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her once more. She recounted the events of the night to Kevin, leaving out the finer details of her encounter with Blackwood, and assured him that she was back on track with the story. She also told him a lie, one that she hoped it became true. That he was going to give her another interview.

"Good," Kevin replied, his relief palpable. "Because I've got news. The higher-ups are breathing down my neck for an update. They want results, Emily, and they want them fast." Her heart beat even faster, her palms felt sweaty, but the adrenaline of finding something that no one else could was what assured her that she was going to achieve the impossible.

The pressure only served to fuel Emily's determination, her resolve hardened by the knowledge that her career hung by a thread. She was in a limbo, this could be the best article she could write, or it could be the end of her career.

She promised Kevin that she would deliver, that the story of Alexander Blackwood would be the breakthrough they needed to save the journal. Kevin was still skeptical, but he hoped that what Emily was telling him was true. If she failed she had to go, they wouldn’t let someone foul them, so Emily was playing with fire.

As she hung up the phone, Emily's mind raced with possibilities. She had a lead, a rare opportunity to sink deeper into Blackwood's world and uncover the truth hidden beneath the surface. But she couldn't do it alone. She needed allies, someone who could help her navigate the treacherous waters of New York's elite.

Last night was the first time she had gotten into that world, and it was obvious that she didn’t know how to move around them. She has to change, to train herself so she could stand out. Something that she had intrigued Mr. Blackwood. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she would find out and use it to her favor.

She thought of possible allies, but she couldn’t think of anyone, and then it hit her—a name that had been lurking in the back of her mind since the beginning of her investigation. The other billionaire, Blackwood's supposed nemesis. If anyone had insights into Blackwood's world, it was him.

Could he be her salvation? Probably. He was more accessible than Alexander. He has given plenty of interviews, and while Alexander seemed to hide from the spotlight, Victor loved it.

Victor Sterling is a formidable presence in the world of business. He wasn’t only brilliant, but tons of women melted if he looked at them. With his sharp features and a piercing gaze that gave some insight of the intelligence and ambition lurking beneath the surface. Standing at an impressive six feet three inches tall, he towers over most, except Alexander of course. When the two were together it was like a clash between titans. His honey blond hair was always meticulously styled, framing his angular face. His eyes, a steely shade of grey, seem to flicker with a mixture of intelligence and determination. His reputation wasn’t as good as Alexander’s. He was known for his cunning personality and manipulative tactic. Emily has to be smart or she would fall in his webs.

With newfound determination, Emily set to work, reaching out to contacts and pulling strings until she secured a meeting with the rival. She knew it was a risky move, aligning herself with a man who could just as easily be her adversary. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and Emily was willing to do whatever it took to crack the case.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its golden light through the window of her apartment, Emily felt a sense of anticipation building within her. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fall into place, and though the road ahead was fraught with peril, she was ready to face it head-on.

Emily was set on uncovering the truth behind Alexander Blackwood—a truth that had the power to change not only her career but the course of history itself. And as she stepped out into the bustling streets of New York City to meet the devil himself.

The outside of Victor Sterling's office building exuded an aura of sleek sophistication and understated elegance. Rising majestically into the skyline, the building boasted a modern facade of gleaming glass and steel, its reflective surface catching the sunlight.

The entrances was flanked by towering columns of polished marble. It welcomed the visitors into the building's grand lobby. The entrance was framed by lush greenery and tasteful landscaping, adding a touch of natural beauty to the urban landscape.

A secretary was stationed there. Emily approached her and gave her credentials. The woman called her boss and once Emily’s arrival was approved she took her to the elevator.

She reached the top floor where there was another secretary. She welcomed Emily and showed her the way to the office. While they walked she was giving her tips to talk to her boss. He didn’t like to waste anytime, so whatever Emily wanted she had to say it as soon as she entered the office.

Emily entered Victor Sterling's office with a mixture of apprehension and determination, her eyes sweeping the sleek, modern space as she took in her surroundings. The room exuded an air of power and authority, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline and tasteful art adorning the walls.

Seated behind a massive ebony desk, Victor Sterling looked every bit the formidable businessman he was reputed to be. His blond hair was impeccably styled, framing his sharp features, and his steely grey eyes regarded Emily with a cool detachment that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Miss Carter," he greeted her with a nod, his voice smooth and composed. "Thank you for coming."

Emily forced herself to meet his gaze, steeling herself against the intimidating presence that seemed to radiate from him. "Mr. Sterling," she replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me."

There was a brief pause as Victor appraised her, his expression inscrutable. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he gestured for her to take a seat opposite him.

"Now then, what can I do for you, Miss Carter?" he asked, steepling his fingers in front of him.

Emily took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before launching into her pitch. She explained her interest in Alexander Blackwood and her desire to uncover the truth behind his enigmatic persona. She spoke of her belief that Victor Sterling, as Blackwood's supposed nemesis, might hold valuable insights into the elusive billionaire's world.

To her surprise, Victor listened attentively, his gaze never leaving her face as she spoke. When she finished, there was a moment of silence as he considered her words, his expression unreadable.

Finally, he leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"You're a bold one, Miss Carter," he remarked, his tone tinged with amusement. "But I can't say I'm surprised. After all, anyone who seeks to uncover the truth about Alexander Blackwood must possess a certain level of audacity."

Emily bristled at the implication, but she held her tongue, unwilling to let her emotions get the better of her. Instead, she met Victor's gaze head-on, her chin held high.

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this story," she declared, her voice firm. "Even if it means crossing paths with someone with a questionable reputation like you."

Victor's smirk widened into a smile, the glint in his eyes unmistakable.

"I admire your tenacity, Miss Carter," he said, his tone almost approving. "Very well, consider me intrigued. I'll help you in whatever way I can."

As Emily left Victor Sterling's office, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just made a deal with the devil himself. But she pushed aside her misgivings, her mind already racing with possibilities. With Victor's help, she was one step closer to unraveling the mystery of Alexander Blackwood—and nothing was going to stand in her way.