Chapter 1

Aria stood on the pavement, looking up at the high-rise building before her. The skyscraper twinkled in the late afternoon sun, a landmark of sophistication and wealth the exact opposite of her old life.

Her mother's words echoed in her head: "You'll be fine."

Aria took a deep breath, stood tall and entered through the glass doors to the hall. The interior of the building was even more stunning than the front with marble flooring that shined under hidden lighting and sculptures radiating elegance.

She could feel the weight of it all: power, money, and ambitions.She could never forget the night her mother died.

It etched into her brain with painful precision: the disinfectant smell of the hospital room, the faint beeping of equipment, and the crushing sense of despair that enveloped her as she sat by her mother's deathbed.

She had been holding her hand, watching as the brightness in her mother's eyes dimmed, her once-strong, lively mother weakened and in pain.

"It's okay, beautiful," her mother said softly, her voice weak but full of the love that had borne them both through so many difficulties.

"You're going to be fine". She smiled sadly at her daughter.

But Aria wasn't feeling fine. Even when she forced a brave grin for her mother's sake, her heart was tearing into pieces. They had fought so hard together.

Her mother had sacrificed everything to give Aria a hope, a chance to escape the small, remote city where they had barely survived when her father abandoned them.

Her mother worked long hours, juggling jobs to ensure Aria's attendance at school, and she had always believed in her future, even when the world appeared against them.

And now, just when Aria was going to graduate at the top of her class and move into a world full of possibilities, her mother was dying. Her mother was dead two days later, and Aria was left completely alone. The emptiness was awful.

Aria's deliberate existence had ended up feeling lonely. What was the point of being successful if she couldn't share it with the one person who had always believed in her?

It almost consumed her-sorrow and silence had threatened to drown her, but Aria did what she usually did, fought through them. She suppressed her feelings, shoving the trauma deep into that place where it couldn't anymore affect her. She must be strong because that is what her mother would have wanted.

"Ms. Chen?"

A rasping voice cut through her thoughts. Aria turned to see a woman approaching her in a sleek black suit that was finely made. She had a sense of professionalism that was almost alarming.

"I'm Anna, Mr. King's assistant," the woman added, extending her hand.

"We're ready to welcome you." Aria nodded and shook her hand.

"Thank you. I am looking forward to work here"

Anna smiled a little and offered to let her go after her.

"Mr. King will not participate personally. He delegated certain responsibilities to his team, but I will be coordinating with you on his behalf."

Aria had expected as much. Heathen King was known for his hands-off approach to anything that wasn't a direct business deal.

His reputation for being cold and distant extended beyond the boardroom, and Aria had no illusions about impressing him. She wasn't here for his approval she was here to do her job.

The property's spotless hallways appeared to go on forever until they arrived at the floor where the renovations would be done.

With towering ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows providing a breathtaking view of the city below, the room was huge. Even though it was still undeveloped and raw, Aria could immediately sense its promise.

"This is primarily the area you'll be working on," Anna explained, gesturing to the large open space.

"We expect a high level of discretion and professionalism. Mr. King has a certain vision in mind, though he trusts you to execute it."

Aria looked around; mentally retracing the design she had strived so hard for. This was her opportunity to prove herself, and no one or anything was getting in her way.

"Alright," Aria said her voice steady.

"I will see to it that everything is up to Mr. King's standards."

Anna nodded, though her expression didn't change.

"Good. His standards are extremely high."

As Anna briefed her continuously, Aria could not feel like being surveyed. She could sense those hairs rising up the nape of her neck as she threw a quick peek over her shoulder, which helped her notice Heathen King.

His tall, commanding body was shadowed with the light streaming in from the hallway as he stood in the doorway. His piercing blue eyes scanned the room with an air of remote calculation, and his demeanor was unreadable. He looked exactly as she had imagined: cold, aloof, and completely uninterested in the people around him.

Aria hadn’t expected him to be here, and his presence threw her off balance for a moment. But she quickly composed herself, refusing to let his aura intimidate her. She was here for her work, not to be impressed by a man who barely acknowledged her existence.

He looked at her, but his eyes gave no sign of recognition; just the same flat, professional look he used for everyone. He moved forward in the room, his hands shoved into his pockets, studying the space.

"This is it?" he said finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence. His voice was low and chilly.

Anna nodded, rapid. "Yes, Mr. King. Ms. Chen is the lead designer on this project.

He didn't even look up at her. "I figured something would be here."

Aria felt stung by his tone. The way he spoke about it, so condescending that it set something in her going.

He hadn't even viewed her designs, and already he made judgments.

"Sir," she said, moving forward.

"If you have concerns I'd be more than glad to walk you through the plans".

Finally, Heathen's eyes met hers, a short flicker of surprise crossing the man's face at such boldness. It wasn't, however, lingered.

"That's not going to be needed; I think I know what it is that I want."

The heart of Aria pounded within the chest, yet she did not back down.

"Perhaps, then, you should see if it is to what I have designed according to your eye before you turn it down

The room fell into an awkward silence. Heathen looked at her for a moment as if to weigh her words before he turned his back to the space. He didn't say anything, turning his back and walking away.

Aria's chest tightened in frustration. She had just confronted one of the most powerful men in the city, and he hadn't even acknowledged her presence. But she wasn't going to back down now.

This was only the beginning.