Chapter 2 :An Unexpected Opportunity

The next morning, Olivia found herself unusually on edge. It had been a restless night, her mind replaying Alexander Cross's talk over and over. She could still remember the magnetic look he had given her, a look that seemed to pierce through the crowded auditorium and fix right on her. She tried to shake it off as mere coincidence, but something about him had stuck, a stubborn thought that refused to fade.

Olivia was finishing her notes in the campus library when her phone buzzed. She glanced down, surprised to see a message from her advisor, Professor Hayes.

“Olivia, can you come by my office? Alexander Cross has requested to speak with you.”

Her heart skipped. What could he possibly want with her? She felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as she gathered her things and made her way to Professor Hayes's office.

---

As she entered, Olivia’s eyes met the figure standing by the window, hands in his pockets, gaze focused somewhere beyond the campus grounds. Alexander Cross turned as she entered, a polite, almost unreadable smile gracing his lips.

“Olivia,” Professor Hayes greeted her, gesturing for her to take a seat. “Mr. Cross has expressed interest in offering you a unique opportunity.”

Alexander’s gaze settled on her, intense yet unreadable. “Thank you for meeting with me, Olivia,” he said, his voice just as smooth and commanding as she remembered. “I’ve been keeping an eye on some of the top students here, and your name came up. I was impressed by your academic record and dedication. There aren’t many who have the discipline I saw in you yesterday.”

Olivia blinked, her pulse quickening. “Thank you,” she replied, feeling a warmth rise to her cheeks. She wasn’t sure how to interpret his words. Was this just a professional compliment, or was there something more?

He continued, his expression unwavering. “I run a growing investment firm, and we’re always on the lookout for fresh talent. I’d like to offer you an internship position.”

The words hung in the air, and Olivia could scarcely believe them. She felt a surge of excitement—and apprehension. Alexander’s firm was well-known, a place she had heard about in business circles, though she’d never dreamed of working there. This was a rare opportunity, one she couldn’t easily dismiss.

“That’s… very generous of you,” she stammered, gathering her composure. “I didn’t expect such an offer.”

He smiled faintly, his eyes never leaving hers. “I see potential in you, Olivia. I think you’d find the experience valuable.”

Professor Hayes nodded, glancing between them. “This could be a wonderful start to your career, Olivia. Alexander has taken a personal interest in your development, and I think it’s an incredible opportunity.”

Olivia looked down, her mind racing. An internship with Alexander’s firm was more than just an opportunity—it was a fast track into the world of high finance and corporate success. But it was also intimidating. The thought of being around him, someone who held so much influence and power, made her heart beat faster with both excitement and a touch of unease.

She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes. “I… I’d be honored, Mr. Cross.”

His smile deepened, a flicker of satisfaction flashing across his face. “I’m glad to hear it. And please, call me Alexander.”

Professor Hayes clapped his hands together, beaming. “Excellent! I’ll help you finalize the paperwork, Olivia. Alexander’s firm is based downtown, so you’ll have access to some of the best resources and mentors available.”

Olivia nodded, still feeling as if she were in a dream. “Thank you both. I… I’m really grateful for this chance.”

Alexander’s eyes lingered on her, his gaze as intense as it had been yesterday. “I’ll have my assistant reach out to you with the details. We’ll start with a part-time schedule that accommodates your classes.” He stepped closer, extending his hand. “Welcome aboard, Olivia.”

She reached out, shaking his hand, and was surprised by the warmth of his grip, firm yet gentle. His eyes held hers a beat longer than expected, and she felt a flutter in her stomach, a feeling she couldn’t quite name.

---

The next few days passed in a blur. Olivia received an official email with her start date, her role, and a list of onboarding materials. She had to rearrange her study schedule, fit in extra hours of reading, and prepare for the challenges she knew were coming.

On her first day at the firm, she entered the gleaming high-rise downtown, feeling dwarfed by the sheer scale of it. The lobby was grand, filled with polished marble and modern art pieces. Olivia took a deep breath, adjusting the strap on her shoulder bag as she approached the front desk.

“Olivia Brooks?” the receptionist greeted her with a smile. “Welcome. Mr. Cross is expecting you. His office is on the top floor.”

She nodded, following the receptionist’s directions to the elevator, her heart pounding as she pressed the button for the top floor. The ride up was quiet, the soft hum of the elevator making her more aware of her own nervous breathing. She replayed the encouraging words Emily had given her that morning, assuring her that she was more than capable of handling this.

When the elevator doors opened, she stepped into a quiet, luxurious hallway with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a sweeping view of the city skyline. At the end of the hall was a sleek glass door marked with Alexander Cross’s name. She took a steadying breath before pushing it open.

Inside, she found Alexander waiting, looking up from a set of papers on his desk. His office was expansive, with minimalist decor, cool tones, and a large window that seemed to make the city stretch endlessly beyond him. The light streaming in highlighted his sharp features, giving him an almost intimidating presence.

“Olivia,” he greeted, standing as she entered. “Glad to see you made it. How are you feeling?”

“A little nervous,” she admitted with a small laugh, hoping her honesty would mask her anxiety. “But also very excited.”

He smiled, gesturing for her to take a seat. “There’s nothing wrong with nerves. They keep you sharp.” He leaned back, studying her with that familiar, intent gaze. “This internship will be challenging, but if you commit, I believe you’ll do very well here.”

She nodded, eager to prove herself. “I’ll work hard. I want to learn as much as I can.”

“That’s exactly the attitude we’re looking for,” he replied. “I have high expectations, Olivia, but I also know you’re capable of meeting them.”

He proceeded to give her an overview of her role. She would be shadowing some of the senior analysts, assisting with market research, and sitting in on client meetings. As he spoke, Olivia felt a mixture of intimidation and excitement; every task seemed beyond her, yet each sounded thrilling, a glimpse into the world she’d always aspired to join.

As they wrapped up the meeting, Alexander’s expression softened, almost as if he’d set aside the professional facade. “If you ever have any questions or concerns, my door is open. Don’t hesitate to reach out.”

“Thank you, Alexander,” she replied, feeling a warmth at the casual use of his first name. She could see why people were drawn to him. Beneath the sharp intelligence and confidence, there was a gentleness, a way of making her feel seen and valued.