Chapter 1

As I stepped out of the elevator, my heart raced like a runaway train. I approached Mr. Black's office, the door swinging open with a soft hiss. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with only a single lamp casting a warm glow. Mr. Black sat on a plush couch, his eyes fixed intently on me.

Suddenly, the door slammed shut behind me, and I heard the soft click of a lock. I spun around, but there was no handle. My heart skipped a beat as I realized I was trapped.

Mr. Black's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "So, you're the one who's been haunting my thoughts," he said, his voice low and husky.

I felt a flutter in my chest as he rose from the couch, his movements fluid and predatory. "I-I came to return the jacket," I stammered, trying to hide my fear.

Mr. Black's smile was like a crack in the earth, sending shivers down my spine. "I think you'll find it's not just the jacket that's been returned," he said, his eyes glinting with a sinister light.

As he approached me, I realized I was backed into a corner, with no escape. His hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. I felt a jolt of electricity run through me, and my heart stopped beating.

And then, everything went black.

When I came to, I was lying on the couch, my head throbbing. Mr. Black sat beside me, a glass of water in his hand. "Welcome back, Miss Smith," he said, his voice dripping with an unsettling charm. "I think we've only just begun our little... arrangement." He said the last part with and intense gaze, which roamed around her body.

*How it all started*

Alice Smith, a 21-year-old graduate of New York City College, was sipping tea with her brother Jimmy, who was visiting for the weekend. As she began clearing the tray, her phone buzzed with a notification. She hastily set the tray down and picked up her phone, her eyes widening in surprise at the message.

"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, jumping up from her seat. Her brother's confused expression prompted her to share the news. "I got the job at Blue Line Software!"

Jimmy's face lit up with a warm smile. "My baby sis, I'm so proud of you!" He enveloped her in a tight hug.

Alice beamed, still clutching her phone. "Thanks, Jimmy. I need to get ready for work tomorrow, so I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

Jimmy nodded and headed out, leaving Alice to her preparations.

Two weeks into her new role at Blue Line, Alice had already made a circle of friends and a few enemies who envied her beauty and the praise she received from their department manager.

At the office, Nikki, a close friend, approached Alice. "Hey, I saw your brother the other day – he's really cute!"

Alice chuckled. "I know, right? But have you seen our CEO? He's a million times more handsome, don't you think?" Brie chimed in, sipping her water, and the group erupted into laughter.

Nikki shifted the conversation. "Have you guys gotten your dresses for the launch event next week?"

Alice shook her head. "Not yet, but that reminds me – I got you all something. I'll be right back."

She headed to the underground parking lot, where her car was parked, and retrieved some items from the trunk. Unbeknownst to her, a pair of cold eyes watched her from the shadows.

A man standing nearby whispered to his companion, "Boss, I think we have our target."