The glass doors of Crown Industries slid open, and Elena Brooks stepped inside, clutching her folder tightly against her chest.

Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she walked through the massive lobby. Everything about the building screamed power—towering ceilings, polished floors, and employees moving quickly like they were afraid to slow down.

Elena had heard the rumors.

Everyone had.

Alexander Crown.

The youngest CEO in the city. Brilliant. Ruthless. Untouchable.

People said he ran his company like a king ruling a kingdom. No mistakes. No excuses.

Some even called him the Crowned Boss.

Elena exhaled slowly.

Relax. It's just a job interview.

But deep down, she knew this interview could change her life.

After months of job hunting, this was the only opportunity she had left.

The receptionist looked up and gave her a polite smile.

“Good morning. How may I help you?”

“I’m here for the executive assistant interview,” Elena replied.

The woman nodded. “Twenty-second floor. Mr. Crown will see you shortly.”

Mr. Crown.

The name alone made the atmosphere feel heavier.

Elena stepped into the elevator, her heart beating faster as the doors closed.

Twenty-second floor.

Each second felt longer as the elevator climbed higher.

When the doors finally opened, she walked into a quiet hallway lined with glass offices. At the end of the hall stood a large black door.

CEO — Alexander Crown

Elena swallowed.

Okay… this is it.

She knocked.

“Come in.”

The voice was deep. Calm. Powerful.

Elena opened the door—and froze.

Alexander Crown stood by the massive window behind his desk, the city skyline glowing behind him. He was tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his dark hair slightly tousled like he had run a hand through it moments before.

When he turned around, his sharp gray eyes landed on her.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Elena felt like those eyes could see straight through her.

“You’re late,” he said coldly.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Actually, I’m five minutes early.”

Silence filled the room.

Then, unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

Interesting.

Alexander Crown leaned back against his desk, studying her like she was a puzzle he hadn’t solved yet.

“Most people who walk into this office are terrified,” he said.

Elena crossed her arms.

“Maybe they’ve already heard about you.”

His eyes darkened with amusement.

This was new.

No one spoke to him like that.

Alexander walked around the desk slowly until he stood directly in front of her.

Up close, he was even more intimidating.

“And what exactly have you heard about me, Miss…?”

“Elena Brooks.”

She met his gaze without hesitation.

“I’ve heard you’re impossible to work with.”

For a moment, the room fell completely silent.

Then Alexander chuckled quietly.

Low. Dangerous.

“Well, Miss Brooks,” he said, leaning closer, “you might be the first honest person who has ever walked into my office.”

Elena’s heart beat a little faster—but she refused to show it.

Alexander straightened his suit.

“Congratulations.”

Her brows furrowed.

“For what?”

“You’re hired.”

Her eyes widened.

“You haven’t even interviewed me.”

Alexander picked up a file and placed it on the desk.

“I already know everything about you.”

Elena stared at him.

Something about the way he said it made her uneasy.

And suddenly, she realized something.

Working for Alexander Crown might be the biggest opportunity of her life…

Or the biggest mistake she will ever make