Chloe stumbled into Sophia's apartment, her legs trembling, the memory of Julian Devereux's fierce kiss still searing her lips. Her body buzzed with a wild mix of shock, anger, and a dangerous hint of desire. The elevator doors closing behind her felt like the end of everything she once knew.
She pressed herself against the cool apartment door, struggling to steady her breathing. In the hallway mirror, she barely recognized herself, her eyes wide and frantic, cheeks flushed, the borrowed robe slipping off one shoulder.
Sophia glanced up from her laptop, worry creasing her brow. "Chloe? You okay? You look like you've been through hell."
Before Chloe could answer, the intercom buzzed sharply, slicing through the quiet.
Sophia frowned, checking the video screen. "Unknown caller. Security downstairs." She hit the button. "Yes?"
A sharp, professional male voice came through. "Ms. Chen, sorry to disturb you. I'm Head of Security for Mr. Julian Devereux. Is Ms. Chloe Beaumont there with you?"
Chloe went still. Sophia's eyes shot to her, full of concern.
"She is," Sophia said slowly. "Why?"
"Mr. Devereux requests a short, urgent meeting with Ms. Beaumont. It's about something important from last night. He can be upstairs in five minutes if that's okay."
Sophia muted the intercom, her face tense. "Chloe, no way. Devereux? He's dangerous. A total predator. Whatever he wants, it's not to help you. He destroys people like Richard without blinking, and he'll use you to get what he wants."
Use her. The word hit hard, bringing back the feel of his fingers on her skin, his lips taking hers. He'd already used her, hadn't he? Branded her in that elevator.
But his last words lingered in her mind: Don't let them win.
Something sparked inside her, a mix of defiance and raw curiosity. She needed to know what happened, what this powerful, deadly man wanted from her.
"Let him come up, Soph," Chloe said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
Sophia stared, then sighed and unmuted the intercom. "Five minutes is fine."
Right on time, the doorbell rang. Chloe took a deep breath, smoothing the borrowed robe, wishing she had something stronger to shield herself with.
Julian Devereux stood in the hallway, looking even more commanding than in the elevator. His suit was flawless, dark hair perfectly in place. He carried an air of raw power that filled the space. No security with him; he didn't need it. His presence alone was enough.
His sharp grey eyes locked on hers, a flash of earlier heat hidden under a cool, business-like mask. He gave a small nod.
"Ms. Beaumont. Thanks for seeing me on short notice." His voice was smooth now, refined, but still carried that deep, gripping tone.
Sophia stayed close to Chloe, protective. "Mr. Devereux. What do you want?"
Julian's eyes never left Chloe. He stepped inside, and the big living room suddenly felt tight, charged with his energy. He skipped the small talk.
"Ms. Beaumont," he started, his tone straight and firm. "I was impressed by you last night. Your fire, and the clear skill Richard Sterling was dumb enough to throw away. Sterling Hotels is weak. Overstretched, lazy, and now, clearly missing strong leadership."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"I'm offering you a job at Devereux Hotels. Executive Vice President of Development. Starting right now."
Chloe's jaw clenched. Sophia let out a quick, shocked breath.
"Your starting pay will be seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year," Julian went on, calm as if talking about nothing big. "Three times what you made before, I think. You'll have full control over new projects and strategies, reporting only to me. A luxury apartment, fully taken care of, will be yours, plus an expense account and access to all Devereux resources."
It was an insane offer. A rope to pull her out of the chaos of her life. But Sophia's warning echoed. There had to be a trap.
"And what," Chloe asked, her voice tight, "would my main goal be in this job?"
Julian's lips curved into a slight, dangerous smile. "Your main goal, Ms. Beaumont, is to use everything you know about Sterling Hotels. Find their weak spots, their mistakes, their exposed assets. You'll help Devereux Hotels target those flaws. Hard. Without mercy. Until we can take them over, or until Sterling Hotels isn't even a threat anymore."
His gaze pinned her, sharp and intense. "I'm offering you revenge, Chloe," he said, his voice dropping to a low, seductive growl, using her first name like a touch, a reminder of their heated moment hours ago. "And the chance to rebuild your life your way. The power to make Richard Sterling and your sister wish they'd never betrayed you."
He stepped closer, invading her space just like in the elevator. The rich scent of his cologne mixed with pure, raw masculinity hit her senses hard. His eyes held hers, burning with intensity.
"All you have to do is say yes," he whispered, his voice soft but dangerous. "And work very, very close to me."
His stare trapped her, the air heavy with unspoken promises and clear threats. The job, the revenge, the man, all tied together in a risky, tempting offer.
"So, Chloe..." He leaned in just a bit more, the heat from his body almost burning her. "Do we have a deal?"
