Ember was so annoyed, her valued manners blew to smithereens. “Asshole,” she mouthed grimly.Engine roaring to life, the sleek Lamborghini sped away, leaving her fuming in rage. She remembered her job interview and immediately freaked outGrabbing the remaining pair of shoe on her left foot, she ran back to her apartment barefoot.She prayed she wouldn't miss her job interview as she changed. After a last glance at the full-length mirror, she hurriedly left her apartment.The Phoenix Empire stood magnificently under an exquisite blue sky. The colossal tower that she should have been admiring sent dread crawling down her spine.After paying the cab driver, she skittered to the upscale door in her black puff-sleeved dress. It was what she grabbed first in her closet and wore right away without a second thought. The automatic door opened, and she made a beeline straight to the front desk and asked for directions.The woman on the desk raised her head and politely gave her instructions.
Ember had several questions racing through her head, but what stood out the most was, “Did he recognize her when they met on the road?” If so, why did he pretend not to recognize her?Icen Clayton Blackstone likely laughed at her naivety the entire time. To even consider it made her feel like she would explode with shame.“Close your mouth, Miss Heart. I'm afraid a fly would fly inside.”The comment snapped her out of her daydream. She abruptly closed her mouth and looked up to him with her lips drawn into a thin, tight line.“Nice meeting you again, Mr. Blackstone.” She spoke to cover her embarrassment. Even though she did her best to keep her voice calm, it came across as shaky.“Pleasure's mine,” Icen replied, amusement twinkling in his blue lagoon eyes.Ember considered leaving but resisted the impulse. She needs a job, and this may be her last opportunity to obtain one.“Please have a seat.” He motioned to the cushioned chair across from his office table.She obediently followed w
Icen relaxed back in his swivel chair with arms crossed in his chest.With that regal bearing combined with icy blue eyes one has ever seen he could bring chills down anyone's spine.Ember, however, hid her fear of him well behind a veneer of decorum. She had prepared herself for the worst but he completely surprised her when he said.“I just get the impression that you’re not the gold-digging type, Ms. Heart,” Icen murmured to himself in deep thought. She swallowed hard as she felt his hard gaze bore on her countenance. Something in his eyes told her he spoke without filters.“If I may ask, how could you be so sure? You have no idea who I am.” Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke.“I’ve met my own share of gold-diggers. I assure you Ms. Heart, they are nothing like you.” Icen never left her face and so Ember fought his stare with unblinking eyes.“What if I turn out to be the expert one?” Ember nonchalantly raised her shoulders and added. “What if I’m very skilled at m
Ember's attempt to quit from her previous job at Steel Corporation was largely prompted by the toxic environment she was subjected to after she was hired as Thunder Steel's secretary.She allegedly opened her legs to get the job, and the rumor quickly spread. Her reputation was in tatters because of it, and it seemed like everyone in the office hated her. Nobody wanted to be her friend even though she tried her best to reach out and mingle with everyone.Ember can't afford to experience the same cruel treatment again. Her generous salary wouldn't be worth all the pain if she's unhappy with her job.“Do not be afraid, Ms. Heart; I personally hired you as my secretary, I will not allow anyone to judge you for it.” Icen had his eyes on her but Ember couldn't summon the strength to look at him.There was nothing to say so she kept her mouth shut.He took the chance to continue.“Bullying has no place in my organization, Ember.” When he addressed her by name, she felt obligated to raise he
She couldn't believe what her cousin had said.Ember's lips purse into a thin, tight line. She glared at Chloe. “You're lying right?” “What good will lying bring me?” Her cousin's tone rang with arrogance.Ember made a shaky motion with her head. Her ring could hardly be a knockoff. She and Thunder purchased it together. “I was handed the ring first," she claimed. “I don't believe mine's only a replica.”Her cousin's laugh was sharp and insulting. “I've had this stunning diamond ring for ages! If you don't believe me, ask Thunder yourself.”Ember's mouth opened but no sound came out of her lips so she closed them again.She didn't care if her ring was a replica or not. Hell, she wouldn't even give a damn if it's fake but knowing that her ex gave the same ring to his side chick was a big blow to her sense of self-worth.She had thought the day Thunder proposed to her was the happiest day of her life until she learned that he had given the same engagement ring to his side chick only th
She was taken to the security office and made to sit on a monoblock in front of a long rectangular table.They removed the shopping bag from her hand which contained her new blazer. They even took her hand bag.Ember didn't feel threatened because she was sure she hadn't broken the rules. She did not steal anything either which they kept accusing her of.The door swung open, and a man in a different style but same black uniform walked in. She learned from his name plate that he was the Chief Security Officer of the Shopping Mall.His tone was firm and authoritative as he commanded, “Check her possessions.” The men who escorted her to the room moved at lightning speed. The next thing she knew her shopping bag was carelessly torn open, her blazer spread on the table, carefully inspected to make sure nothing was hidden inside.When they found nothing on the Blazer their attention shifted to her handbag. One of the men opened her bag, then emptied its contents on the table, sending her b
Upon arriving at the police station, she was immediately detained in a cell. Not only was no one communicating with her, but she also had no idea how long she would be held.She had been pacing back and forth for quite some time before the ache in her lower legs from standing for so long forced her to stop.Unfortunately, there wasn't anywhere to sit inside, and she had to keep standing. But unable to take her aching legs anymore she sat on the hard, dusty floor.As Ember huddled in the corner of an empty cell, she reflected on how everything had transpired so quickly that the details of how she got to the police station were a blur.It was as if she were entrapped in a horrible dream. She tried to convince herself that it was all a nightmare, but the gnawing sense of despair she felt made it clear that she was indeed awake. She took a deep breath and rose to her feet, putting her hopelessness aside."Could you please lend me a phone?" Ember spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Icen mumbled soothing words into her ears till she relaxed. Her sobs gradually faded into quiet whimpers till no more sounds came from her lips. When the storm inside her subsided, she collected herself and summoned the courage she could muster to look at him.As she looked up, it immediately came to her notice that he was staring at her. She swallowed hard in response and with best efforts she fought his unblinking gaze.Even though he wore a cold mask to cover his emotions, something that resembled worry and concern danced in his eyes and didn't slip past her notice.She couldn't read his thoughts and Ember would give up everything to find out what he was thinking right now. Unable to take the silence anymore she opened her mouth to express her gratitude but no words emerged from her lips. Now that she's returned to her true self, she realized how dreadful she looked and her reflection on the car window confirmed her worst fears.Her hair was all over the place, her eyes swollen, a