Selene Carter had no idea that accepting a job at Blackwood Enterprises would change everything.
When she first got the offer, it felt too good to be true. Personal assistant to Ethan Blackwood, the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire. Everyone in New York knew the Blackwoods. They controlled everything ; finance, real estate, luxury brands.
But what people didn't know was that behind the wealth and power, the Blackwood family was at war.
And Selene? She was about to get caught in the middle.
She walked into the towering glass skyscraper, her heels clicking against the marble floors as she approached the front desk.
"Selene Carter," she said, keeping her voice steady. "I have a meeting with Mr. Blackwood."
The receptionist barely looked up before gesturing toward the elevators. "Top floor. He's expecting you."
Selene nodded and stepped inside. As the doors closed, she caught her reflection in the mirrored walls , dark brown hair neatly pinned back, deep hazel eyes filled with nervous energy. She smoothed her blouse, took a breath, and reminded herself why she was here.
This is my chance. Don't screw it up.
The elevator doors slid open to reveal a sleek, modern office. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, and the scent of expensive cologne filled the air.
And then she saw him.
Ethan Blackwood.
He stood by his desk, skimming through paperwork, his sharp blue eyes lifting when she entered. He was striking, clean-cut, perfectly tailored suit, a jawline sharp enough to leave a mark.
"Miss Carter," he greeted, his voice smooth, confident. "Right on time."
"I try to be," she replied with a small smile.
"Good." He motioned to the chair across from him. "Sit."
She did, keeping her posture straight. She had researched Ethan before coming here ,brilliant but ruthless, a man who built his empire with precision and zero tolerance for mistakes.
"I'll be direct," Ethan said. "I need someone sharp, discreet, and efficient. If you're here, it means you've already proven yourself."
Selene's heart pounded. This was it.
"I appreciate the opportunity," she said. "I won't let you down."
Ethan studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then let's begin."
A Dangerous Encounter
For the first few weeks, Selene focused entirely on work. She learned Ethan's schedule, managed high-profile meetings, and ensured everything ran smoothly. The job was demanding, but she thrived under pressure.
Then she met Lucian Blackwood.
The first time she saw him, he was lounging against Ethan's desk, a lazy smirk on his lips.
Lucian was the opposite of Ethan in every way.
Where Ethan was disciplined and controlled, Lucian was reckless and unpredictable. His jet-black hair was slightly messy, his dark eyes held a dangerous glint, and his presence was magnetic.
"Well, well," Lucian murmured, his gaze trailing over her. "Who's this?"
Selene straightened under his stare.
Ethan barely looked up. "My assistant. And she's off-limits."
Lucian chuckled. "Is that so?"
The tension in the room shifted. Selene had heard rumors about the Blackwood brothers.. some said they were rivals, others said they simply couldn't stand each other.
Now, she was seeing it for herself.
"I can introduce myself," she said, meeting Lucian's gaze. "Selene Carter."
His smirk deepened. "A pleasure, Selene."
Ethan sighed, clearly impatient. "Lucian, don't you have something better to do?"
Lucian ignored him, still watching her. There was something unsettling about him, something that sent a warning through her.
She should look away. She should walk out.
But she didn't.
And that was her first mistake