The rain hit harder the moment Mara Daniels stepped off the bus.
Of course.She yanked her hoodie tighter over her head, clutching her soaked file to her chest like it could protect her from the cold—or the embarrassment of walking into the most prestigious building in the city looking like a half-drowned cat.
Malik Enterprises.
The letters on the sleek glass entrance stared down at her like they already knew she didn't belong. But she didn't come here to fit in—she came here to survive. And maybe—just maybe—to uncover the truth.She pushed through the doors, breath catching at the marble floor and towering gold-trimmed walls. People in tailored suits walked past without a second glance, their shoes clicking against the floor like they owned it. Mara's sneakers squeaked.She winced.
"Name?" the receptionist asked, eyeing her dripping hair.
"Mara Daniels. I have—had—an interview. Ten-thirty."
The woman gave a slow blink. "It's eleven-oh-five."
Mara exhaled sharply, trying to smile. "There was traffic. And rain. And—I didn't think the elevator would break down mid-floor."The receptionist raised an eyebrow but picked up the phone.Moments later, a man in a black suit appeared. No smile. No introduction. Just a stiff nod as he turned. "Follow me."They walked in silence down a long hallway, then through double glass doors into a minimalist office with icy floors, colder air… and the coldest man Mara had ever seen.
Zayn Malik.
He stood behind his desk, black suit sharp, expression unreadable.
Tall. Clean-cut. Ruthless eyes. Mara's breath snagged in her throat.
He didn't sit. Didn't speak. Just looked her over—slowly, like he was peeling her apart without touching her.Finally, he said, "You're late."
Mara swallowed. "Yes. I'm sorry. The elevator broke down and—""I don't do excuses." His voice was smooth, quiet, lethal. "And I don't hire people who can't manage time."He turned to sit.Mara took a deep breath. "But you do hire people who fight to show up anyway, right?"He looked up again. This time, something flickered behind his eyes. Not interest. Not approval. Curiosity.Zayn leaned back in his chair. "You're bolder than you look."Mara smiled faintly. "And you're colder than I expected."
Silence.
Then—"
You're hired."