KISS'S POV
I stood frozen outside the CEO's office, my heart hammering against my ribs like a warning siren I couldn't silence.
This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.
When I applied for the position, I imagined an interview panel, maybe a department head—someone distant, neutral, safe. Not him. Not Adrian Goodwill. Not the man whose touch still haunted my skin and whose name now sat engraved on the glass door in front of me like a threat.
ADRIAN GOODWILL — CEO
Just reading it made my stomach twist.
I inhaled slowly, forcing my spine straight. I refused to let fear own me. I wasn't the helpless girl they thought they could crush with scandals and threats. I was Kissabel Hilson—whether I wanted that name or not—and I had survived worse than a dangerous man behind a desk.
Still… this was his territory.
I lifted my hand and knocked.
"Come in."
His voice—deep, calm, controlled—slid through the door like a blade.
I pushed it open.
The office was massive, modern, and intimidating in a way that felt intentional. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city like it belonged to him. Dark wood. Leather. Steel. Everything screamed power and dominance.
And in the center of it all…
Adrian Goodwill.
He sat behind a large mahogany desk, tailored suit immaculate, posture relaxed—but there was nothing casual about the way his eyes lifted to meet mine. That gaze pinned me in place instantly. Cold. Sharp. Assessing.
The same eyes that had watched me in his car.
The same eyes that had kissed me like control meant nothing.
"You're early," he said coolly, folding his hands together.
"I… I like to be punctual," I replied, proud that my voice didn't shake.
A faint curve touched his lips. Not a smile. Never a smile. More like amusement mixed with calculation.
"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to the chair across from him.
I obeyed, smoothing my blazer as I took my seat. My knees pressed together, hands folded carefully on my lap. I refused to give him even the smallest sign of weakness.
Silence stretched.
It wasn't awkward.
It was deliberate.
He let it linger, watching me the way predators observe prey—waiting to see who would break first. I focused on breathing evenly, even as my pulse thundered in my ears.
Finally, he spoke.
"Miss Hilson," he said slowly, eyes scanning me like a document to be reviewed, "why do you want this position?"
I had rehearsed this answer a hundred times—but saying it to him felt different. Dangerous.
"I want to work for a company that values results, professionalism, and discipline," I said carefully. "Goodwill International is known for that. And…" I paused, forcing myself to meet his gaze, "I believe I can contribute meaningfully to your operations."
One dark eyebrow lifted.
"Meaningfully," he repeated. "You've never worked directly under someone like me."
His eyes sharpened. "How can you be so sure you can handle my world?"
I swallowed hard.
Because I already survived you even before knowing you, I thought.
"I've faced challenges before," I replied evenly. "And I'm not easily intimidated."
That did it.
He leaned forward abruptly, forearms resting on the desk, closing the invisible distance between us. The air thickened instantly.
"Are you saying," he asked quietly, "that you're not afraid of me?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks—but I refused to look away.
"I respect you, Mr. Goodwill," I said. "That's different from fear."
For a split second, something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
Approval?
Interest?
Or danger?
"Good," he said at last, leaning back again. "Confidence is useful. Arrogance is lethal. Make sure you know the difference."
"I do know",I muttered under my breath.
Another pause.
Then his tone shifted—subtle, sharper.
"Tell me," he said, eyes narrowing slightly, "why Hilson?"
The name hit me like a slap.
My chest tightened, memories crashing in all at once—my mother's absence, my father's betrayal, Ella's voice dripping poison through the phone.
I forced myself to breathe.
"Because I need independence," I said quietly. "I need control over my future. And I need… a clean start."
Adrian studied me closely, like he was searching for cracks in my words.
"A clean start," he echoed. "At my company."
His lips curved faintly. "Interesting choice."
I could feel it—the invisible line between us tightening, pulling us closer despite the danger signs screaming in my head. This wasn't just an interview anymore. It was a battle of control.
I lifted my chin slightly. "I don't run from challenges",I said confidently.
A low chuckle escaped him—soft, dangerous.
"You're braver than I expected."
"Or maybe just foolish," I muttered before I could stop myself.
His eyes snapped to mine.
Sharp.
Focused.
Unforgiving.
"Perhaps," he said slowly. "Or perhaps perfectly calculated."
I surprised myself by smiling. Just a little.
"Maybe both."
For a moment, silence returned—but it was no longer heavy. It crackled. Like lightning waiting to strike.
Adrian rose from his chair and walked toward the window, hands slipping into his pockets as he looked out over the city.
"I'll consider your application," he said calmly. "Don't get comfortable. This position requires loyalty, discipline, and absolute discretion."
I stood. "Understood."
I turned toward the door, my heart still racing—but before I could leave—
"Miss Hilson."
I froze.
Slowly, I looked back.
He hadn't turned around, yet his presence filled the room.
"Be careful," he said quietly. "In my world… people either adapt…"
He finally looked at me.
"…or they get consumed."
A chill slid down my spine.
"I'll adapt," I replied softly.
Something dark glinted in his eyes.
"We'll see."
I walked out of the office on unsteady legs, the door closing behind me with a quiet click that sounded far too final.
The lobby felt colder than before.
Bigger.
And as my heels carried me away, one terrifying thought settled deep in my chest:
I hadn't walked into a job interview.
I had stepped into Adrian Goodwill's world.
And I wasn't sure if I would survive it…
or fall for the man who ruled it.