Beneath His Shadows

She stepped into the sleek, glass doors of Kane Industries, her heart thudding in her chest. The atmosphere was cold and pristine, with polished floors and high, imposing ceilings. Everything about the place screamed power—luxury, success, and a kind of dominance she wasn't used to.

The receptionist, a perfectly poised woman with icy blue eyes, barely glanced at her before pointing toward the elevators. "Floor 32, Ms. Green. Mr. Kane is expecting you."

Mr. Kane. Just saying his name sent a chill down her spine. She had heard of him, of course—rumors of a cold, calculating CEO who ran his empire with an iron fist.

Xavier Kane—a man whose name was spoken in hushed tones, whose reputation was built on the edge of darkness.

She tried to shake off the fear gnawing at her stomach, clutching her bag tightly.

The elevator ride felt endless. She stared at her reflection in the polished metal, running a hand over her unkempt hair, trying to steady her breathing.

When the doors finally opened, she was greeted by a long hallway with expensive, modern artwork hanging on the walls. At the end of the hall, an imposing black door stood like a silent sentinel, waiting for her.

She walked toward it, her steps echoing in the otherwise silent space.

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The First Encounter

The door opened with a soft click, revealing the CEO's office.

Xavier Kane sat behind a massive oak desk, his figure almost swallowed by the black leather chair. His eyes, dark and piercing, flicked up from the stack of papers in front of him.

She froze.

He was everything the rumors had said—and more.

A sharp jawline, dark hair that fell messily over his forehead, and an aura so overpowering it was impossible to ignore. His presence demanded respect, or perhaps, fear.

"You're late." His voice was deep, commanding, and cold. It cut through her nerves like a blade.

She cleared her throat, stumbling over her words. "I—I'm sorry. I got here as quickly as I could."

He didn't respond. Instead, he gestured to the chair across from him, his gaze never leaving her.

"Sit."

She took a seat, trying to steady her nerves. The tension between them was thick—almost suffocating.

---

The Job Offer

"I don't usually hire people without checking their credentials first," he began, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But I find you interesting. You don't seem like the type to back down easily."

She swallowed hard, trying to hide her discomfort. "I'm just trying to make a living, Mr. Kane."

He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I don't believe in charity. You want to work here? Then you'll prove yourself. This isn't just a job. It's a contract. You do as I say, or you leave."

The weight of his words hit her, but she nodded. What choice did she have? She needed this job more than anything.

"Understood."

He tilted his head, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Good. Then let's make one thing clear—you stay out of my way, and I'll make sure you're compensated well. But if you cross me, there will be consequences."

Her heart skipped a beat at the coldness in his tone. She wasn't just in his world—she was in the danger zone.

"Now," he continued, standing up and walking toward the large window that overlooked the city, "I'm not one for small talk. But I will say this—the power you see here isn't given freely. It's taken. By force, if necessary. And right now, you're just a small pawn in my game."

She tried to steady her breath as she listened, barely able to keep her thoughts from spiraling. Power. Danger. Control. He had it all.

And now, she was in his world.

---

Her Decision

"I'll do whatever it takes," she said, the words escaping her before she could stop them.

Xavier Kane turned back to her, his dark eyes gleaming with something she couldn't quite place—amusement, perhaps, or something more dangerous.

"Good." He gave her a nod. "Report to me tomorrow morning. We'll start then."

She stood up to leave, her legs shaky, her mind racing.

As she turned to walk out of the office, he spoke again.

"Just remember one thing."

She stopped and turned around, locking eyes with him.

"You're not just working for me, Ms. Green. You're now part of my world." His voice was low, almost like a warning.

Her stomach twisted. Part of his world—she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

But she had no choice.

She stepped out, closing the door behind her, the weight of the moment sinking in.

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