Chapter 03 : Tartarus Forest

Everly stepped out of the taxi that had stopped in front of the Rington Corporation skyscraper. The morning sun reflected off the glass windows, giving the famous corporate building a majestic appearance. Dressed in a white blazer suit with delicate embroidery details, Everly looked elegant and confident. The small cameras in the building's lobby even seemed to capture her presence with interest.

Everly entered the spacious lobby, the floor shimmering like a mirror, reflecting the high ceilings with crystal chandeliers. Her gaze went straight to the receptionist who looked hurried as she saw her approach.

"Good morning, I'm Everly Harper. I have an appointment with Mr. Maxim Harrington," she said in a soft yet authoritative voice.

The receptionist checked her monitor before nodding quickly. "Of course, Miss Harper. Mr. Maxim is waiting for you on the 25th floor. Please take the private elevator, and I'll let him know you've arrived."

Inside the luxurious elevator with mahogany paneling and gold-plated buttons, Everly touched her wrist adorned with a classic watch. Her mind drifted to the contents of an email from Maxim-a collaboration proposal written in a formal yet intriguing tone. She was sure Maxim knew something about having tangible proof of her transformation from human to wolf.

The elevator doors opened gently, revealing a floor that felt more exclusive than the area below. The long corridor was decorated with high-value abstract paintings, and the scent of sandalwood mixed with soft spices pervaded the room, giving it a professional yet cozy feel.

At the end of the corridor, large glass doors opened, revealing a grand office space with glass walls that showcased a stunning view of the city. In the center of the room, Maxim Harrington stood elegantly. A neat gray suit framed his body perfectly, and a faint smile graced his calm yet dignified face.

"Miss Everly Harper," Maxim greeted in a low but firm tone, extending a hand. "It's nice to finally meet."

Everly returned the hand gracefully. "Mr. Harrington, thank you for inviting me. I hope your idea is interesting enough for my time."

Their gazes met, implying an intense aura that only they understood.

"Have a seat," Maxim gestured towards the plush sofa located in the center of the room, where six other photographers were also present. They were big names in the world of photography, a far cry from Everly's amateur level.

With hesitant steps, Everly seated herself on one of the sofas. He glanced at the other photographers who looked confident, while he felt like a small fish in a sea full of sharks. In that room, he was the only one without a large portfolio or prestigious awards.

Maxim sat on a single sofa in front of them, his legs crossed haughtily, creating the aura of a king judging his subjects. However, for some unknown reason, his gaze often returned to Everly.

"So here it is," Maxim began, his voice low but firm. "My youngest sister, Megan, is getting married. As her big sister, I want to make sure her pre-wedding moments are handled by the best photographer who can deliver the best results."

The room began to fill with small whispers. The photographers commented to each other in surprised tones. It was unusual for Maxim Harrington-known as a cold and busy businessman-to take the time to personally select the photographer.

"Today, I will select you one by one," Maxim continued. "Have you prepared well?"

"Of course, Mr. Harrington. It is an honor for us to have the opportunity to work with your family," a middle-aged man replied in a respectful voice.

Maxim smiled wryly, a smile that was not easy to interpret. "Very well. I'm glad to hear that. I hope my choice will be well received."

His gaze then shifted to Everly, who looked down, as if lost in her own thoughts. Unlike the other photographers who seemed enthusiastic and busy chatting, Everly looked more nervous and detached.

"Miss Everly Harper," Maxim called out suddenly, his voice baritone and firm.

Everly gasped at the mention of her name. She lifted her face nervously and met Maxim's penetrating yet charming gaze.

Maxim smiled slightly, a smile that was more like a challenge. "Can you try first?"

All the attention in the room instantly turned to Everly. The curious, even skeptical gaze seemed to weigh on her body. But underneath the nervousness, she knew this was her chance to prove that she wasn't just an amateur photographer-and perhaps, something more.

_____

'How can a lowly photographer be chosen to be the photographer for the Harrington family?'

'That's right, he doesn't even have experience. Unlike us who have far above average experience.'

'I don't understand why Mr. Maxim chose him. Even the camera he brought with him looks cheap.'

'Of course it does. I'm sure it's a cheap camera. There's no way he can produce quality photos with it.'

The rumors of the photographers began to sound louder and louder in the hallway as they left Maxim's room one by one. Disappointed faces were on display, especially those who were previously confident of winning this prestigious project. However, although annoyance and envy dominated their conversations, no one dared to show their dissatisfaction directly to Maxim Harrington.

Meanwhile, inside the large room with a stunning view of the city, Everly remained on the sofa, directly facing Maxim. Things calmed down after the other photographers left, but the pressure Everly was feeling only intensified.

"So, Miss Harper," Maxim began, his voice calm but firm. "We've come to this. As you must know, my decision to choose you was not without reason."

Everly straightened up slightly, trying to cover her nervousness. "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Harrington. But I can't help asking... why me?"

Maxim smiled slightly, his expression hard to guess. "My answer is simple. I'm not just looking for a photographer with a big portfolio or expensive equipment. I'm looking for someone with a unique view-someone who can capture something that no one else sees. From your simple yet emotion-filled work, I know you have just that."

Everly was silent. Maxim's words felt like a breath of fresh air in the midst of her doubts.

"However," Maxim continued, "my decision is not without risk. Many have doubts about your abilities, including those who left this room earlier. Therefore, I want to make sure that you are ready. This assignment is not just about the photos. It is a big project, involving my family, and I do not accept failure. Do you understand?"

Everly took a deep breath before nodding, though his face clearly showed doubt. "I understand, Mr. Harrington. But in my opinion, you have made a big mistake by choosing me. After all, I don't have the experience of other photographers, and the camera I have... the quality is far from standard. For the class of the Harrington family, this will only bring shame to your great name."

Maxim looked at her sharply, his gaze piercing like a needle. "So, you think my choice is bad?" he asked in a cold tone, accompanied by an ominous sly smile.

Everly was startled and hurriedly shook her head. "That's not what I meant..."

"Miss Harper," Maxim cut in, his tone firm yet calm. "Listen carefully. Didn't I tell you before? Experience doesn't matter. What I'm looking for is skill-the ability to capture something that no one else can see. If the problem is your camera, I'm willing to buy you a new one. What do you think?"

Everly was dumbfounded, her eyes wide. "Wh-what? There's no way you could do that!"

Maxim leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs in a relaxed yet authoritative manner. His smile deepened, almost defiant. "How is it impossible?"

"B-because I should be the one preparing everything, not you. It's my responsibility."

Maxim leaned forward slightly, looking at Everly as if she was an interesting puzzle to solve. "I'm not doing this for nothing, Miss Harper. This is for my sister, for my family. And, in exchange, how about you trade in your camera for the one I'm going to buy you? Think of it as an investment."

Everly paused, trying to digest the words. Maxim's offer sounded tempting, but behind those sweet words, there was something that made her hair stand on end.

Maxim continued to watch Everly intently. Ever since she first walked into his office, something was different. Her movements were nervous, her gaze avoidant, and her body rigid as if she was hiding something. Maxim knew this was no coincidence.

"Miss Harper," Maxim finally said, his voice lower but stressed. "Can you show me your shots of the Tartarus forest during the lunar eclipse?"