### Chapter Three: A Dangerous Proposition

The following morning, Emma found herself back at Cresthaven Weekly's office, determined to dig deeper into Adrian Blackthorn's world. Her editor, a gruff middle-aged man named Martin, leaned over her desk, arms crossed.

"You've got a fire in this piece," he said, scanning her rough draft. "But you're dancing around the heart of the story."

Emma frowned. "I'm trying to get there, Martin. He's a hard man to pin down."

Martin raised an eyebrow. "So pin him down. If you want this story to make headlines, you need to stop playing it safe."

His words stuck with her long after he walked away. Emma knew she had to take a risk, but confronting Adrian again felt like walking into a lion's den. He wasn't just guarded—he was a fortress.

Still, Emma wasn't one to back down.

---

By the time evening rolled around, Emma had made her decision. She wasn't going to wait for another chance encounter at the theater. If Adrian Blackthorn wouldn't give her the answers she needed, she would go to him.

With her laptop bag slung over her shoulder, she headed to Blackthorn Tower.

The lobby was as imposing as the man who owned it—sleek marble floors, towering glass walls, and a steady stream of high-powered executives rushing to and from elevators. Emma approached the front desk, her heart pounding.

The receptionist, a polished woman with a no-nonsense expression, glanced up. "Do you have an appointment?"

"I don't," Emma admitted, forcing a confident smile. "But I need to see Mr. Blackthorn. It's important."

The receptionist's expression didn't change. "Mr. Blackthorn doesn't see anyone without an appointment."

Emma expected as much. She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Tell him it's Emma Hart. He'll know who I am."

The woman's brow furrowed, but she picked up the phone and murmured something. A long pause followed, during which Emma's nerves began to fray.

Finally, the receptionist hung up and looked at her. "Take the elevator to the top floor. His assistant will meet you there."

Emma blinked in surprise but didn't hesitate. "Thank you."

---

The elevator ride felt endless. As the floors ticked by, Emma rehearsed what she would say. Adrian was unpredictable, and she had no idea how he would react to her showing up unannounced.

When the doors opened, she was greeted by a young woman with a warm smile.

"Miss Hart? I'm Lily, Mr. Blackthorn's assistant. Please follow me."

Emma followed Lily through a sleek hallway to Adrian's office. The double doors swung open, and there he was, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows with the city sprawling out beneath him.

He turned at the sound of their footsteps, his expression unreadable.

"Miss Hart," he said, his voice as calm as ever. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Emma stepped forward, her resolve hardening. "I'm here for answers."

Adrian's lips curved into a faint smirk. "I thought I made it clear that I don't give interviews."

"This isn't just an interview," Emma countered. "It's about the truth. I know the Crescent Theater isn't just another project for you. It's personal, isn't it?"

Adrian's eyes darkened, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

"You're walking a fine line, Miss Hart," he said quietly.

Emma swallowed hard but refused to back down. "If you want me to stop asking questions, tell me why you're so invested in that theater. Otherwise, I'll keep digging."

For a moment, Adrian said nothing. The silence stretched between them, thick with tension.

Finally, he sighed and walked over to his desk, gesturing for her to sit. "You're persistent," he said, his tone almost begrudgingly admiring. "I'll give you that. But persistence can be dangerous in my world."

Emma sat, her heart pounding. "I'll take my chances."

Adrian leaned against the desk, studying her with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Very well. I'll make you a deal."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "What kind of deal?"

"I'll grant you access to the Crescent Theater project," he said. "Exclusive access. You can write your story—on one condition."

"What's the condition?"

"You don't publish anything without my approval," Adrian said. "Not a single word."

Emma's instincts screamed at her to reject the offer. Giving Adrian control over her article went against everything she stood for as a journalist. But the chance to get closer to him, to uncover the truth... it was tempting.

"Why would you agree to this?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Adrian's smirk returned. "Let's just say I'm curious to see how far you're willing to go for your story."

Emma hesitated, weighing her options. Finally, she extended her hand. "Deal."

Adrian shook her hand, his grip firm and warm. "Welcome to my world, Miss Hart. Let's see if you can handle it."

---

As Emma left Blackthorn Tower, her mind raced with possibilities. She'd gained a foothold in Adrian's world, but she knew it wouldn't come without a cost. Adrian wasn't the type to give anything away for free.

Still, she couldn't ignore the thrill of finally breaking through his armor, even just a little.

But as she walked to her car, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered a warning. She wasn't just stepping into Adrian's world—she was stepping into his game.

And Adrian Blackthorn always played to win.