chapter 3: The CEO's Office

I stood outside the CEO's office, my heart racing with anticipation. I had never been to Ethan Blackwood's office before, and I wasn't sure what to expect.

I took a deep breath and knocked before I pushed open the door. Ethan's office was sleek and modern, with a stunning view of the city skyline. I stared outside his windows briefly and I loved the sight more compared to my department's office, it was more clear because the views were higher.

He sat behind his massive desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me. I see you also like the view from up here she said, I looked back at him and smiled briefly while nodding my head.

Camila," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Thank you for coming."

I walked towards him, my heels clicking on the marble floor. "Of course, Mr. Blackwood," I replied, trying to sound confident.

Ethan gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Please, sit down."

I sat down, trying to compose myself. Ethan leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I've been reviewing your file, Camila," he said. "You have an impressive background. I'm curious to know more about you."

I swallowed hard, trying to think of what to say. "I...I'm just a hard worker, Mr. Blackwood," I stammered.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I think there's more to you than that, Camila," he said, his voice dripping with intrigue. "I want to know what drives you. What motivates you to succeed?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But there was something about Ethan's intense gaze that made me want to open up to him.

"I've always been driven to succeed, Mr. Blackwood," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I come from a humble background, and I've had to work hard to get where I am today. I'm motivated by the desire to prove myself, to show that I'm more than just a poor girl from a small town."

Ethan's eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if he could see right through me. "I think you're more than that, Camila," he said, his voice low and husky. "I think you're a woman with a lot of potential. And I'm willing to help you reach that potential."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Ethan's words hung in the air. What did he mean by "help me reach my potential"?

Ethan's words hung in the air, leaving me feeling both intrigued and intimidated. I didn't know what to make of his offer, or what he meant by "helping me reach my potential."

"I...I don't know what to say, Mr. Blackwood," I stammered, trying to buy some time.

Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Say you'll accept my offer, Camila," he said, his voice low and persuasive. "Say you'll let me help you achieve your goals."

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of me was tempted by Ethan's offer, but another part of me was wary. What did he want from me, really? And what would I have to do in return for his help?

As I sat there, weighing my options, Ethan leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm not a patient man, Camila," he said, his voice taking on a slightly rougher tone. "I want to know what you're going to do. Are you going to accept my offer, or do you need more time to think about it?"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I knew I had to make a decision, and fast. But what was the right choice?

"I...I need more time to think about it, Mr. Blackwood," I said finally, trying to sound firm.

Ethan's face fell, but only for a moment. Then, he smiled again, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Very well, Camila," he said. "You have 24 hours to make up your mind. After that, the offer is off the table."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I had bought myself some time, at least. But as I stood up to leave, Ethan's voice stopped me.

"Oh, and Camila?" he said, his voice low and husky.

I turned back to him, my heart skipping a beat. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood?"

Ethan's eyes locked on mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "Don't think about saying no," he said. "I always get what I want. And I want you."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Ethan's words hung in the air. His gaze seemed to bore into my soul, and I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by "I want you."

Was he talking about a business partnership, or was there something more to it? I pushed the thought aside, telling myself I was being ridiculous. Ethan Blackwood was a powerful businessman, not some kind of romantic interest. And I heard he has never had any interest in women.

"I'll...I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Blackwood," I stammered, trying to sound professional.

Ethan's smile grew wider, and he leaned back in his chair. "Good," he said. "I'm glad we understand each other, Camila. Now, I think that's all for today. You have 24 hours to make up your mind."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I turned to leave, but Ethan's voice stopped me again.

"Camila?"

I turned back to him, my heart skipping a beat. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood?"

Ethan's eyes locked on mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "Don't bother going back to your desk," he said. "I'll have my assistant send over some information about the project. You can review it at home."

I nodded, feeling a sense of surprise and relief at least I wouldn't have to work overtime. "Okay, thank you, Mr. Blackwood."

Ethan smiled again, and I felt a flutter in my chest. "Just call me Ethan, Camila," he said. "We're going to be working closely together."

I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of unease.

I left Ethan's office, my mind racing with thoughts and questions. I kept thinking about what he meant by "he wants me" And what was this project he wanted me to work on?

As I walked back to the elevator, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in over my head. Ethan Blackwood was a powerful and intimidating man, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to work with him.

When I got home, I found a package waiting for me. It was from Ethan's assistant, and it contained a thick folder filled with information about the project.

I spent the rest of the evening reviewing the materials, and also briefly thinking about Ethan's words.

The project was a massive undertaking, one that could potentially revolutionize the industry

But as I delved deeper into the materials, I began to realize that this project was more than just a business venture. It was personal.

Ethan's personal stake in the project was clear, and I couldn't help but wonder what drove him to pursue it with such passion.

As I closed the folder, my mind was made up. I was going to accept Ethan's offer.

But as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was getting in my head.

Little did I know, I was just getting started.

The next morning, I arrived at the office early, ready to give Ethan my answer. But as I walked into the office, I was greeted by an unexpected surprise.

Ethan was standing by the window, sipping a cup of coffee. And he wasn't alone.

There was a woman standing next to him, a woman who looked eerily familiar.

"Good morning, Camila," Ethan said, as he caught my eye. "I'd like you to meet someone."

My heart skipped a beat as the woman turned to face me.

It was Sophia, Ethan's ex-wife.

And she didn't look happy to see me.

As Sophia's eyes locked onto mine, I could sense a chill in the air. She was even more beautiful than I had expected, with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair.

"Camila, this is Sophia," Ethan said, his voice neutral. "My ex-wife."

Sophia's gaze narrowed slightly as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Camila," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I took her hand, trying to play it cool. "Likewise, Sophia," I replied, smiling politely.

Ethan cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "Sophia and I were just discussing some...business matters," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of warning.

Sophia's smile grew wider, but her eyes seemed to flash with anger. "Yes, just some old business to attend to," she said, her voice dripping with venom.

I sensed a tension between them, a palpable undercurrent of unresolved issues. I wondered what had really gone down between Ethan and Sophia, and what had led to their messy divorce.