THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND.

What exactly was going to happen now?

These thoughts swirled in Ashley's mind as she booked a cab, leaving Vincenzo without a response.

"If I choose to work for him, won't there be other things attached?" she wondered, stepping into the car. "I expected him to scold me, to make me regret my actions, but instead… he offered me a job? Why?"

Despite her hesitation, she had made up her mind. If Vincenzo could get her out of this mess as he promised, she would work for him. A sense of relief washed over her—finally, something was changing. She couldn't wait to see the happiness on her aunt's face.

Her phone buzzed with a message.

"Let me know when you're ready. Someone will pick you up tomorrow. You start immediately."

Ashley blinked, reading the words twice.

"Tomorrow?" She typed, adding a surprised emoji. "Isn't that too soon?"

No response. Five minutes passed, and still nothing. With a sigh, she sent another message.

"Fine. I'll do it, as long as you keep your promise."

The message ticked 'seen,' but there was still no reply. She smirked, shaking her head, and turned off her phone screen before shoving it into her bag.

---

Ashley's sleep was interrupted by the sound of her ringtone. Billie Eilish's voice echoed through the room.

"Birds of a feather, we should stick together…"

She groaned, burying her face into her pillow, and blindly reached for her phone. She didn't even care who was calling. She silenced it and turned over.

A few moments later, it rang again.

Frustrated, she picked it up and squinted at the screen.

Unknown number.

Before she could decide whether to answer, a knock came at her door.

"Ashley! Ashley!"

It was her aunt.

"You have visitors. They're asking for you."

Ashley sat up instantly, rubbing her eyes. "Visitors?"

She peeked through her window. Parked outside was a black, tinted BMW, with three tall men in sharp suits standing beside it.

Her phone buzzed again.

"I'm expecting you at work."

Her breath hitched. The agreement. The job. It was really happening.

Throwing off her blanket, she jumped up and hurried to her closet. She couldn't show up looking like a mess—not on her first day. After searching frantically, her eyes landed on a sleek purple dress. It was fitted, hugging her curves just right, with a modest slit and a deep V neckline.

She paired it with black heels and a matching bag, then quickly applied light makeup.

Minutes later, she stepped out of the house.

Her aunt, Joanna, gasped when she saw her. "Ashley, you look stunning."

Ashley smiled, feeling an unfamiliar excitement bubbling inside her. "I have to go. Wish me luck."

Joanna nodded, her eyes filled with pride. "I wish you all the best, Ash."

She waved as Ashley climbed into the sleek BMW.

From their porches, neighbors watched in shock. Whispers filled the air.

"Isn't that the girl who slapped the CEO?"

"Why is she getting into that car?"

"Is she here to settle scores with him?"

"This is the latest BMW model… What's going on?"

Ashley kept her head high, ignoring them.

The cool breeze from the car's AC hit her skin, making her shiver. She felt something unfamiliar—was it excitement? Fear? Or just disbelief at how quickly her life was changing?

Look at me now.

She smirked, staring at her reflection in the tinted glass. She looked expensive. She looked like she belonged.

When the car stopped in front of a towering glass building, she took a deep breath.

One of the men opened the door for her. The moment she stepped out, heads turned.

Murmurs erupted.

She ignored them, walking with confidence, flanked by the suited men.

Inside, she was directed straight to the CEO's office.

Standing at the door, she took a deep breath before pushing it open.

Vincenzo sat behind his desk, leaning back in his chair. He looked different today. More put-together, more powerful. His sharp black suit fit him perfectly, his watch glinting under the light.

Ashley found herself staring, momentarily lost in thought.

Then his voice cut through the silence.

"I see you're enjoying how things are going." His smirk was unreadable.

Ashley's brows furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Vincenzo leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "You'll be working as my personal assistant."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Personal assistant?"

"You don't get a say in the matter," he said coldly. "And next time, don't dress like this. It screams desperation."

Ashley clenched her fists. She had felt confident in this dress, and now he was making her feel like trash.

Her voice was sharp. "You don't get to talk to me like that. We have an agreement, but I'm not your slave."

Vincenzo's smirk disappeared. His expression darkened. "And what makes you think you have the right to speak to me that way?"

Ashley met his gaze, refusing to back down. "Because I'm not afraid of you."

A tense silence filled the room.

Then, with a flick of his wrist, Vincenzo dismissed her. "You'll be given instructions. Now, leave. I don't have time for useless arguments."

Ashley turned on her heel, but as she reached the door, she came face-to-face with Victoria.

Her best friend.

Ashley's heart sank.

Victoria's face was unreadable. But there was something in her eyes—something Ashley couldn't quite place.

They stood there for a moment, neither speaking.

Then Victoria stepped aside, her expression blank.

Ashley walked past her, feeling a pit grow in her stomach.

Something wasn't right.

Why did her best friend looked at her in such way? There's something she can't really figure out, but she believes she can't lose her best friend. 

She hurried as, someone suddenly tapped her. 

She looked back, as she sees a man in his middle forties, I was directed to show you, your office. Let's go ma'am. 

He said politely as Ashely followed him gently, still in her thoughts she doesn't really still know what this place has to offer. She just followed the man straight as she entered the beautiful office, of course it suits her taste, a smile curved her face as she smiles gently. 

This is the company's car key, and a house for you, this is the address, everything you need is there already and this is also a credit card. The boss said you should change your wardrobe and buy some expensive things for yourself and he said, he doesn't want to see you dress like a slave. The man said looking at her from head to toe before handling everything to her. 

She looks so stunned and annoyed at the same time. 

"What a foolish arrogant, she

muttered gently and the man looked at her with a disbelief. 

It's nothing, I was singing, tell him I appreciate, Ashely said putting on a fake smile.