The Offer I couldn't refuse

I placed my fingers on my head, trying to ward off the headache I was feeling. The cafe was noisy with the clicking plates and the Hum of conversation, but all I could focus on was the rejection email in from of me from my phone screen. Another failed application. Another disappointment.

I sighed, glancing at the clock. If I didn't get going within a minute or two, I'd be late to pick Sophia up from school. She'd be so excited for her new project today, and the last thing I wanted to do was ruin her day with my problems.

"Another rejection?" Clara's voice cut into my daze. My best friend and roommate sat down on the chair opposite me, her brown eyes wide with worry. I let out a humorless chuckle."What else is new? No one wants to fund an unknown artist, no matter how many hours she spends painting in a tiny apartment." Clara frowned. "You're talented, Mia. They're idiots for not seeing it." I shrugged, stashing my phone."Talent doesn't pay Sophia's tuition or mom's hospital bills."

I hadn't gotten a chance to say anything when my phone rang again. I paused, assuming it would be another bill notice, but instead a strange number appeared on the screen.

"Hello?" I ventured." Mia Parker?" A crisp, professional-sounding woman's voice.

"Yes, speaking."

"This is Lauren Shaw from Knight Enterprises. Mr. Alexander Knight would like to have a word with you regarding a potential opportunity." I stood up. Alexander Knight? The CEO of Knight Enterprises, the multi-billionaire? What in the world would the likes of him want to have anything to do with me?

"You have the wrong person," I said diplomatically. "I have no business with Mr. Knight."

"You were selected specifically, Miss Parker," the woman said. If you're interested, I can schedule a meeting for the both of you in his office

Clara arched an eyebrow as I put my hand over my phone's reciever. "It's Knight Enterprises," I whispered. Her eyes widened."The Alexander Knight? The one who eats breakfast for dinner and lunch, and his opponents for breakfast and lunch?"

"The very same," I growled before going back to talking on the phone. "Uh, when would the meeting be?"

"Today, if you can. Four o'clock." My throat closed at that. That was only one hour away. "I… I can make it."

"Fine. I will send you the information. Look forward to seeing you soon, Miss Parker."The phone clicked dead and I sat in shock, looking at my phone."What the.?" Clara said. "I have no idea," I told her.

But if Alexander Knight was calling me, then there had to be a reason. And I was going to discover what that reason was.

The glass spire of Knight Enterprises loomed over me, a sour reminder of how far beyond my league I was. The lobby itself was another planet, sleek marble floors, gleaming white walls, and employees rushing around as if they were indebted to time.

 I wasn't probably dressed for the meeting. I had a navy-blue button down and black jeans, but I kept it together as I made my way over to the reception area.

 "I have an appointment with Mr. Knight," I told the receptionist.

 The woman barely looked at me before hitting something on her computer screen. She nodded after a moment. "Twentieth floor. His assistant will escort you there." The elevator was tense and quiet. What was i here for , anyway?

The moment I stepped out, a poised lady with sharp cheekbones and a black blazer greeted me.

"Miss Parker, I'm Lauren Shaw." She motioned for me to follow her. "Mr. Knight is waiting for you." I nodded, trying to ignore the pounding of my heart as we made our way through the lavish halls. The farther we went, the more I felt like an intruder. Lauren hesitated in front of massive double doors and knocked once before pushing them open.

"Miss Parker, sir." I entered, and the first thing I did was grasp the breathtaking city view outside through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The second? The giant mahogany desk behind which sat the man with hard gray eyes that clashed with mine.

Alexander Knight. He was even more intimidating in person. Hard jawline, dark hair slicked back, and a tight suit that emanated power. I could feel every scrap of control from how his fingers drummed out a frustrated rhythm on the desk. "Mia Parker," he stated, voice slick but commanding. "Sit down, please."

 I sat, my skin crawling with unease. "Do you know why you're here?" He asked. I shook my head. "My assistant said there was a prospect?" His lips curled, though it wasn't really a smile.More like the hint of one.

"I have seen your paintings, Miss Parker. Your work." I widened my eyes. "You. you have seen my work?" He nodded. "I want to work with you."

That wasn't frightening at all. "I'll like to have an artist for a project. he continued. "For a special collection for some event down the line." I swallowed. "I... I don't know if I'm flattered, but why me"

"I don't want professionals," he interrupted. "I want raw. And I want an artist who understands struggle. That's what you're showing me through your art" I wasn't sure if that's a compliment or an insult. "What's the deal?" I raised an eyebrow. For a moment, something flickered across his face. Interest? Humor? I couldn't tell.

"You're quick," he said. "Good. The deal is you'll be working for me. Alone. No other clients. No other projects." I frowned. "How long?"

"A year." A year? That was a lifetime."And what would this be exactly?"

He leaned back in his chair. "You would have access to resources, foreign travel for inspiration, and complete creative control of the collection." Too good to be true. Which meant it probably was. "What's in it for you?"I asked. His eyes darkened by a shade. "My reasons are my own, Miss Parker."

Saw very little suspcious. But I couldn't help wondering about the offer in front of me. Financial security, freedom to write finally without a consideration of expense at what cost? I hesitated. "I have to think about this." Alexander's expression became no more expressive. "You have twenty-four hours."

He stood up, signaling the interview was at an end. "Lauren will handle contract negotiations. If you're with us, we begin now."I rose to my feet slowly, still feeling the weight of the decision on my shoulders. As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me. "One more thing, Miss Parker."

I turned back around. "I don't tolerate failure. Take this offer, and I expect nothing less than perfection." No pressure, then. I nodded numbly and left the office, my head spinning. This was not an opportunity. This was a deal with the devil himself.