Chapter One — The Interview

Cherry

My heels clicked too loudly against the marble floors of the Serpiente Tower—the kind of place that whispered money and screamed danger. I adjusted my blazer, heart pounding like I had something to hide. Maybe I did. Maybe it was the stupid hope that this job wouldn't just change my life—but maybe save it too.

The assistant role came with a six-figure salary, full discretion, and a warning stamped in invisible ink.

"Don't ask questions. Don't fall for him. And whatever you do, don't say no."

He was Rafael Moretti—28, billionaire, and king of an empire built from ashes and enemies. They called him "Il Diavolo" behind closed doors.

But I was about to meet the devil face-to-face.

When I walked into his office, I didn't expect him to be beautiful. Not in a kind way—but in a way that made you forget how to speak.

Black suit. Open collar. Cold eyes that scorched and measured.

He didn't smile. He didn't stand.

He just looked at me like he already owned me.

"Cherry... Beautiful name. Dangerous fruit."

His voice was rough silk.

"Why do you want to work for a man like me?"

I swallowed. "Because you don't need someone who's afraid. You need someone who can look the devil in the eye and smile."

Something flickered in his gaze. Approval—or amusement.

"You'll start tonight. First task: follow me to the back. Let's see what you're really made of."

That's when I realized this wasn't just an interview.

It was a test.

And failure wasn't an option.