A Job Like No Other

The city lights flickered against the cold, wet pavement as Evelyn Carter rushed through the crowded streets. The air smelled of rain, freshly brewed coffee, and the faint scent of autumn leaves. She adjusted the strap of her bag and took a deep breath. Tonight was her biggest opportunity yet—an interview for a marketing position at Nocturne Enterprises, one of the most prestigious restaurant chains in the city.

"You got this, Evelyn," she whispered to herself, smoothing down her navy-blue blazer. She had worked too hard to let her nerves get the best of her now.

The towering glass building of Nocturne Enterprises stood before her, its design sleek and almost too perfect. There was something eerie about it, as if it didn’t quite belong in the modern cityscape. The entrance doors were tinted black, making it impossible to see inside.

With a final deep breath, Evelyn pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit lobby. The receptionist, a sharp-looking woman with platinum blonde hair, barely glanced up from her computer screen.

"Name?" she asked in a monotone voice.

"Evelyn Carter. I have an interview at seven."

The woman’s fingers danced over the keyboard before she finally looked up, her icy blue eyes studying Evelyn with a hint of curiosity.

"Seventh floor. Mr. Lucian Graves will see you now."

Evelyn nodded, though a strange chill ran down her spine at the sound of that name. She had read about Lucian Graves, the elusive CEO of Nocturne Enterprises. He was wealthy, powerful, and incredibly private. No one knew much about him except for his rumored cold demeanor and his ability to turn failing businesses into gold.

The elevator ride was smooth yet unnervingly silent. When the doors opened, she found herself in an office that was nothing like she had expected. Instead of the sterile, professional setting of most corporate spaces, the walls were lined with dark mahogany shelves, filled with leather-bound books. A massive, black chandelier hung above, its dim glow casting haunting shadows on the ceiling.

"Miss Carter."

The voice was low, rich, and carried a weight that sent shivers down her spine. Evelyn turned slowly, coming face to face with Lucian Graves.

He was even more intimidating in person. His sharp cheekbones, piercing gray eyes, and the way his tailored black suit clung to his frame made him look like he had stepped out of a gothic painting. There was something unnatural about him, something almost inhuman.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Graves," Evelyn said, extending her hand.

Lucian stared at it for a moment before taking it briefly, his fingers cooler than expected.

"Sit. Let's begin."

Evelyn swallowed hard and took a seat across from him, pulling out her portfolio. She had prepared for every possible question, but as the interview went on, she realized something unsettling—Lucian never blinked. His gaze was unrelenting, studying her as if he could see right into her soul.

"Why do you want to work for Nocturne Enterprises?" he finally asked.

Evelyn straightened. "I believe my skills in digital marketing and branding can help elevate your company’s presence. Nocturne Enterprises is already successful, but I see untapped potential in reaching a broader demographic."

Lucian leaned back in his chair, a ghost of a smirk forming on his lips. "Ambitious. I like that."

His tone was unreadable, making it impossible to tell whether he was genuinely impressed or merely amused. Evelyn forced herself to hold his gaze, refusing to show weakness.

"Tell me, Miss Carter," he continued, his fingers drumming lightly against the wooden desk, "how do you handle... unusual circumstances in the workplace?"

Evelyn hesitated. "I adapt quickly. I believe every challenge is an opportunity to grow."

Lucian's smirk widened slightly. "Good answer."

Before she could respond, the lights flickered, and a cold gust of wind swept through the room. The chandelier above swayed slightly, casting shifting shadows on the walls.

Evelyn shivered. "Did you feel that?"

Lucian remained still, his expression unreadable. "Feel what?"

She frowned, glancing around, but nothing seemed out of place. Maybe it was just her nerves playing tricks on her.

"Your interview is over," Lucian said suddenly, standing up. "You start Monday."

Evelyn blinked. "Wait, just like that? No further evaluation?"

Lucian stepped closer, his cold presence overwhelming. "I already know what I need to know about you, Miss Carter."

Something about the way he said it made her feel like she was being claimed, rather than hired. But this was the opportunity of a lifetime—she couldn't afford to walk away.

"Thank you, Mr. Graves. I won’t disappoint you."

Lucian tilted his head slightly, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer. "Let’s hope not."

As she stepped back into the elevator, Evelyn couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just sealed a deal with the devil himself. But as the doors closed, she didn’t notice the way Lucian’s lips curled into a dangerous smirk, or the way his eyes glowed faintly in the dim light.

Outside, the night air was cool and crisp, yet Evelyn felt warmer than ever. Something about this job felt different—and she had no idea just how much it would change her life.

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