Chapter 2 – The Interview

...Lily adjusted the collar of her blouse, taking a deep breath as she stood before the grand office building. She had been to dozens of interviews in the past month, and every rejection chipped away at her resolve. Being a single mother made everything harder—employers saw her as a liability rather than an asset....

...Her four-year-old daughter, Aria, was her entire world. Every night, Lily lay awake, wondering if she was doing enough for her. Bills were piling up, and her savings were dangerously low. She had no choice but to take whatever opportunity came her way....

...And that’s why she was here today....

...The company she had applied to, Blackwood Enterprises, was known for its secrecy. It was a high-profile private organization, and they were looking for a therapist for their employees. The job description was vague, but the salary was too good to ignore....

...Taking a deep breath, Lily stepped inside....

...---...

...The receptionist led her to a large, intimidating office on the top floor. The walls were lined with expensive artwork, and a massive oak desk sat at the far end. Seated behind it was a man who radiated authority....

...Anderson Blackwood....

...Lily immediately recognized him from the research she had done. The eldest of the Blackwood brothers, known for his sharp intellect and cold demeanor. His piercing gray eyes studied her as she approached....

...Seated beside him were his brothers:...

...Leon Blackwood, the charming strategist, leaning back in his chair with a smirk....

...Venom Blackwood, the unpredictable one, tapping his fingers against the desk impatiently....

...Adam Blackwood, the silent observer, watching her with unreadable eyes....

...Antonio Blackwood, the youngest, arms crossed, looking unimpressed....

...Lily swallowed hard. Five powerful men in one room, all looking at her like they were deciding her fate....

...“Lily Parker,” Anderson said, his voice deep and controlled. “You’re here for the therapist position.”...

...She nodded, forcing herself to maintain eye contact. “Yes, sir.”...

...Leon chuckled. “No need for formalities, sweetheart. We don’t bite.”...

...Venom smirked. “Not unless we have to.”...

...Lily’s stomach tightened, but she kept her expression neutral....

...Anderson gestured to a chair. “Sit.”...

...She did as she was told, clasping her hands in her lap....

...“Tell us about yourself.” Anderson’s tone was devoid of emotion....

...Lily took a deep breath. “I have a degree in psychology and five years of experience in counseling. I specialize in trauma therapy and conflict resolution.”...

...Adam spoke for the first time. “You’ve worked with troubled clients before?”...

...Lily nodded. “Yes. I believe in helping people understand their pain rather than running from it.”...

...Antonio scoffed. “Sounds idealistic.”...

...Lily turned to him. “People carry their wounds differently. Some hide them, some lash out, but in the end, everyone wants to be understood.”...

...For a brief moment, silence filled the room....

...Then, Leon chuckled. “I like her. She’s got guts.”...

...Anderson didn’t look convinced. “This job isn’t easy. Our employees deal with… high-pressure situations.”...

...Lily frowned. “I can handle difficult cases.”...

...Venom leaned forward, smirking. “Are you sure about that, sweetheart?”...

...Something about his tone sent a shiver down her spine....

...Anderson folded his hands together. “There’s one thing you should know before we hire you.”...

...Lily’s pulse quickened. “What is it?”...

...He studied her for a long moment before speaking. “Once you step into this world, there’s no turning back.”...

...---...

...Meanwhile – The Rival Gang...

...Across the city, in a dimly lit private club, Ethan Carter sat at the head of a table, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. His brothers were gathered around him, their expressions dark....

...Jack Carter, the brutal enforcer, sharpening his knife....

...Gray Carter, the ghost, watching the world with quiet intensity....

...Olivier Carter, the seducer, smiling like he knew a secret....

...Frederick Carter, the most merciless of them all....

...Ethan sighed. “The Blackwood brothers hired a therapist.”...

...Jack snorted. “What, they finally realized they’re all fucked in the head?”...

...Olivier smirked. “Or maybe they’re planning something new.”...

...Gray’s voice was quiet but firm. “We need to keep an eye on her.”...

...Frederick grinned. “Let’s find out what she’s really worth.”...

...As the Carter brothers raised their glasses, an unspoken agreement settled between them....

...They would cross paths with Lily Parker soon enough....

...And when they did, they wouldn’t let her go....