...Lily sat in her car for a moment before stepping out. The weight of the day lingered on her shoulders, pressing down on her as she walked toward the apartment building. Her new job wasn’t just a job—it was a battlefield....
...Her mind replayed everything that had happened at Blackwood Enterprises, from Anderson’s calculated gaze to Ethan Carter’s amused smirk. She had unknowingly walked into the world of two rival syndicates, and somehow, both sides had taken an interest in her....
...She didn’t know whether that was a good thing or a death sentence....
...But one thing was clear—she couldn’t afford to quit....
...Taking a deep breath, Lily pushed open the apartment door....
...“Mommy!”...
...A blur of tiny feet and dark curls came running toward her. Lily bent down just in time to catch Aria, who wrapped her arms around her neck tightly....
...“Hey, baby,” Lily whispered, hugging her daughter close. “Did you have fun with Aunt Kate?”...
...Aria nodded. “Yes! We made cookies! But I saved one for you.”...
...Lily smiled, feeling a little of the tension ease. “You’re the best.”...
...Kate, her best friend and Aria’s godmother, walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “So? How was the first day?”...
...Lily exhaled. “Complicated.”...
...Kate arched an eyebrow. “That bad?”...
...Lily hesitated before shaking her head. “Not bad. Just… overwhelming.”...
...Kate crossed her arms. “Lily, I’ve known you for years. I can tell when you’re holding back.”...
...Lily sighed and sat down on the couch, pulling Aria onto her lap. “The job is nothing like I expected. The people I work for… They’re not just businessmen, Kate. They’re dangerous.”...
...Kate frowned. “Dangerous how?”...
...Lily bit her lip, debating how much she should say. “Let’s just say I don’t think they got rich by sitting in boardrooms all day.”...
...Kate’s expression darkened. “Lily, if it’s unsafe—”...
...“I can’t quit.” Lily’s voice was firm. “You know I need this job.”...
...Kate exhaled, sitting beside her. “Just… be careful, okay?”...
...Lily nodded. “I will.”...
...But deep down, she knew it wouldn’t be that simple....
...---...
...An Unexpected Invitation...
...The next morning, Lily arrived at Blackwood Enterprises earlier than expected. She wanted to get a head start, but as she stepped into the building, she immediately felt like she was being watched....
...She turned slightly and locked eyes with Ethan Carter....
...He was standing near the reception desk, dressed in a black suit, exuding power and confidence. His sharp gaze lingered on her before he smirked....
...“Good morning, Miss Parker.”...
...Lily straightened. “Mr. Carter.”...
...Ethan tilted his head. “I didn’t take you for the type to show up early.”...
...Lily crossed her arms. “I take my job seriously.”...
...Ethan’s smirk deepened. “Good. You’re going to need that attitude.”...
...Before Lily could respond, Anderson Blackwood’s voice cut through the air....
...“Carter. You’re still here?”...
...Lily turned to see Anderson and Leon approaching, both radiating authority. The air between the Blackwood brothers and Ethan was tense....
...Ethan chuckled, clearly unfazed. “I had a little business to take care of. And I was just having a friendly chat with your new employee.”...
...Anderson’s eyes flickered to Lily before returning to Ethan. “Stay away from my people, Carter.”...
...Ethan raised his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, Blackwood. I’m just curious about her.” His gaze met Lily’s again, something unreadable in his expression. “We’ll be seeing each other again soon.”...
...With that, he turned and walked away....
...Lily exhaled slowly, realizing she had been holding her breath....
...Leon smirked beside her. “Looks like you caught the devil’s attention.”...
...Lily shot him a look. “Should I be worried?”...
...Anderson didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he studied her, his gaze unreadable. “Just focus on your job, Miss Parker.”...
...Somehow, that didn’t feel like an answer at all....
...---...
...Inside the Lion’s Den...
...Lily spent the next few hours reviewing files and attending meetings. Most of her work involved handling the mental health and stress management of the employees, but she quickly realized something—this wasn’t just a company....
...It was a carefully structured organization, where every move mattered....
...It wasn’t just about money or power. It was about control....
...Lily knew she was in deep. But as the day went on, she found herself growing more intrigued rather than afraid....
...That is, until Adam Blackwood showed up....
...“You. Come with me.”...
...Lily blinked up at the tall, brooding man. Adam rarely spoke, and when he did, it was always direct and commanding....
...She hesitated before following him down the hallway....
...“Where are we going?”...
...“You’re about to meet someone important.”...
...Lily frowned. “Who?”...
...Adam didn’t answer. Instead, he stopped in front of a private lounge, scanning his fingerprint to unlock the door....
...When it opened, Lily felt the tension immediately....
...Inside the room sat four men....
...Not Blackwood brothers....
...Not employees....
...The Carter brothers....
...Jack Carter....
...Gray Carter....
...Olivier Carter....
...And Frederick Carter....
...Lily’s heart pounded as she realized—she was now sitting across from the enemy....
...---...
...The Carter Brothers...
...Frederick Carter leaned back in his chair, his piercing eyes locked onto Lily....
...“So, you’re the new therapist.”...
...Lily forced herself to remain composed. “That’s right.”...
...Jack chuckled. “You don’t seem scared. That’s interesting.”...
...Gray smirked. “Maybe she’s just good at hiding it.”...
...Lily met their gazes firmly. “I don’t scare easily.”...
...Frederick exhaled, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. “We’ll see about that.”...
...Lily had the distinct feeling that she had just stepped into a new kind of battlefield....
...One where she was the prize....
...---...
...A Dangerous Game Begins...
...By the time Lily left the lounge, her head was spinning....
...She was now caught between two rival syndicates....
...Five Blackwood brothers....
...Five Carter brothers....
...And all of them seemed interested in her....
...Whether it was curiosity, amusement, or something else entirely—she wasn’t sure....
...But one thing was clear…...
...She was playing a dangerous game....
...And there was no turning back now....
...---...
...End of Chapter 4....
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