Fortune between Us

1: The O

at life didn't hand out favors-it demanded effort, grit, and sometimes, a little cunning. And yet, standing ou

most blinded her. Isabella adjusted her blazer nervously, her heart racing, though she told herself it was just nerves-just another interview.

ts in tailored suits glided across the room, their heels clicking in perfect rhythm. Isabella clutched her portfolio, her fingers tightening around its edges. She had practiced her

ella Carter," a s

and a crisp blazer holding a tablet. "Yes. That's

y," the woman said, walking with a confident

in hushed tones, typing at lightning speed, eyes darting to multiple screens. It was a world where every second mattered, where every glance, every de

g a digital tablet. Isabella's breath caught. Alexander Blackwood was everything the rumors suggested: tall, impeccably dressed, and radiati

oice low and precise, each word delibe

ately take it, instead studying her like an art critic might assess a painting. He

haking her hand with firm strength. "But I want t

part of something extraordinary. I want to challenge myself, contribute meaningfully, and learn from th

onsidered her words. "Ambitious. Good. I like that." He motione

e way he casually surveyed the room, commanding attention without saying a word; the faint scar near his jawline, hinting at a sto

rough a digital file. "Your campaigns have done well, but nothin

rstand people, trends, and what motivates them. I can take a project from average to ex

"You're bold. Most applicants would play safe, echo what they think I want to

the screen, and then, without explanation, he set it aside. "Very well. We'll give you a trial project-three months. Impre

," Isabella

d, voice dropping slightly. "This world-mine-is not just about work. It's about perception, influence

a shiver ran down her sp

of protocols and systems, names, and strategies. By the time she left the building, the sun had dipped low, paintin

mirk that suggested he already knew more than he let on. Something about him unnerved her, yet she coul

ssibilities. And she had a feeling that in the world of bil

g for her at Blackwood Industries would test not only her