Synopsis The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the small, bustling café as Brielle darted inside, her heels clicking on the tiled floor. She juggled her sketchpad, bag, and phone, all while glancing nervously at the time. She was late-again. Distracted, she didn't notice the tall figure standing just ahead. With a loud thud, she crashed into him, sending papers and coffee cups flying. "Watch where you're going!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing as she bent down to retrieve her things. "Are you blind or something?" The man straightened, his sharp suit unscathed, though his piercing eyes narrowed as they settled on her. "Excuse me?" he said, his voice calm but cold. Brielle barely glanced up, too flustered to notice his commanding presence. "Seriously, some people need to learn basic spatial awareness," she muttered, stuffing her papers back into her bag. Nathaniel remained silent, watching her with a mixture of amusement and irritation. "Perhaps you should slow down," he finally said, his tone clipped. She stood, brushing herself off. "Thanks for the advice, but I have a job interview to get to." Without another word, she brushed past him and hurried out. Nathaniel watched her go, a small smirk tugging at his lips. Interesting, he thought. Moments later, he walked into his office building upstairs, ready for his first meeting of the day. ---
Chapter 1 Unconventional beginning
Chapter 1
---
Brielle clutched her sketchbook tightly as she stood in the grand lobby of Nathaniel Grey's headquarters. The building was a towering masterpiece of glass and steel, a testament to its owner's sharp precision and unyielding ambition. She felt small and out of place, her floral dress and messy bun starkly contrasting the sleek suits and polished shoes of everyone around her.
She had dreamed of this moment for years-walking into Grey Enterprises with a shot at turning her designs into reality. But now, standing under the cold gaze of Nathaniel Grey himself, she wasn't so sure. His reputation preceded him: a man who had clawed his way out of the ashes of his past to build an empire, known for his ruthlessness as much as his brilliance.
"Miss Bennett," he said, his voice as icy as his eyes. He gestured to the chair opposite his massive desk. "Have a seat."
Brielle's heart pounded as she shuffled forward. She accidentally bumped into the edge of the chair and muttered an apology under her breath. Nathaniel's expression didn't change, but a flicker of something-amusement?-crossed his face.
"You've applied for the junior designer position," he began, flipping through her portfolio. "Your designs are... unconventional."
Brielle swallowed hard. "Unconventional in a good way, I hope."
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "That remains to be seen."
Her palms were damp, but she found her voice. "I believe jewelry should tell a story. It should evoke emotion, not just look pretty. That's what I aim to create."
Nathaniel closed the portfolio and leaned back, studying her. For a moment, the room was silent except for the faint hum of the city outside. Then he said, "We don't hire dreamers here, Miss Bennett. We hire doers."
Brielle straightened her back. "I am a doer. Give me a chance, and I'll prove it."
Nathaniel's lips curved into a smirk, though his eyes remained cold. "You'll start tomorrow. Report to the design department at 9 a.m."
Brielle's breath caught in her throat. "Thank you, Mr. Grey. I won't let you down."
As she left his office, Nathaniel watched her go. There was something about her-her clumsy determination, her ability to meet his gaze without fear-that stirred an old memory. Shaking his head, he returned to his work, determined to forget the look of fire in her eyes.
---
Chapter 1 Unconventional beginning
22/12/2024