Emma Clark is a woman who believes that she was going to avenge her family's downfall from the Cross's empire. This was the plan until she met Alexander Cross, the CEO of cross empire, whom she imagined ruthless was actually a good man and she then realized she might actually be having feelings for Alexander. But would this stop her? Find out
Chapter 1 A new beginning
Emma Clarke smoothed her blazer and inhaled deeply before stepping into the semi like crystal glass skyscraper. Cross Industries stood as a beacon of success, but for Emma, it symbolized everything she had lost. Her family had been destroyed years ago, her father's small business destroyed after a ruthless acquisition by this very corporation. Now, it was her turn to wreak havoc on this seemingly beautiful corporation.
The receptionist directed her to the top floor, where Alexander Cross himself was waiting. Emma had memorized every detail about the man: his historical rise to CEO after his father's death, his cold efficiency, his unmatched charm. Yet nothing could have prepared her for their first meeting.
"Miss Clarke," Alexander said, standing as she entered his expansive office. He was taller than she expected, his tailored suit highlighting a powerful physique. His piercing gray eyes studied her with interest.
"Mr. Cross," she replied, keeping her voice steady. She extended a hand, which he took with a firm yet surprisingly warm grip.
"Your references are excellent," he said, gesturing for her to sit. "And your qualifications exceed what I usually require for a secretary."
Emma gave a polite smile. "I believe in exceeding expectations."
Alexander's lips formed into a faint smile. "Good. I expect nothing less."
As the meeting concluded, Emma felt the first stirrings of doubt. Alexander wasn't the cold monster she had imagined. But she reminded herself, charm didn't absolve guilt.
Alexander Cross was the kind of man who commanded attention the moment he entered a room. Standing at an imposing 6'3", his broad shoulders and athletic build spoke of a man who spent as much time maintaining his physique as he did running his billion-dollar empire. Every movement he made was deliberate and precise, exuding confidence with arrogance and an Air of authority.
His chiseled jawline was framed by a neatly trimmed beard that added to his air of authority. High cheekbones and a straight nose gave him the sharp, symmetrical features of a model, but it was his eyes that truly captivated. Stormy gray with flecks of silver, they seemed to pierce through any soul that dares to stare, as though he could read a person's soul with a single glance.
His skin, a warm olive tone, hinted at Mediterranean heritage, while his thick, dark hair was always neatly styled which was slightly tousled at the top but neatly tapered at the sides. A faint streak of silver near his temples added a touch of distinguished charm, making him look both mature and irresistibly alluring.
Despite his polished exterior, there was a ruggedness about him, evidenced by the faint scar above his left eyebrow which is a relic from his hardened upbringing. His hands, strong and slightly calloused, spoke of someone who wasn't afraid of hard work, even if his position now rarely required it.
Emma Clarke was a striking woman, though not in the conventional sense. Her beauty was captivating to that of all who laid eyes on her, with sharp features that hinted at the steel beneath her composed demeanor. Her almond-shaped hazel eyes held a spark of intelligence and determination, framed by long lashes that softened their intensity.
Her skin, a warm ivory hue, carried a natural glow, as if lit from within. Waves of chestnut-brown hair fell to her shoulders, catching hints of auburn under the sunlight. She often swept it back into a sleek ponytail for work, but loose strands would escape, giving her an air of effortless elegance.
Emma's frame was lean and graceful, standing at a modest height of 5'6". She carried herself with quiet confidence, her posture straight and enchanting. Her hands, always neatly manicured, revealed her careful nature, while a small scar on her left wrist hinted at a story she seldom shared.
Her voice, low and melodic, had an edge of assertiveness that often caught people off guard, and her smile which was rare but genuine was a gift to those lucky enough to earn it. Emma Clarke was a woman impossible to ignore, even when she tried to blend into the background.